Ask the Author: Beverly Allen
Answered Questions (3)
Beverly Allen
The best inspiration for writing is a looming deadline. The second best motivator is a household task I'm avoiding. I get a lot of writing done when I should be cleaning the bathroom, for example.
I do have days when my writing seems especially inspired, and I love what I've produced and the words flow easily. On those days, I set everything else aside and write as much as I can. But I think it's a bad idea for writers to wait for inspiration. I'd never finish a book.
I do have days when my writing seems especially inspired, and I love what I've produced and the words flow easily. On those days, I set everything else aside and write as much as I can. But I think it's a bad idea for writers to wait for inspiration. I'd never finish a book.
Beverly Allen
I could say the best thing about being a writer is bringing new worlds to life, channeling creative energy onto the paper. Or I could say the best part of being a writer is seeing others enjoy my work. But for me, perhaps my favorite aspect of the job is the ability to go to work in my pajamas.
Beverly Allen
One disturbing trend I see is that concern for finding the best way to get published often far exceeds the concern for learning how to write. Writing is a craft, and it takes time to learn.
I don't believe that first manuscript automatically has to be put in a drawer, as some writing instructors will tell you. But I also don't think it makes sense to self-publish it immediately, either. Instead, read good books on writing, take classes and workshops. Join a critique group. Write and rewrite. Learn how to self-edit. Read lots of books in your genre. Study what your read. Expect that it will take at least several years of diligent work to produce something that is marketable.
THEN you can worry about the best way to get published.
I don't believe that first manuscript automatically has to be put in a drawer, as some writing instructors will tell you. But I also don't think it makes sense to self-publish it immediately, either. Instead, read good books on writing, take classes and workshops. Join a critique group. Write and rewrite. Learn how to self-edit. Read lots of books in your genre. Study what your read. Expect that it will take at least several years of diligent work to produce something that is marketable.
THEN you can worry about the best way to get published.
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