Nikki Moore
I'm by no means an expert - despite writing seriously for four years before being published, I still feel I have a lot to learn - but I'm more than happy to share my thoughts, and could honestly talk about this subject for hours! So here are my top five tips...
1) Write that first draft.
Be disciplined and keep going until that book/short story/novella etc is done. I don't care what it takes, if you have to tie yourself to a chair or ignore your nearest and dearest for months, just get it finished!
2) Write about what you love.
… not what you think the latest fad will be. Tell stories you're passionate about and your enthusiasm will translate to the page and to your readers.
3) Get constructive criticism of your work.
Treat it like gold dust but also add in a massive pinch of salt (yes, I know I'm mixing my metaphors)! Be grateful for the advice given to you -perhaps from another author, a writers' circle, creative writing tutor or the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers' Scheme - but don't follow all advice/suggestions slavishly. At the end of the day it's your story so you need to be comfortable with any changes, and know that they're going to make it better. If in doubt put the story and the advice/critique aside for a little while and then come back and consider both with fresh eyes before deciding what to do.
4) DON'T send that first draft out (in a rush).
Polish your manuscript until it shines, and is the best it possibly can be, before sending it out AND make your submission targeted and timely, following the guidelines of that particular agent or publisher (oops, I snuck two points into that one!)
5) Never give up
Don't let bad writing days or rejections stop you. Grow a thick skin and keep on going. Believe in your writing, and yourself. You can be a published author one day – good luck!
1) Write that first draft.
Be disciplined and keep going until that book/short story/novella etc is done. I don't care what it takes, if you have to tie yourself to a chair or ignore your nearest and dearest for months, just get it finished!
2) Write about what you love.
… not what you think the latest fad will be. Tell stories you're passionate about and your enthusiasm will translate to the page and to your readers.
3) Get constructive criticism of your work.
Treat it like gold dust but also add in a massive pinch of salt (yes, I know I'm mixing my metaphors)! Be grateful for the advice given to you -perhaps from another author, a writers' circle, creative writing tutor or the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers' Scheme - but don't follow all advice/suggestions slavishly. At the end of the day it's your story so you need to be comfortable with any changes, and know that they're going to make it better. If in doubt put the story and the advice/critique aside for a little while and then come back and consider both with fresh eyes before deciding what to do.
4) DON'T send that first draft out (in a rush).
Polish your manuscript until it shines, and is the best it possibly can be, before sending it out AND make your submission targeted and timely, following the guidelines of that particular agent or publisher (oops, I snuck two points into that one!)
5) Never give up
Don't let bad writing days or rejections stop you. Grow a thick skin and keep on going. Believe in your writing, and yourself. You can be a published author one day – good luck!
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more