The Secret Thief
Judith Jaeger

Resources and advice

"The act of writing turns out to be it's own reward."

- Anne Lamott, from Bird by Bird


 

 

SOME TIPS FOR PURSUING THE WRITING LIFE

These are some things I do to help me write books. But the thing about writing--the nasty, furstrating, confounding thing about writing--is that there is no one right way to go about it. What works for me may not work as well for you. However, I've found these basics to be tried and true ways to get writing and keep writing.

For more about writing and creativity, go get Your Creative Kick in the Butt on my blog.

1. Write every day. You're going to say, "But I don't feel inspired every day, and I only want to write when I'm inspired." I'm going to tell you a hard truth: If you continue down that path, you will never write anything. Ever.

2. Write at the same time and in the same place every day. This helps your brain recognize when it's time to go into writing mode.

3. Write in small bits, so that you don't feel overwhelmed.

4. By small bits, I mean about 1,000 words a day. It sounds like a lot, but it's only about four pages double spaced. You can do that.

5. Don't beat yourself up for missing a day of writing or for not reaching 1,000 words. Guilt only makes it that much harder to go back to it.

Books on writing

These are my favorites, the ones that motivate and inspire me.

On the writing life

Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott--a must read for any writer.

If You Want to Write, by Brenda Euland

On Writing, by Stephen King

Making a Literary Life, by Carolyn See

On the craft of writing

The Playful Way to Serious Writing, by Roberta Allen

Steering the Craft, by Ursula Le Guin

Writing Fiction, by Janet Burroway

The 3 a.m. Epiphany, by Brian Kiteley

The Write-Brain Workbook, by Bonnie Neubauer

Web resources for writers

Behler Publications blog: behlerblog.blogspot.com

This is my publisher's blog. The editorial director, Lynn Price, offers practical advice to writers about the publishing process and industry. She's pretty funny, so it's fun to read.

WritersReaders: www.writersreaders.com

Jerry Simmons, a retired vice president at Time Warner Book Group, writes this blog to provide authors with vital information about the publishing industry.

Preditors & Editors: anotherealm.com/prededitors

Anotherealm provides this listing of agents and publishers with information about whether or not they are reputable and ethical.

Writer's Market: www.writersmarket.com

Online director of agents, publishers and others in the book industry, available for an annual fee. This way, you don't have to buy a new directory every year.

WritersNet: www.writers.net

A free online community of writers.