Novel writing tips are available all over the internet, but often they’re presented in a fragmented fashion, so it’s not easy to put the advice together in a step by step fashion. This is one of the reasons I’ve long wanted to do a series of videos sharing novel writing tips that take authors all the way from conception of an idea to publication.
And with Rose’s help – she makes it entertaining – I’ve finally begun the project. In the first part of this series we look at the qualities a person needs to be one of those people who can not only write a book, but also take it all the way to publication.
This novel writing tips series doesn’t just have value to aspiring writers, there’ll also be tips that even experienced authors may not know. It’s in a question-and-answer format, so Rose can ask all those questions you might want to ask in response to anything I say.
Sign up to our information for authors newsletter, so you’ll get an email telling you when the next installment of the journey is ready.
Do You Have What it Takes to be an Author?
Writing skill and a good imagination are only part of the equation. To be successful in the publishing industry takes some personal qualities that if you don’t have them when you begin, you’ll need to develop somewhere along your journey.
Watch the video and ask yourself, what qualities do you have already, and what ones do you still need to work on. Are any of these a particular challenge for you? Self-reflection is a good quality for an author to have, so here’s a chance to practice.
I hope you enjoy it.
Video notes – an outline of content.
What qualities do you think a person needs in order to make it as an author?
- They love books and read a lot
- Imagination/ inspiration
- Determination
- Staying power – the inspiration and ability to stay the course
- A commitment to writing to a professional level
- Willingness to learn and educate themself
- The ability to hear constructive criticism and learn from it – not defensive or egotistical.
- A realistic understanding of the publishing industry and what they can expect.
- A willingness to invest time and money in a project
- Recognise that professionals know more than they do.
- A clear aim for why they’re writing and what they want to achieve.
What is the one most important quality someone needs if they want to become an author?
- inspiration
Do people who want to be authors have to have a high level of craftsmanship?
Of course, that’s incredibly important if you want to be successful, but you don’t have to have it when you start. What’s important is that you have that commitment to learning to write quality, then you will learn. Writing is a skill like any other, so it can be learned. You have to be willing to commit time and money to studying and practising the craft and listen to educators and editors when they give you feedback on your writing.
Can anyone learn how to be a good writer?
- Anyone can write a book, but not everyone can write a good book.
- New writers need help to turn their writing into something publishable, and not everyone can manage that, even with help.
- Those who spend time learning the craft and working with professional editors who educate as well as edit have the best chance of becoming a good writer.
Should you learn the craft before starting on a book? Do a course or something?
- Course alternatives.
- The importance of listening to feedback
How did you learn what you know now?
Tahlia’s story.
What advice do you have for people who want to be an author or who are writing a book?
Learn as much as you can about the publishing industry and go into writing a book with realistic expectations.
Do any other qualities that an author needs to navigate the publishing world come to mind for you? Tell us in the comments.
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Image by Lukas Bieri from Pixabay
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