Advice for New Writers

Recently, a friend and I were having a conversation about what it takes to write and publish a novel. After many years of having a story idea floating around in her head, she had decided to give writing a shot, and wanted to know if I had any advice for a first-time author. And while I’m hardly an expert, I realized that over the course of the decade I’ve been writing, I have actually learned a thing or two that might be helpful to others in her position.

First, for those of you who’ve never tried it, writing a book is both easier and harder than you might think. Easier, because you don’t need any special training to get started, but harder because there’s actually a bit more to writing fiction than simply being able to string a sentence together. 🙂

Having said that, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to writing. Some writers do loads of research and meticulously outline each chapter; others are confirmed pantsers who start with a general idea and discover the story as they go. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. And writing advice can be as varied as… well, the writers dishing it out!

But I do think there are some basic guidelines that can help any up-and-coming author. So, if you’re new to the writing world (or even if you’re not) here are a few tips that may smooth out your path to publication:

• Read, read, read. Read in the genre you want to write in, especially, but read other types of books as well. Read like a writer. Note the things that work and the things that don’t. Pay attention to sentence structure, voice, pacing, character development, point of view. I can’t stress enough how important reading is for learning technique. And it’s one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job!
• Write, write, write. Study craft. Take classes. Get critique partners (preferably people writing in your genre who are at your writing level or slightly above). Critique groups are invaluable in that you learn just as much from critiquing for someone else as you do from being critiqued.
• Don’t rush the process. Writing a novel (and learning craft) takes time. Be patient. Draft, revise, edit, revise some more. Get feedback. Revise again. Let it sit. When you feel like you can’t possibly make it any better…
• Seek out professionals to help you fine tune your work. If you’re planning on self-publishing, hire an editor. Look for a proofreader. This is essential if you want to put out a quality product. It doesn’t matter how fabulous your beta readers are, or how proficient you are at writing craft or editing–even trained editors don’t edit their own work. Hire a cover designer or get someone with strong design skills to help. Learn formatting or find someone who’s good with technology to do it for you. Be conscious of the details. Make sure the finished product is as clean and as polished as you can make it.
• Find your tribe. Make connections. The writing community (and the JAFF community, too) is one of the friendliest, most welcoming groups of people I have ever encountered. Reach out to other writers; ask questions. Every one of us has been where you are now and you may be surprised to find that most established writers love to help those who are up-and-coming.
• And most importantly: Have fun! Write the story that only you can tell. The rest will follow.

Curious to know what the other JAV authors had to say on this topic? Well, you’re in luck! Here are some additional words of wisdom from some of the best in the business when it comes to Austenesque fiction:

• Don’t write the book you think will sell the most copies or will be the most popular or receive the most accolades. Write the book that is in you. Write the book that needs to be written.  –Elizabeth Adams, author of The 26th of November: A Pride and Prejudice Comedy of Farcical Proportions
• Try to write something every day if at all possible, even if your muse isn’t cooperating and if it’s not on the story you are currently working on. Get in the habit of regularly putting those words and sentences down, always working to improve how you write.  –Kara Louise, author of Darcy’s Magpie
• Find (or hire) good editors and let them destroy your work. It will make it better. Trust me.  –Jack Caldwell, author of The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel
• Always ask yourself if what you’ve just written moves the story forward and/or increases the tension. If it doesn’t, cut it, no matter how good it is, no matter how much you love it. Don’t be afraid to make big cuts. That’s what makes a book hard to put down. –Abigail Reynolds, author of A Matter of Honor
• Find something you really feel passionately about and write about it. –Diana Birchall, author of The Bride of Northanger
• Other authors are not your competition. You are your own competition, and you need to find others afflicted with the same moonstruck madness as yourself. They can be your partners, cheerleaders, and a voice of sanity when you need it most. –Nicole Clarkston, author of Nefarious
• Learn everything you can about writing craft. It does make a difference. –Maria Grace, author of Fine Eyes and Pert Opinions
• Write the book you’d love to read. –Joana Starnes, author of The Journey Home to Pemberley
• Set a technique goal [like writing in a different point-of-view] with each story you write. It might seem a tiny thing or simply might be something you usually don’t do, but ultimately, your writing will improve with each story because you’ve tried it. –L.L. Diamond, author of It’s Always Been Us
• Have very thick skin. It’s terrifying to throw your thoughts and feelings out into the world and you will get people who are critical of your work. Many can and should be ignored but there’s something to be learned from many of them too! –Amy D’Orazio, author of A Lady’s Reputation

If you’re a new author, or someone just considering getting started, I hope you found this useful. 🙂 And for those of you who are already on your way, feel free to chime in with your own tips in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time.