Seven tips on writing

7 tips on writing

 

     I feel like I’ve learned a little about writing since my first self-published book.  Most I learned from simple trial and error.  Here are 7 tips on writing a book that I hope will help others.

1. Write a good book.  Be as original as you can either with the plot and/or how it’s presented.  The story of a haunted hotel sounds pretty mundane until you read Stephen King’s version in THE SHINING.
   
   
2. Write and rewrite.  Then rewrite again.
   
   
3. Tying in with Number two it is a good idea to put the story away for a while and come back to it sometime later when it seems fresh to you, so that you will have a more objective view of it.  On my first venture into publishing I was too anxious about getting my book out there and was not thorough enough.  I still struggle with this impatience to see my book in print.
   
   
4. If you can afford to it is a good idea to hire an editor.  But if not be very meticulous in reading your manuscript and be sure to address all the issues your spell check might bring up.
   
   
5. Get someone else to read your manuscript.  Try to get someone who reads a lot, and in your genre.  It is best not to get a relative or a close friend unless you know that they can be brutally honest.  In a nice way of course.
   
   
6. If you create your own e-book such as one for Kindle, or Nook double check to be sure the formatting is correct.  I learned the hard way that something that looks good on Kindle Fire might not look so good on the I-Pad or the I-Phone.
   
   
7. Make a systemic effort to study vocabulary words.  Don’t just learn the meaning.  Learn how to use the words creatively.  I think Dean Koontz is very well adept at that.  Just remember, you don’t have to use the big words in your writings, but it’s good to know how to express yourself in different words if need be.