Last week I had an email from a teenage girl. She’d read a couple of my novels and she was writing to me because she wants to be a published romance author. She asked me if I had any advice for her.
This is what I said, or what I think I wish I’d said:
I think there are only two real secrets to becoming a published author. The first one you’re doing already: read lots. All writers are readers. Whenever you read a good story, you’re teaching yourself what you like and what works: how a plot is put together, the type of characters you relate to, how to write effective dialogue and narration and action.
I’ve been an English teacher for twelve years, I’ve got two degrees in English and two teaching qualifications, and you know when people tell you that reading romance is a waste of time? They’re wrong. Reading is always worthwhile. If you’re enjoying yourself, you’re doing the right thing. My only caveat is that you should try reading everything, whether you think you’ll like it or not. Try the classics, try nonfiction, read everything you can. You might find something you also love. If you don’t, every book can teach you something, even if it’s that you don’t agree. And you’ll come back to your favourites with a new appreciation.
The second secret is to write. The thing that separates people who want to be writers, and real writers, is quite simple: writers write.
Writing is hard to do, I think. It requires huge imagination when you compose, and it also requires intellectual rigour when you do revisions. The mere fact of writing 50-100,000 words is no joke; it takes a lot of effort and discipline. The hardest thing is that, once you’ve finished, other people may not like it as much as you do. If you’re serious about writing, you’re going to hear criticism–some of which you won’t want to hear. If you submit your work to a publisher, you’ll most likely get rejected at first.
So it’s difficult and also frightening. It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had. It can really crush your ego down and it can make you doubt yourself and your ability. And it takes hours and hours and hours of work, a lot of which is on stuff you end up changing anyway.
But it’s also the best job to have, too, because there is nothing like making up characters so real that they become part of your life. It is wonderful to give them happy endings. You probably know already how great that feeling is. And there’s nothing like holding your own published book in your hands.
Thanks for making me think about this. It’s good to be reminded of why I love my job. I wish I’d had the guts when I was fifteen to write to an author whose books I’d enjoyed–not necessarily for the advice, but because I would have made them feel as pleased as you’ve made me feel.
What would you have written?
(With many thanks to V.C., who gave me this reminder in time for Thanksgiving.)
No related posts.
I’ve got an MA in Eng Lit and I still love to read romances sometimes. And people still love to laugh at that. I also read anything else I can get my hands on, good and bad.
I reckon your advice is as good as it gets! And she will be so happy to have got a reply, she’s probably tapping away at something right now.
I think writing a novel is really very easy.:grin:
I also especially agree with the advice to read widely and not just Romance. It stretches the brain cells and gives a writer perspective on Romance.:wink:
I would have said exactly the same thing, Julie. I still read widely…when I have time…it’s kind of a curse of the degree. And I also agree with your statement that writers write. I said to someone yesterday that even if I hadn’t been bought, I would still be writing and trying.
FWIW I agree it IS hard (although Kimber An, I find I breathe a huge sigh of relief when I get to the editing part!) and that’s something many don’t understand from the “outside”.
And you know what? Yay you on reader mail!
Great letter Julie.
I also would’ve told her not to let anyone steal her dream. Not family, friends, peers, or other writers you’ll meet along the way.
Good advice!!! I’ve heard that before, and yet, I still don’t feel that accomplished even though I have a full-length, 92k word novel under my belt. It’s not completely completed, I mean it is, but I’m still fixing things and making changes and tying loose ends..after going through it 3 times already. Or is it 4? Oh well. I love to write and I long for the day I get to share my passion with readers out there!
I think your advice was spot on!!!
What she said…:lol:
I just wish I’d had the courage to follow-up my announcement at 12 that I wanted to be a writer with action. That’s the hard part.
So I like what you said to her about not letting anyone steal your dreams. Because they will try. Never listen to the naysayers, but don’t take the ones who cheer you on completely to heart, because if they love you, they probably think you’re a genius, and not many of us are.
Be critical of your work, but not yourself.
I’m so going to quote you!
Wow! Great post. And like Kalen, I love the idea that you need to be critical of your work, but not yourself… still trying to master that one.
I, too, am an English teacher. And I am an aspiring writer. The reading part is not a problem for me. The writing part is. Here I am on my four day weekend and all I can think is, “To write? Or to grade?”
As if the two are mutually exclusive. Urgh.
How do you cultivate that discipline?
GREAT advice, Julie.
hi ,
thank you for the wonderful advice .
I have been reading thru the comments too .
the thing is i am writing my first e-novel in my blog ,
and have posted 15 chapters so far , yes the editing is difficult , and sustaining the plot is getting easy.
The thing is ….., i barely manage time for any thing else . Does it get easier as we keep writing ? Like , do we get more disciplined ?