Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Thursday Thirteen # 19



Thirteen [or more] Pearls of Wisdom from Writers

This week I decided to poll my writer friends at Romance Divas. I wanted to come up with a collection of the best writing advice, the standbys, the tried and true of what works for published authors.

The question I asked was this: What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever gotten?

Here are the responses I received from:

1. Sonja Foust


Author of Love In Shadow

"Rules were meant to be broken." The gist of the advice was to listen to the "writing rules" but don't let them rule your life or kill your voice.

2. T. Sue VerSteeg
Author of One Wild Weekend - Freya's Bower

Don't ever give up on your dreams. ~Fellow author Jennifer Leeland.

3. Rhonda Stapleton
Author of Stripped

"Be true to your voice." This has stuck with me when trying to decide what book or genre to write, and I've found it's made me happy.

4. Amy Redwood
Author of A Dangerous Craving

"Write every day."

5. Grace Draven
Author of Wyvern

Write what you love.

6. Sage Burnett
Author of UNDER TANNER'S THUMB, Siren Publishing

Learn everything you can about the craft of writing, then glean from all that knowledge what works best for you.

7. Amanda Brice
Author of SHE'S GOT LEGS

Write from your heart and don't follow trends. If "all the publishers" are looking for romcom-paranormal-erotic-inspirationals, but that's not your thing, don't just write it *because.* It'll show, and besides, by the time you finish it, they'll be looking for something new anyway.

8. Amelia June
Author of The Jason Factor

Well the best was "butt in chair", but since that is kind of taken I'll go with the second best which is read, read, read. If you don't read, your writing will suffer. Stephen King said it in On Writing.

9. Kathleen Scott/MK Mancos
Author of Falling Stars

To be a writer, something has to go...better make it the housework.

10. Emily Ryan-Davis
Author of Dragon Dance
"Before the book's published, the only opinion that matters is your editor's opinion. Worry about readers later."

11. Gina Ardito
Author of The Bonds of Matri-money
"To be published, you must have three things on your side: luck, talent and synchronicity. The rest is just words."

12. Elle Fredrix
Author of Spinning Wildly

Write what you know, or write what you don't know and research, research, research first!

13. Mima
Author of Beast Within

John Reynolds Gardiner (children's author of Stone Fox) told me something like this: a successful plot is basically formulaic: want, struggle, surprise. put those three things together in a story, and it's interesting. but if the characters don't have heart, it don't mean a thing."

14. James Buchanan
Author of Cry Melusine through Phaze Books

There are only three plots in the world: Man v. Man, Man v. Nature, Man v. Self... so your plot probably isn't original, just write the damn thing anyway.

15. Emily Veinglory
Author of The Wicca Man !: Tongue Tied

write, finish what you start, submit what you finish

16. Seeley deBorn
Author of Delusions of Eloquence Blog

"Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." Gene Fowler, a journalist.

As for my own pearl of wisdom: Never give up. Success invariably happens the moment after you would have walked away.



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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!







13 comments:

Tempest Knight said...

These all great advices! Love #9! Hahaha!

Jennifer McKenzie said...

I've gotten so much from so many sources! I loved James Buccanan's advice. And I agree with him.
The hardest thing to do is NOT to walk away. I love your advice too.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Those were all great--and TRUE!

Great idea for a post!

Debbie Mumford said...

Excellent!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous advice!
I live by number 9. ;)

Anonymous said...

This is a great list. SO inspiring. Thanks for compiling it!

Amelia June said...

Oh, great advice!! Thanks for collecting it all :)

P. Robinson said...

This is a great list but #9 is so true!
Kissa

Night Diva Maria said...

To be a writer, something has to go...better make it the housework.


Great!! I'm halfway there! :D

Paige Tyler said...

Great advice!

*hugs*
Paige

My TT is at http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/

MsSnarkyPants said...

Those are all great! I particularly like the good excuse to give up housework. After all when I become a NY Times Bestseller, I can hire someone to do that stuff right? But how am I ever gonna do that if I'm doing dishes instead of writing. ;)

N.J.Walters said...

#7 and #8 are so true. Fabulous advice.

Heather said...

Wonderful words of advice!