1. For me the most important tip is to
write, write every day, 365 days a year.
Remember practice makes perfect.
2. Very few authors are published on
their first attempt; it's a hard slog
and you'll often want to pact the whole
writing business in. It's then you've
got to remember patience and perseverance.
3. If you are serious about writing as
a career then treat it as such. If you
wanted to be a doctor, lawyer, plumber,
chef then you'd expect to have to learn
the trade. Why should writing be any different?
It will pay you to visit workshops and
listen to what successful authors have
to say. Learn from the masters.
4. I'm a member of a writers group and
for me it is essential it helps feed me.
Also visit sites like www.abcwritersnetwork.co.uk
where you will learn about current creative
writing contests. Use these contests to
help hone your skills. If you are involved
in promoting creative writing locally
let them know they will advertise the
event for you free of charge.
5. In my early days of writing one of
my main faults was my failure to accept
criticism. This was one of the problems
my writers group helped me overcome.
6. Be cautious of loved ones who tell
you that your writing is 'marvelous,'
quite often they don't want to offend.
I've found it best to avoid showing my
work to close family until I've had it
tested elsewhere.
7. Don't become a writer because you
think it is an easy option. It is not.
It is hard work. To become successful
you have to work 365 days a year. There
are very few other jobs that demand that
sort of commitment. Maybe after you've
hit the big time you can drop that down
to six months in the year - maybe.
8 Carry a note book. If you get a sudden
idea write it down. Ideas are like dreams
they are very soon forgotten, but ideas
are also like oak trees they can grow
mighty big.
9. Believe in yourself, if you have what
it takes to be successful then you will
succeed. If you haven't then you'll soon
know.
10. Finally Maeve Binchy gives this advice
'write as you talk.' Also write about
what you know. I know that's old hat but
its true nevertheless.
Good luck
Kevin Hart Copyright © 2005
| About The Author
Kevin Hart is a published author
and chair of Armagh Creative Writers.
He created and maintains the hightly
successful web site http://www.abcwritersnetwork.co.uk
The website offers invaluable information
to creative writing. In particular
it holds a large data base of creative
writing contests and competitions.
|
This article was posted on September
28, 2005
