A Facebook friend of mine asked me a question in a survey they were doing. What sites do I go to for writer advice. I don't. My advice comes from Facebook friends and readers. They also asked to sum up advice we could give in under ten words (difficult!)…
Then it got me thinking. What would be the things I would tell current authors and soon-to-be authors if they were at all interested.
This last three years of being published has been one hell of a roller coaster and an ENORMOUS learning experience, particularly the last six months.
So with the benefit of a few books under my belt, and as a result of my journey from naivete to enlightenment (ROFL), I give you RJ's top tips…
1. Spread yourself around
Do not put all your eggs in one basket. There are many wonderful publishers out there. I write for Total E-Bound and for eXtasy. The experiences I have at both are making me better at what I do. Also do not assume that once you are with one publisher that no other publisher will want you. Have faith in yourself. Working with different publishers helps you learn and you widen your friends circle of other likeminded authors.
Stay positive and keep banging away.
3. Know your market and your limitations
Know your market yes, but at the same time know your limitations. For example, there is a current trend for BDSM etc. This is great for those like Kim Dare, SJD Peterson and so on.They have a good handle on it all. But I couldn't write it. I know I would write something people would just end up laughing at!
4. Never stop writing.
Have a book you have subbed? Don't wait to write another book! Never stop writing. If the book you are writing isn't working put it to one side and start a new book, or write a short story.
5. Don't respond to bad reviews
The only time I did this, back when I was new and everything was shiny, the reviewer had a field day with me. I tucked my tail between my legs and hid. I still say the most difficult thing for any writer is letting anyone read what we write… rofl. Take the bad reviews on the chin and try to focus on the good reviews. Of course, one day I will take my own advice!
And once you are published…
- Talk to your readers every day.
- Thank your readers every day.
- Have fun, with jokes and Lolcats! every day (others Lol's are available!)
- Post photos of sexy men ever day (sighs)
Lastly, if you're published, feel bloody lucky EVERY SINGLE DAY…
I do…
Thanks RJ, words I needed to hear right now. I'll keep going and see what happens.
Hey Laurie… are you writing, or waiting on a submission? HUGS XXX
Both…
Then this is cool… keep writing… come back and let me know how it goes……
XXXX
*hugs*
*back at ya* XXXX
I've been so frustrated lately that I feel like quitting. It was great reading this. Sometimes you forget other people have been in this exact same spot. But, how do you sort out the different stories running through your head? It seems that is the biggest issue I'm having right now. My mind feels jumbled.
You need to focus on one story and try to push all the others to one side. It's how I do it. Work out how you work best… are you someone who plots.. or do you write the story as it comes to you?
I am a definite person who writes the story as it comes to me… you need to email me if you have some questions… happy to help… 🙂
Great advices. I just made the big step and let someone read a bit of my first will and was a huge step for me
wow, awesome… it's so damn nerve-wracking isn't it… I remember when i posted chap 1 of an online story… about 5 or 6 years ago… the wait for feedback was terrifying… rofl
Good luck with it all xxx
Great advice. First time I'm on your blog. You seem awesome & cool… go YOU! Hugs,Z.
Awesome AND cool? You need to tell my teenage kids that… 🙂
Hugs and smiles xxxx
Just awesome, RJ.
Love you bunches.
xoxo
awww… loves you too Sharon… XXXXXXXX
Incredible advice from one of the best! As always, R.J., thanks!
Thank you Aisling… what a lovely thing to say… Hugs hard… RJ XXXX
Thanks so much for your advice! 😀
Your site always feels like such a welcoming place to visit. I really appreciate hearing your words of experience! 🙂
Personally, I don't know if I could blog every day. I don't find it very easy to write a good blog entry. But I will keep writing, and I'm trying not to read reviews because I don't want to get too discouraged when someone doesn't like one of my stories. I do want to keep learning and getting better, though, and I'm trying with every story…
Again, thank you for you encouraging advice! ♥
Hugs
HS
I don't tend to write full blogs all the time but I do love posting something on my FB and here… Reviews are your biggest friend and your worst nightmare… ROFL…
You are very welcome…
HUGS XXXXXXX