Goodreads asked Xavi Lang:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Xavi Lang The same advice that was given to me by Neil Gaiman, David Baldacci and Kelley Armstrong. Just write, write, write and write until you hit The End.

You have to accept that you will write the most terrible first draft, it will be awful and cringeworthy. I know I did. Then you have to be open to constructive criticisms. I had to cut out at least two whole chapters because it didn't fit the storyline. They were just fluff. It was painful but the critics were right. To me, those chapters were awesome, but they served no purpose whatsoever. You have to let go sometimes.

Enroll in writing workshops, buy books about writing, download writing software. Prepare a little nook for your writing. A desk with things you need like post-its, notebooks, pens, references. In the center should be your device, whether it's a laptop, or a tablet, or a badass typewriter! Little succulent plants. A lamp. Pictures of things you love. A scented candle. Make it your holy place for your writing process. I promise you, you will write more efficiently if you have one place dedicated for writing.

Make time to write. That's one of the hardest things to find. And it's a sacrifice, You need to find the time to write and be strict with it.

Before writing, collect as many email addresses as you can. Constantly send your contacts little messages so by the time you're ready to release your book. They have you in mind and most likely buy and review your book.

Be active on social media. Update your followers of your progress to garner interest. Share your thoughts, ask if they're willing to become your beta readers.

flag