Comments on: Big Ass Advice Post

By: Quotes and links for the writerly minded • Kristan Hoffman

Quotes and links for the writerly minded • Kristan Hoffman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:01:39 +0000

[...] “Big Ass Advice Post” – aka 10 tips for aspiring writers (via moonrat). In particular I think I need to take #1 to heart: There’s a difference between the craft of writing and the business of writing. At the beginning, your job is to learn everything you can about craft. Don’t obsess about the business until you have an actual product to sell. Educate yourself but don’t get sidetracked from the job of learning how to write well. [...]

By: JayeWells

JayeWells — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:20:38 +0000

Gareth, really good points. When Is tarted writing, i was taking a very basic class. The teacher told us to go home and look at our bookcases. What we find most of is what we’re likely to be best at writing. I thought it would be historical fiction, but what do you know? It was vampires. Also great point about reading self help books for other mediums.

Kenneth, it’s true. No work is ever perfect. There’s always room for improvement.

Bob, I really like that one. Thanks for sharing!

By: bob

bob — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:33:54 +0000

One more — Be Bold!
Your viewpoint is what makes you different fro every other writer. Do not self-censor but write what you feel to be true.

By: Kenneth Pike

Kenneth Pike — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:14:10 +0000

Great post–way to boil it down to the essentials.

One thing I would add, is don’t buy into your own press (such as it is). Even if “everyone who reads it” loves your book, you may never impress an agent. Even if you land an agent, you are unlikely to get a big deal. Even if you get a big deal, you are unlikely to be a bestseller. Even if you become a bestseller, you are unlikely to become a millionaire. And even if you become a millionaire, you are unlikely to become a literary classic. There’s always something to be disappointed about–choose to love what you’ve accomplished, instead.

By: Gareth

Gareth — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:31:01 +0000

I’d change one part of it Jaye, the writing what you’re excited about, I’d perhaps change it to write what you want to read. Excitement is still a big part of it but the key is not to compromise the piece and by creating something you want to read you’ll be kept stoked right to the last line.

As to reading widely couldnt agree more, what has surprised some people is that as well as reading fantasy, Sci-Fi and Historical Fiction, I’ve even read some Jackie Collins, a good amount of young adult fiction (some of thier horror stories are creepier than the adult as they can’t rely on the old four letter words to put points across) along with autobiographies as when you read the parts from a person’s recall it can be a key part to help you figure your own voice.

One thing that I’d advise is if you’re going to read self help how to novels, just don’t stick to the type such as how to write a novel, look at how to write screenplays as well as graphic novels/comics. They take differing techniques but most of the advice is just as prudent from one type as another and it can also demonstrate a differing route to your goal.

Great advice and for those participating in Nano this year, best of luck.

By: emily cross

emily cross — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:10:15 +0000

Excellent post! Brilliant advice, especially the first one. Its terrible but i always find myself jumping ahead of myself – learning about the business when i should be all about the craft

Great advice!

P.S. also can’t wait to see your interview on the bookbundle – thank you so much for doing it

By: JayeWells

JayeWells — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:08:46 +0000

Eraugrad, excellent point! Mur’s podcasts are great!

By: JayeWells

JayeWells — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:08:08 +0000

Hi Kristan, yes the old internet time conundrum is alive and well. I struggle with it daily. Thanks for stopping by!

By: JayeWells

JayeWells — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:06:30 +0000

Areteus, I’m not sure your point is counter to no. nine, but it is a valid point. Absolutely critique is invaluable. I warned people to be thoughtful about joining crit groups is they can be detrimental if the group’s goals and methodology is not a fit. However, I am a big proponent on seeking out ways to improve, and, like you said, critique at several levels is an excellent idea. Like no. ten said, how can you improve if you don’t know what’s not working.

By: Areteus

Areteus — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:32:47 +0000

In counter to nunber 9, I would also say get as many opinions as you can for free. I agree that you should never pay for it (save retrospectively such as when an agent reads your work, gives you advice, gets it sold to a publisher for you and then takes their 10%) because they are almost certainly scams and even if they aren’t scams you should assume they are regardless. However, an alternative viewpoint on your work is invaluable. A writer is usually too close to thier own work to assess it critically (for at least 2 days after you write it, you will read the idealised version in your head rather than the actual version on the page) so a good crit can really help to spot your common errors. I also like to get several levels of crit – including a crit from a ‘typical reader’ and a more professional crit from someone who writes, edits or publishes themselves.