Since I began writing five years ago, I’ve taken a few writing courses, attended a few conferences and seminars, met many seasoned authors as well as editors and readers. One of the things that I have found interesting to ponder on is the definition of a writer. Many people, it seems, have their own definitions and supporting justifications of what makes a writer and why. Sometimes these opinions mesh. Sometimes they don’t. But in each speaker’s eyes, they tell aspiring writers that you’re not really a writer unless you…
The dictionary defines a writer as “one who writes, especially as a business or occupation: author.” Throughout my journey, I’ve heard being a true writer as being defined by:
Since becoming a published writer, I have been amazed at the number of people that approach me with their interest in and desire to publish. Wherever I go, whether it be work, the gym, hanging out and socializing, once I talk about my books, there’s always someone who wants to do the same thing. I [...]
My biggest fear about writing has been not being able to complete a story because of writer’s block. Over the years, whether in casual conversation or in a workshop or seminar, I’ve heard countless experiences of authors going crazy over not being able to write the next thought, scene, or chapter. I’ve heard of writers [...]
As a writer, it seems that wherever you go, when others discover that you are a writer, they tell you that they want to be a writer also. Some get caught up in the awe of accomplishment in coalescing 75,000 to 100,000 words together in flawless harmony to make up a compelling story and [...]
So, we have been blessed with a God-given talent. It comes totally natural and there’s no need to study, right? I don’t know. But I believe that no matter how gifted we are, we all can benefit from studying the craft of writing. Artists take art classes, musicians take music lessons, and [...]
2007 has been an unexpectedly hectic year for me. Quite a few changes and unplanned events interrupted my reading and writing flow. It went from a trickle to sporadic to nada for both. When I did have a little bit of time, I would try to fill it with writing, but it [...]
As authors, we all want the same thing. We want readers that care. We want readers that care enough to look at our book covers, then care enough to flip it over and read the synopsis on the back. Then we hope they care enough to read the first chapter, to get invested [...]
Wouldn’t it be great if we could pick up a book, take a class, or talk to someone who could show us that one true and guaranteed path to successful writing and publising? Awesome! After all, so many writers have already traveled that road before us. Successful self-publishing, successful traditional publishing, bestsellers lists, plays, [...]
The art of networking can be a key to success in the corporate world as well as the world of entrepreneurship. And so it can be in the literary world, if one takes the time to contemplate and learn the art. If executed properly, networking can put an aspiring author on a faster [...]
I think it’s safe to say that all published writers have, at one time or another, had the question posed by an aspiring writer, “How do I get started?” They want to write a book. They have tons of ideas. They know the entire story. They know it all, except, how [...]
