It’s All In Your Mind…Literally!

By F.J. Beerling

This is just the beginning. 

There is also a middle and an end to this story, to any story. 

My story begins with being different, struggling to find my vocation, knowing there was something out there that would work for me, but not knowing what. One day I announced to a dear friend that I wanted to become an author and he gave me a piece of invaluable advice. 

He said, and I quote, “Faye dear you have two choices. Either be better than anyone else or be different.” 

I felt that being better was not a valid option for anyone, there is no right or best, only the words that people prefer when reading books.

So, I decided to be different. I found a niche in the market and filled it – I have been fortunate, with 23 titles published and books sold in the UK, USA and Australia. 

I made history by writing about history. The Ministry of Defence agreed for the first time to license a children’s book about the Royal Air Force. And I wrote it.

RAF100 for children, the official commemorative book to celebrate the RAF’s first 100 years in service.

I have been celebrating ever since. 

Believe in yourself, don’t limit your imagination, imagine yourself being the best that you can be. 

Don’t conform, unless it is to satisfy the necessary criteria, word-count, format, etc. Other than that, make it all you. 

Try different styles of writing until you find the style that fits what you want to say.

You are the hero of your own books. 

Crafting stories is fun, being paid to write stories is fantastic and finding your niche, your voice, is the best feeling in the world.

Some tips for writers – (Things I have learned over the years, take them or leave them.)

Block and structure your story. 

Whether you’re writing for children or adults, a little bit of research goes a long way.

Polished manuscripts appeal.

Dare to be different, don’t do what’s already been done. 

Do research the market, but be original, be bold and once you have an idea for your book, begin.

If it’s a chapter book, give your chapters titles. Most books use a chapter structure, and inserting chapter titles before you begin, gives you something to build your story around. They do not need to be the headings you submit; they could just be ideas like ‘Jeff eats big pie” it keeps you on track as you write.

Count your words and strive to achieve the same number of words per chapter. It’s a great exercise in applying consistency and gets you used to writing in small blocks that form parts of bigger blocks.

Be adventurous, challenge yourself and use ideas as they come but if you cannot make something fit, jot it down and come back to it, it may be useful for a later chapter. 

Paragraphs are important. Give your story some space, and space out the sentences. 

The world is full of words so chose yours carefully. Depending in the audience you’re writing for, aim to be understood. Don’t pad out the pages with long-winded words that should come with a side serving of a mini dictionary.

Grip your audience. You want your book to be a real page-turner, not a put down. Use words that keep them enthralled, keep them wanting more, wondering what’s on the next page and not in the next book on their shelf!

If you’re writing a thriller, thrill them. Horror, make it scary, comedy, get them laughing. It is not brain surgery. 

Plan out a mind map so you can keep track of who is who and who did what. 

Don’t sell yourself short, sell your story. Remember you need to show others the brilliance of your writing, it can be tough to hear that someone does not get it. So, help them to get it. Sell it, believe in it and believe in yourself.

Your imagination is limitless so don’t limit it, but do limit the amount of time you set aside to write. It’s an enjoyable journey, not something to be endured. 

Reward yourself. Positive reinforcers work well with children, and big kids too. If you like chocolate, schedule some chocci-chomping time at the end of each chapter, etc.

Don’t be afraid to walk away. If you need time out, take a moment. Go out and do something else, but take your dictaphone with you, in case something amazing pops into your head and you need to write it down.

Don’t be afraid to ask someone to critique your story. Do accept criticism. It’s still your story but it may need tweaking, adjusting, and amending in places that take you to better places once it’s done. Allow someone to read it aloud. It always different when someone else is reading your writing. The benefits of doing this allows you to fine-tune and change around sentences that do not sound right.

So, that is me – my story, my tips, my struggle. I am still writing, still being published and still enjoying it.

For all of you, the world is your oyster. Use your words, play with words, play on words, make words work for you. Work on that perfect love story. Write a mystery to end all mysteries. Take readers on a journey full of fun and adventure. 

Venture into your own world of make-believe, and remember these words of wisdom, the only boundaries are the ones you set yourself. 

Push boundaries, don’t give up.

Give generous servings of wonderfully written words to the pages of your book and as Malcolm X once said, ‘People don’t realize how much a person’s whole life can be changed by one book.’

Be the change.

—

F.J. Beerling is an accomplished children’s author. She began her writing career back in 2014 and has had immense success, with 23 titles published to date.

She is the first author, on record, to receive official endorsement from the Ministry of Defence.

She is also the first author, on record, to write about pioneering aviatrix Amy Johnson for children, the Wellington Bomber on display at Brooklands Museum, and the Spitfire on display at Biggin Hill Airport.

Her books sell in the UK, the USA, and Australia.

Even NASA has sold her space-themed books.

She has received letters of thanks from HM the Queen, the former president of Australia, Martin Turnbull, and a blessing from the Pope, but that’s not book-related! Follow her here – Books (misspotterltd.com)

 

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Contemporary Women Writers, How To and Tips