25 Things I Have Learned about Writing and Publishing
1. Showing instead of telling is the cardinal rule.
I am still working on this area and it is usually one of my biggest editing tasks.
2. Do not add an extra space after a period.
This was drilled into me by Mrs. Bigelow when taking typing class in high school. It’s a hard habit to break. Why is it such a big deal anyway?
3. I don’t have to write every day, but when I do, I give myself time the to think and create.
4. Do not treat a Word document like a typewriter. I shouldn’t hit enter to move to the next line.
5. Finish what you start, but it is okay to move between texts you are writing. Keep a goal in mind.
6. Have a few trusted people read your work and be willing to listen to their feedback.
7. Writing is a process-Plan-Write-Edit-Rewrite.
8. The first paragraph of a story is harder to write than I thought.
9. Develop a thick skin, rejection is going to happen frequently.
10. Join a recognized writing association.
I’m thankful I stumbled upon the Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Florida’s Writing Association.
11. Too much information is overwhelming!
Pick and choose carefully
12. Book swag is fun, but finish your book first!
13. Academic formatting has less rules than publishing formatting.
14. Know and understand the ever-changing genres in the world of Children’s Literature and publishing.
15. Being an Indie Writer can be both a blessing and a curse, also choosing Indie publishing does not make you less of a professional writer!
16. Character and plot chapter outlining helps so much!
17. Finding a good critique group is not easy!
18. Saying your manuscript is actually finished is both exciting and scary.
19. Make a plan for publishing and try to stick to it.
20. Keep a notepad by your bed for those 12-5 am ideas that won’t let you sleep.
21. Ask questions, lots of them.
22. Accept that you will make mistakes and learn from them.
Give yourself grace when they are whoppers!
23. Your voice is important, don’t alter it for anyone.
24. You write because it brings you peace and joy. It’s a passion. Don’t let anyone take that that away.
25. Constructive criticism allows you to grow as a writer and person. It makes your craft better and stronger. Criticism meant to hurt and demean does nothing for you.
Cheers to the storyteller in all of us!