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Home > Tips For Artists & Writers
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Tips for Artists and Writers.
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Jan Bower, Artist
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"Read books
& magazines
that instruct
AND inspire."
Jan buys her paints, brushes,
and canvases from:
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Do you love to write? Do you dream of being published?
Here are some tips for aspiring authors.
Tip #1: Have something worth saying. Write with purpose. Entertainment is great, but writing can be a powerful tool for far more than mere entertainment. A well-written book or article can open a mind, influence a life, and help change the world. The best writings that have passed the test of time were met (and often continue to meet) real issues that people face every day. Writers who are mainly motivated by easy money or quick fame often never achieve it. Far worse, they never realize their potential.
Tip #2: Find your voice. Not every style of communication will reach every type of audience. Sure, you want to use universally accepted standards of communication, but acquire your own voice. Strive to say things uniquely and distinctly your way. The segment of society that understands the way you think will appreciate it.
Tip #3: Know your audience. Don't try to impress by "wording" them to death; nor should you insult them by "dumbing it down." Be deliberate in your vocabulary and word count. Get inside their heads and hearts. Understand their needs, interests, and emotions. Address their pains and problems, and offer them something relevant and real.
Tip #4: Commit to sharpening your skills. There is SO much to learn. Work to develop your craft. Join a writers' group or take writing classes. Study well-written books. Discover what makes readers want to pick up a book...to turn the next page. Strive to make it easier for your readers to feel what you are saying. Pay very little attention to what those who adore you say about your book, but very close attention to truly objective critiques. Be teachable. Refuse to settle for mediocrity. Revise until you think your manuscript is nearly perfect. Then step back for a while and give it a rest. The next time you read it leisurely, you'll probably see more room for improvement.
Tip #5: Research potential publishers carefully before submitting. Acquisition editors stay current; so should you. Do your homework and improve your chances. Get your hands on the latest Writer's Market and follow its submission directions carefully. (Check out the resources below.)
Tip #6: Finish your manuscript and submit it. It's not going to mail itself. All dream and no do is a recipe for discouragment. I meet aspiring authors all the time who have worked on their manuscript for years but never found the nerve to submit it. Fear of rejection is a far bigger foe than rejection itself.
Tip #7: If (when) you are rejected, refuse to throw in the towel. Recommit your work to your Lord, and get back to work. Seek advice and humbly, eagerly make the necessary revisions.
Tip #8: If (when) your work is finally accepted, give thanks to God and get back to work. You are now merely at the threshhold. The same passion that helped you write your book will be needed to help you market it.
Tip #9: Write regularly. An hour a day? An hour a week? Be realistic, but set a schedule and stick to it, whether you feel "inspired" that day or not.
Tip #10: Read constantly. When you read other published books (especially in the genre you want to write), you get saturated with a high standard and a wide variety of writing styles.
Gary highly recommends the tools below for writers
who are serious about getting published.
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