Writing For A Living-Novel Idea
When deciding what type of work to do, many shy away from their first love-a real career based on what they really want to do. Instead we decide it is best to do what is accepted amongst our mainstream peer groups.
When it comes to developing a career and livelihood, especially writing, which can be a very slow process to revenue streams, if ever at all, there are a few realistic things that should be considered. Base your decision on true facts as to whether you should become a writer, albeit full-time, part-time or keeping it as a hobby.
Make An Honest Assessment
What do I really want to write about? Am I writing for the love of writing? Would I like others to appreciate what I have to say? Is the goal to make money? Will I have enough to say to keep an audience interested? Keep in mind that it takes more than skill to be a writer or author.
Right Time For Writing
You need actual time for writing. It would make no sense at all to say you want to write but no conceiveable time to do the work to make it happen. Look realistically at what you can offer for starting your manuscript. It may be that you need to start off writing a blog or creating web content for your own website or someone else's as a trial run of sorts.
Know Your Skill Set
Sometimes we can have the greatest ideas. In our head it all works out. We fantasize that we will get the book deal of a lifetime. Our manuscript will turn into the next blockbuster movie. Before you start heading up to the stage to collect your academy award, use caution and proceed with care.The reality is that there are hundreds of thousands of writers out there just waiting to be discovered. That does not mean it is time for you to give up. On the contrary.
Figure out what you are good at. Make a list. If you are anything like me you have more than one interest. Turn that into viable, enjoyable and interesting topics. You do not have to cover every point on paper all at once. More thoughts will come to mind as you proceed to pen your thoughts down. There is nothing like writing about something you are passionate about, so relax.
I chose to start out writing fiction. If you do go with a fictional novel, start with writing a synopsis. Figure out what kind of story you want to tell. Then get the characters in your head and write those down. As you think about your story see how the characters' personality's figure into the storyline. Organize then develop them so they grow as you get into the meatier portion of the story.
Do Your Research
Do not think that just because you are not tackling a tough subject or writing fiction that you do not need to do research. Writing is not copy and paste. You are not a puppet or a spokesman for someone else's dialogue. You are a writer. Accept it and embrace it. You chose it. Now take responsibility for it by doing your own work.
A good read captures the essence of the cultures, flavors and tones of the areas or characters you have chosen to describe. Transporting the reader into another place and time. A reader wants to become familiar with what they are taking in. Drinking in the story, believing it to be true for them. To lose themselves in the moment. Like a fine wine, a good novel should linger on its reader long after it has been put down.
Ask For Feedback
Be humble enough to accept criticism, good and bad. Don't be fooled. A good critique can be an awesome motivator, inspiring you to take it to the next level. It can also inflate the ego and give you a false sense of security. Do not buy into it. The best writers will tell you that you need time to develop your skill. Negative criticism can help you make a permanent change. Correct errors and toughen you up. Not everyone will like what you write about but can respect it if its done right.
Be Willing To Accept Change
After writing your manuscript read over it again and again. I cannot state that enough. The best authors still find errors after going to print. Editors and publishing houses are not invincible. We're human and it is going to happen. Avoidable mistakes can be reduced by simply reading over your work slowly, thoroughly and over a course of time.
Review these links for improving your writing and all the best to you on a successful career!
www.oncewritten.com
www.creativewritingnow.com
When deciding what type of work to do, many shy away from their first love-a real career based on what they really want to do. Instead we decide it is best to do what is accepted amongst our mainstream peer groups.
When it comes to developing a career and livelihood, especially writing, which can be a very slow process to revenue streams, if ever at all, there are a few realistic things that should be considered. Base your decision on true facts as to whether you should become a writer, albeit full-time, part-time or keeping it as a hobby.
Make An Honest Assessment
What do I really want to write about? Am I writing for the love of writing? Would I like others to appreciate what I have to say? Is the goal to make money? Will I have enough to say to keep an audience interested? Keep in mind that it takes more than skill to be a writer or author.
Right Time For Writing
You need actual time for writing. It would make no sense at all to say you want to write but no conceiveable time to do the work to make it happen. Look realistically at what you can offer for starting your manuscript. It may be that you need to start off writing a blog or creating web content for your own website or someone else's as a trial run of sorts.
Know Your Skill Set
Sometimes we can have the greatest ideas. In our head it all works out. We fantasize that we will get the book deal of a lifetime. Our manuscript will turn into the next blockbuster movie. Before you start heading up to the stage to collect your academy award, use caution and proceed with care.The reality is that there are hundreds of thousands of writers out there just waiting to be discovered. That does not mean it is time for you to give up. On the contrary.
Figure out what you are good at. Make a list. If you are anything like me you have more than one interest. Turn that into viable, enjoyable and interesting topics. You do not have to cover every point on paper all at once. More thoughts will come to mind as you proceed to pen your thoughts down. There is nothing like writing about something you are passionate about, so relax.
I chose to start out writing fiction. If you do go with a fictional novel, start with writing a synopsis. Figure out what kind of story you want to tell. Then get the characters in your head and write those down. As you think about your story see how the characters' personality's figure into the storyline. Organize then develop them so they grow as you get into the meatier portion of the story.
Do Your Research
Do not think that just because you are not tackling a tough subject or writing fiction that you do not need to do research. Writing is not copy and paste. You are not a puppet or a spokesman for someone else's dialogue. You are a writer. Accept it and embrace it. You chose it. Now take responsibility for it by doing your own work.
A good read captures the essence of the cultures, flavors and tones of the areas or characters you have chosen to describe. Transporting the reader into another place and time. A reader wants to become familiar with what they are taking in. Drinking in the story, believing it to be true for them. To lose themselves in the moment. Like a fine wine, a good novel should linger on its reader long after it has been put down.
Ask For Feedback
Be humble enough to accept criticism, good and bad. Don't be fooled. A good critique can be an awesome motivator, inspiring you to take it to the next level. It can also inflate the ego and give you a false sense of security. Do not buy into it. The best writers will tell you that you need time to develop your skill. Negative criticism can help you make a permanent change. Correct errors and toughen you up. Not everyone will like what you write about but can respect it if its done right.
Be Willing To Accept Change
After writing your manuscript read over it again and again. I cannot state that enough. The best authors still find errors after going to print. Editors and publishing houses are not invincible. We're human and it is going to happen. Avoidable mistakes can be reduced by simply reading over your work slowly, thoroughly and over a course of time.
Review these links for improving your writing and all the best to you on a successful career!
www.oncewritten.com
www.creativewritingnow.com
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