Kristoffer Law
Write! Read! Write some more! Follow a decent podcast or two on writing! I personally recommend Writing Excuses, as they break down virtually every conceivable aspect of the creative process of writing: world-building, plotting, and character development (for example) to the business side: how to find an agent, how to format a manuscript, and who and where to pitch your story ideas to.
Also, if you have a decent understanding of the genre (types of stories) you like to write in, that's fantastic! Read published authors who also write similar types of stories.
For example, I write horror/thriller/mystery stories, so I'm an avid reader of Stephen King, Paul Tremblay, H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe. However, in terms of reading, don't limit yourself. Read the greats (of any genre): find out WHY they're great. Read the hacks: find out WHY they're hacks. You can learn just as much about how to write (and conversely, how NOT to write) by reading bad writing too.
One last thing: while it might seem trendy to talk down about a particular book (or books), it's a better idea not to. Remember, someone who hasn't read a book since high school, picks up a book about sparkly vampires in their 30s and re-discovers a love for reading might end up becoming a fan of YOUR work. Too many people don't read, and it's our job as writers to not only encourage people into a love of reading, but to nurture that love however we can.
Also, if you have a decent understanding of the genre (types of stories) you like to write in, that's fantastic! Read published authors who also write similar types of stories.
For example, I write horror/thriller/mystery stories, so I'm an avid reader of Stephen King, Paul Tremblay, H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe. However, in terms of reading, don't limit yourself. Read the greats (of any genre): find out WHY they're great. Read the hacks: find out WHY they're hacks. You can learn just as much about how to write (and conversely, how NOT to write) by reading bad writing too.
One last thing: while it might seem trendy to talk down about a particular book (or books), it's a better idea not to. Remember, someone who hasn't read a book since high school, picks up a book about sparkly vampires in their 30s and re-discovers a love for reading might end up becoming a fan of YOUR work. Too many people don't read, and it's our job as writers to not only encourage people into a love of reading, but to nurture that love however we can.
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