Seven Tips For Writing Success And Sanity

My journey from inspiration to publication of my debut novel, What’s Left Untold, was nearly 11 years in the making, and I have learned many writing lessons along the way. 

Write as often as you can, about anything and everything. 

As a competitive triathlete, I had a rigorous training schedule that prepared my mind and body for my races. Writing is no different; performing well requires practice. 

Begin a daily journal. Create short stories using writing prompts. Experiment with poetry or writing flash fiction in a different genre. Compose thoughtful, hand-written thank you notes and letters. Observe people in a public place and pen back stories for specific individuals based on what you see.

What you write doesn’t have to be your future masterpiece of even your work in progress. Simply write for the practice and pleasure of it. 

Read. A lot. 

I’d often heard that strong runners make the best triathletes, which wasn’t great news for me as running was my weakest triathlon link. 

As a writer, I fared better, given that avid readers are said to make better writers, and I’ve had my nose stuck in a book for as long as I can remember. 

On his website, leadership coach and best-selling author Paul Sohn notes that writing and reading are like two sides of the same coin. “To read well, you ought to learn how to write well, and to write well reading well is an indispensable skill.”

Author and writing teacher, Roz Morris, echoes this sentiment, explaining on literacyworks.org that “Reading exposes us to other styles, other voices, other forms, and other genres of writing. Importantly, it exposes us to writing that’s better than our own and helps us to improve.” 

Learn as much as you can.

While most writers would rather be writing, it’s prudent to take time from creative pursuits to become more knowledgeable about the craft. Stephen King—whose books cemented my status in middle school as a lifelong reader—authored one of my favorite books on writing called, what else? On Writing. 

Joining professional organizations, subscribing to online newsletters and attending conferences and webinars are not only invaluable sources of information, but also create opportunities for networking and making personal connections with other writers. In 2015, I became a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and it has been one of the best things I’ve done to support my writing career. 

It’s also imperative to get comfortable with and knowledgeable about social media. Before I signed a contract with my publisher, Facebook was the extent of my online expertise. Afterward, I suddenly had to establish a presence on Instagram, Twitter and Goodreads, and create a website. I’d never sent a tweet and I had no idea what a BookBub was. The learning curve was steep. The sooner you start, the better. 

Connect with fellow writers. 

Most writers I’ve met have been overwhelmingly positive and supportive, eager to share knowledge and resources, and happy to celebrate each other’s successes. This is not to suggest that writers are free of jealousy and envy—emotions which are, after all, human nature—but if and when they do exist, they appear as a mere footnote to the support and collaborative spirit that seems to exit among fellow writers.  

Write the book you want to write. 

Publishing is a subjective industry. What one agent loved most about my book, another agent strongly disliked. 

I firmly believe that for every book written there are readers who want to read it. It might take time for a book to find its audience and connect with readers, but those readers are out there. 

When my debut novel, What’s Left Untold, was on submission, there were several agents who loved the story and my writing style, put passed because of a particular element that, to quote one agent, “might not sit well with women’s fiction readers.” 

But I stayed true to myself and the story I wanted to tell, and I believed my book would eventually find its publishing home. The risk paid off and Red Adept Publishing emerged as a true champion of my work, and now the very themes that caused some agents to shy away from my manuscript are what has readers and reviewers deeming What’s Left Untold an excellent book club book.

Manage expectations.  

Few authors have the luxury to write full-time, and fewer still manage to break into the big leagues. With this in mind, I began my writing journey with a specific but reasonable goal: to become a published novelist and to someday see my book in the hands of readers. Having achieved this goal, anything else is simply icing on the cake. 

It also helps to understand that, at some point, what happens with your book is beyond your control. There comes a time when the baton is passed and the book is no longer your own. This might happen when you sign with an agent or publisher, or when your book is finally in the hands of readers. And though you may work yourself to the bone to market and promote your book, once it’s out in the world, its fate is ultimately out of your hands. 

Never give up.

Some writers endure hundreds of rejections or work for decades to get their book published. Others are septuagenarians before their first book is released. 

I was nine years into my publishing journey when I began to lose hope. My dedication began to waver and I started to think about all the other things I could be doing with my life. In desperation, I posted a message on a community page for writers, expressing my frustration and doubts, and one of the members threw me a lifeline. She urged me not to give up, she offered to meet for lunch and share her experiences and, ultimately, she talked me off the quitting ledge. Five months later I signed a contract with my publisher. 

Bottom line: never stop believing in yourself, and never quit.

—

Sherri Leimkuhler has written professionally for more than twenty years and her health-and-fitness column, “For the Fun of Fit,” appears bi-weekly in the Carroll County Times.

A competitive triathlete and two-time Ironman finisher, Sherri also enjoys reading, hiking, paddleboarding, trail running, traveling, and wine tasting.

Sherri lives in Maryland with her husband, three daughters, and two Labrador retrievers.

https://twitter.com/SherriLeimkuhl1

http://www.sherrileimkuhler.com/

WHAT’S LEFT UNTOLD

Every secret has its price.

Anna Clark and Lia Clay were unlikely best friends in high school, but their yin-and-yang personalities drew them together in a sister-like bond. Then during college, Lia inexplicably walked out on their friendship and disappeared, leaving Anna hurt, confused, and disillusioned.

Twenty years later, Anna discovers a letter Lia wrote the summer after high school—a letter that contains a cryptic postscript concealing a devastating truth. With her twenty-year high school reunion approaching, Anna moves closer to uncovering the secret in Lia’s letter and the heartbreaking consequences it set in motion.

As the layers of deceit and betrayal begin to unravel, Anna is forced to question everything she believes and come to terms with what it means to forgive the one person who hurt her in the worst way imaginable.

“What truths are best left untold and who gets to decide? Leimkuhler is a marvel in this shocking debut about friends and the secrets that bind them. I read the last 10% with my jaw on the floor!” — Jennifer Klepper, USA Today bestselling author of Unbroken Threads.

“Sherri Leimkuhler’s What’s Left Untold is a grand, sweeping saga about the evolution of family and friendship–how best friends can break our hearts, make us angry, crazy, and sad, and carry us through good times and bad. Leimkuhler’s plot twists and turns will keep readers glued to the page!” — Sarahlyn Bruck, author of Designer You

BUY THE BOOK HERE 

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: How To and Tips