- Don't fall into the trap of rewriting chapter one until it's perfect. And don't discard everything you write halfway through because you're sure it sucks. Writing stuff that sucks is part of the learning process!
- When people ask what you do, tell them you're a writer. Put yourself on the line. Make a commitment.
- Make writing a responsibility. Think of it like a job and show up on time.
- Never hold anything back for the next book. Always go for it. Be brave.
- Respect and love your audience. Write for the reader.
*From Janet Evanovich's HOW I WRITE: SECRETS OF A BESTSELLING AUTHOR.
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Evanovich is the wildly popular author of the Stephanie Plum books. Visit her site here.
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As for the giveaway part of this post, I'd like you to add your own tip to the list. I don't think there's a shortage of good advice, do you?
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What do you think makes for a successful writer? I'd like to know from the perspective of both writers and readers, so anyone can join in. For instance, my sister, who is an avid reader but doesn't write like I do, thinks a relevant thing for writers' success is an active, frequently-updated author's website. Valid!
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Add your thoughts in the comment section of this post. Everyone who does gets their name in a hat (or bowl, mayhaps) for a giveway--to celebrate that I'm nearing 350 blog followers! (If you're not a follower yet but enjoy what you see here at Something She Wrote, please sign up. I do love watching that number grow.)
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I'll give you through this weekend (ending Sunday at 7PM CST) to add to the list. Winner to be announced Monday!
ETA: Friends, I apologize--It's just occured to me, I didn't announce what the giveaway prize is. (Oops. I'm sorry.) It'll be a new book of some kind, to be determined/selected according to the winner.
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Also, be sure to come back Friday, to see the results of the new five words into fiction meme.
