Random Nuggets for Writerly Wranglings

I’m still a newish author, with much to learn, but I’ve picked up a few things in the last six years and four books, random nuggets for writers wherever they’re at in their writerly wranglings. Let me share!

For the newbie writer– It’s great to have a fantastic scenario for your story, but your characters are key. They need to feel real and rounded to your readers. They need to be flawed, even the goodies, not just the baddies. My tip; 

1. Get a big glass of wine.
2. Shut yourself away from people with said glass of wine, a pad and a pen.
3. Take a long hard look at yourself and write down all your flaws on the pad. Be merciless. No one else needs ever see this list.
4. Drink the big glass of wine.

You now have a list of flaws (if it isn’t a list then you haven’t been merciless enough, or you’re a saint, or deluded, or both). A list you can mine for your characters and dig really deeply into when you write, because you have an understanding of those flaws and what they feel like and possibly why they exist. This is ‘writing what you know’…

For the editing writer – ‘If you think it might need cutting , it probably does’. I can’t remember where I read this, but it is annoyingly true.

For the promo-shy writer – Start early in trying to build your platform, and do this by connecting with other readers like yourself. Essentially, FIND YOUR TRIBE. No matter how niche your reading tastes there will be others like you to be found on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok. You just need to use the hashtags and look. Join the conversation, let them get to know you over something you all love, no selling. Same for your writing. Find your readers, connect with them- again not selling- engaging and listening. One day, when you and your debut are ready, your social media friends will be there to beta read for you, review for you, cheer for you, and perhaps even buy your book.

For the querying writer – Rejection Chocolates. This is a VITAL part of your submission prep.

1. Buy a really good box of chocolates. Something fancy you wouldn’t normally buy.
2. Hide them. (From yourself and any family members who like to share your stuff.)
3. If you get a rejection you may eat one. (ONE!!!)
4. When you get an offer of representation you may scoff what’s left.

The rejection will still be sad, but the chocolates take the sting off. 

For the doubting writer – This should really be bolted into the submission process. Your Inner critic is a b*tch and Imposter Syndrome is real.  

Make a new document. Title it Vainglory File and bury it deep in your folders where no one else will stumble across it. Any time a rejection letter says something nice, copy that line into your file.  Add any other compliments you might get about your writing from anywhere. Have a little read of it whenever you are feeling low about this crazy business.  Sometimes you just need a pep talk or a pat on the back.

For the newly-signed writer – CELEBRATE!!! This game can be slow and lonely and hard, so make the most of every single good moment and find some way, however small, of partying for it. Celebrate finishing your draft, getting your deal, signing your contract, sending in your edits, the cover reveal (Top Tip; have it made into a phone case so you always have an image easily to hand, have it made into a canvas -your walls need it!), Celebrate publication day (have that launch party- do it! -don’t be bashful, this is a rare thing – your friends will want to celebrate you – accept it and bask in it!!), Celebrate your box of proofs arriving  (film that unboxing and sniffing the pages, it’s all good social media content), Celebrate your bestseller flag on Amazon even if it only lasts twenty four hours in the most obscure category. Celebrate it all. Life is short, and hard enough, take the moments of glory wherever and whenever you can. 

For the established writer – Help a newbie writer. Someone will have helped you at some point. Or else you wish that someone had. So, befriend a beginner, make an introduction, pass on some advice, give a quote. Whatever you can.  Hopefully they’ll pass it on when it’s their time. 

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Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Contemporary Women Writers, How To and Tips