Getting Smart about Writing

It's easy to take your writing for granted, kind of like those old tulips that come up every year without fail. But when you see them, just like when you see your novel at completion, you know you've been smart about your writing.

Finishing a novel in a year is a good game plan. And if you can finish your novel in even less time, even better. The important thing is to give your novel the time it needs to be the best book it can be.

Of course, you will always find those grammar mistakes even after you've published, but the worst of it will already be worked through because of the months you have given to your book.

Getting smart about your writing means listening to your heart. Your heart will tell you when it's time to speed up or slow down, and it will let you know when your work is ready to be seen by a publisher or when you should self-publish. And it's important to listen to that.

Photo by: wrestlingentropy, courtesty of Flickr

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, make sure you get plenty of readers to read your book and let you know if you're there. It's a safe bet that they will tell you if they feel good about your work or if they feel it needs just a bit more tweaking.

Taking the time to read over your work out loud will help you too, as will getting together with a great critique group. Getting smart means you make a check list so that you don't forget anything. It means taking the time each day to write and not letting procrastination take over.

I hate cleaning the bathroom but it's amazing how this chore can win over the project I'm currently working on. It's amazing that I suddenly notice the dirty carpet or dishes. But this is always going to be the case.

Setting a time to write is a good idea, but if you're like me, you fit in writing where you can. I write every day even if it's only this blog.

In the end, getting smart about writing means you take it seriously enough to do it--every day. Let the kitchen sink sit.

WANT A FREE GIFT? COME TO MY FREE WRITING YOUR BOOK WORKSHOP ON SATURDAY and get smart about your writing!

Place: Bountiful/Davis Art Center, 745 South Main Street
Time: 1-2:30

Call 801-292-0367 to register, or email me at: kathy@ariverofstones.com