Share Your Story! discussion

Sooo, for next year (hopefully, because I've been procrastinating for years now) I'm going to get into creative writing. I have a couple of FanFictions in my mind for amongst others Grey's Anatomy and Teen Wolf and 2 fiction story ideas of my own. Hopefully, this group will encourage me to write a bit more.

If anyone has tips on making writing a habit in my daily routine or any other tips, please let me now :) I'm also starting a blog next year (well, I started it in 2020 but then the pandemic hit a week after and I lost all motivation to do anything) and I will post among with other articles the pieces of creative writing :)

I'll try to share my more detailed writing plans asap (though I'm a bit shy and already slightly afraid to do so 😅)

<3

The way it was put to me: "Put your butt in a chair and write for 5 min a day. It doesn't matter what you write, just write!" I'll add that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Try it at the same time if your schedule allows, and if not, when you feel most creative (morning or night person?)

Read the blogs of authors you love. Read in the genre your story falls in. Read books like Stephen King's memoir 'On Writing' or Ally Carter's book 'Dear Ally, How Do I Write a Book.' Join a local writing group. With the pandemic so much more is available to you digitally/virtually.

Jennifer L Armentrout has one of the best joruneys as an author, and her blog is amazing. It took 137 rejections before she got her first yes. Since 2011 she's published more than 50 books and her series 'Wicked' is currently in production for Passionflix.

Her book Wait for You had a crazy journey. She came up with the idea in the shower, 20 min later had a plot and two weeks later had a complete book. And it was rejected. So she self-published it, and it went #1 on the New York times bestseller list.

While rejections suck, don't give up! And when you have a finished book and share it with your beta readers, there's a way to electronically mark who gets each digital copy. I know so many authors who have had their advanced copy either stolen and published under someone else's name or released early on some free sight. Stephanie Meyer, Elise Kova and so many more.

Wattpad has become such a great site/app for sharing your story that they created their own publishing company last year. Anna Todd's 'After' and Taran Matharu's 'The Summoner' series came from there.

There is no right way to publish a book and it's far more of a market for authors vs traditional publishing houses. You may find self-publishing the best option for you, or indie, or a traditional company. Do your research, follow your gut and research who you're working with (agent, editor, etc.) Can't wait to see what you bring to the shelves!! Good luck!!

Kimberlyisreading wrote: "The way it was put to me: "Put your butt in a chair and write for 5 min a day. It doesn't matter what you write, just write!" I'll add that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Try it at the same ..."

Thank you so much for the tips and the motivation! <3 really appreciate it :)

Alexandra wrote: "This is awesome Emily! (thanks for inviting me to this group btw) I definitely recommend trying out a blog- I've had several over the years- and sharing your work online. It's really fun!"

Thank you! And no problem :) :)