There are so many blogs out there about writing and they all offer advice. Some of them contain sound advice and some are so vague they barely count as helpful. My intent at Figments & Fables is to share advice and tips that will help someone have a real career, whether in fiction or nonfiction. If I ever stray in this goal, feel free to nudge me back on course.
Today I am going to share some big, overarching truths that I’ve learned along the way:
One
Go for it. Don’t wait for permission or motivation. Sit down and write. Make it happen. If you wait for permission or for your muse to appear, you will get nowhere.
Two
There is no perfect place to write. I don’t know about all of you, but whenever I see a movie or show with a great office or library, I think, “That is the perfect place to write. If only I had that…” But it’s a lie. It doesn’t matter where we write, only that we do. No matter what the time or place, be it good or bad, the writing takes place inside our heads. We take that wherever we go. Changing your location may alter your inspiration and inclination to write, but it won’t magically make it happen any more than buying that stationary bike will get you fit if you never get on it. You have to write wherever you are now and make it count.
Three
There is also no perfect time. Whatever time you can grab works, but make sure you grab as much as you can. Writing and editing take time. You have to be disciplined to make it happen. It’s like anything else in life, you have to make it a priority if you hope to succeed.
Four
You have to choose whether writing is a hobby or a career. The first allows you to sit back and enjoy the process without the pressure of producing. The latter does not. If you choose this as your career, you have to treat it like a job. That means making a schedule, creating a plan, working that plan and finishing what you begin.
Five
Writing books and blogs (even this one) can only take you so far. The best way to learn is to write, fail, edit and do it again until you have it. Yes, teachers and books can ease you along the way and teach you the mechanics of the craft, but like any skill, it takes practice to improve. Having a good mentor speeds up the process, but you have to put in the work if you want the results.
Six
Buying writing books and tools will not help you if they remain unread. I think there is a tendency to buy things we think will help but a lack of discipline in actually using those things. Think about that treadmill you bought that is acting as a clothes hanger now. Buying a book does not improve your skills if you never crack the spine. (Okay, don’t crack the spine, that’s cruelty to books, but do open and read it, otherwise what’s the point of having it?)
Seven
Writing is not easy, but it can, and should, be enjoyable. If it’s not, choose something else to do with your life. Writing requires passion and if your heart is not in it, your writing will fall flat. If you decide to do nonfiction or a combination of nonfiction and fiction, be selective. Choose the types of writing and projects that inspire you. I, for one, refuse all technical writing jobs as well as those that deal with subjects that make my eyes glaze over. I know I need to be engaged if I want to engage the reader/viewer. Luckily for me, I am interested in a wide range of subjects that keeps my freelance career viable.
Eight
Many people think they can write. Clients in particular. They think because they did it in school, it must be easy. But that’s as true as saying because they took art in elementary school they can paint a masterpiece. Art takes practice and skill. Writing well demands more than a passing knowledge of the mechanics. It takes skill and practice. Never stop working on your skills. Even the best writer can still learn things that will make a difference in the work. Yo-Yo Ma once said it took him ten years to realize he was holding his bow wrong to play Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prélude. Changing his position by one inch made all the difference.
Nine
Be good, pleasant to work with and on time. It’s an old adage and reinforced when Neil Gaiman said it in his commencement address at the University of the Arts in 2012 (http://www.uarts.edu/neil-gaiman-keynote-address-2012). He suggested you have to be at least two of three: good, on time, and pleasant to work with. I would argue it’s best to be all three, but possessing two of these qualities is essential to having a career. I encourage you all to watch his address if you have not already.
Ten
Talking about it is not the same as writing. It’s great if you want to be a storyteller, but not if you want to write. Stop talking and write instead. Getting the story out is part of why we write. If you’ve already told the story, there is less reason to write it. Save that energy for the page. Basically, shut up and write.
Eleven
Research is not writing. It’s a great way to procrastinate though. When you research, make sure to have a plan and a timetable. A better idea is to research one project while you are writing another. Write first. Research second. (Look for an ebook on research tips for writers coming soon.)
Twelve
You will question your ability no matter how successful you become at this. That is the nature of being a creative person. We are emotional creatures who fear a blank page that we cannot fill. Ignore those feelings because it is the only way to find the words. It’s not easy, but silencing those voices that cast shadow and doubt is a necessary step to success.
Bonus Tip:
Don’t give up. Rejection is part of this life. I’m not saying get used to it, because that’s a lot to ask. But plan for it. And then come up with a new plan and keep writing and trying. Everyone gets rejected. The ones who succeed are those who don’t give up and keep writing and submitting until they make it. Perseverance counts.
What are your best tips?