29 Writing Tips For My Birthday!

Today I turned 29. No really. I really am 29 today. Next year I will be 30, which is kind of crazy. That was always the line into being “old.” Now…not so much. 🙂  So, because writing changed my life, this year I’m blogging 29 writing tips! Enjoy!

1. Make a writing schedule and follow it 90% of the time. It doesn’t matter what that schedule is, just keep it as much as possible. But also give yourself a day off occasionally.
2. Don’t be afraid to be honest about your publishing dreams. You’ll find people are much more supportive than you thought.
3. Don’t make this publishing journey without a writing community. Whether it’s online or in-person. A few CP’s or a twitter group. Make connections to share in the ups and downs.
4. Write that thing that scares you a little bit. You should always be stretching yourself.
5. Writing isn’t always fun. It’s hard work. Write anyway.
6. Write something that will change your life.
7. You’re a better writer when you get out and live life.
8. Read, read, read.
9. There will be lots of nights where you will sit down at the computer and not know what to write. Write through that feeling. Throw in something crazy or just write the next thing even if you know it’s boring. But keep writing. You’ll find your way to where you’re supposed to go.
10. Embrace the fact that your first draft will suck.
11. Stop viewing agents as gatekeepers intent on crushing dreams. They want to love your book.
12. Stop viewing agents as your superiors or heroes. Yes they are important. But when you finally land one, it’s important to remember that they are your partners and you both have a right to proper, professional communication in that working relationship.
13. I promise you, no matter how you feel right now, this is not your last chance, last book, last idea. A nurtured creative well never runs dry for too long.
14. Self care is vital to creativity.
15. There is no such thing as a small revision. If it feels small, it probably isn’t getting to the root of the problem.
16. Don’t be afraid to rip your story apart in revisions. It WILL be better in the end.
17. Rewriting is an awesome, awesome tool. Use it.
18. Improving as a writer requires feedback. Get it. And don’t toss it aside lightly.
19. Find the heart of your story and stick to it. Everything else in your book is negotiable. The heart is not.
20. You’ll never feel like your book is perfect and it never will be. But there will still come a time when you need to send it into the world and let go. Do it so you can move on.
21. Your next book will be better. Write it.
22. I don’t think writing ever gets easier no matter where you are on the journey. There are always new challenges. And in  the end, even your bestselling authors have to struggle through a crappy first draft, have to incorporate feedback that hurts to hear at first.
23. Be an amazing critique partner. This is the only way to HAVE an amazing critique partner. You can not survive long without one.
24. Less is more is almost always true. Stop hitting your reader over the head.
25. Show, don’t tell. Show, don’t tell. Show, don’t tell. Really, truly understanding this rule in all it’s forms (and when to break it) is the key to great writing.
26. Go to conferences. Read craft books. Ask questions.
27. Celebrate everything. You are doing something most people only dream about doing!
28. Be kind. Be positive. Be honest. The publishing world is small.
29. Don’t write at arms length. Get as close to the pain and joy and longing as possible. Feel it. Then make your reader feel it.

Wishing you Love and Blessings and Contracts in the coming year!