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How Do I Even Start...?

Happy Tuesday All,

Normally I'd have this up and running in the beginning of the day, but I got behind.

In my adventures as a writer, I come across people who say "I want to write, but I don't know how to get started." The really simplistic answer to that is "Just write." That really is a key part of writing is actually writing. But sometimes they want more information, or ideas of hints and help, etc. So here's a basic, general breakdown:

1. You have to write. What are you interested in? What story do you have to tell? Do NOT worry if it seems stupid or whatever to you. Just get started. You can always edit later.

2. Check out your favorite authors. A lot of authors have websites and/or blogs, etc. Some are on social media. Check them out. See what they say about the writing process and getting published. Find out what worked for them and see if it's something that'll work for you.

3.  Find a writer's group. Very helpful and you won't feel so alone. Some groups even offer workshops and classes. As a member of Romance Writer's of America, I've got access to all kinds of material off the RWA website, monthly magazine, online workshops, email newsletter, and chapters. A ton of information.

4. Read. Read things like Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, publisher websites/blogs, agent websites and blogs. Check out their social media. Do research.

5. Write some more...in fact, between all this, KEEP writing.

6. Edit! Edit, edit, edit. And edit again. You will go through several drafts. You will get rid of pages and scenes and stuff that just doesn't work. It's okay...you want to put out the best and most polished manuscript you can. If you need help, check out freelance editors.  Jennifer Bray-Weber and Carla Rossi offer editing services (they're experienced writers/editors, and I know them personally. Very professional and helpful). There are others, of course. Those names are just off the top of my head.

7. Remember that oftentimes the first manuscript isn't the one you published. In fact, my first completed (that is, written beginning to end, not counting any editing to do) has never been published. I'd have to do some serious editing for it to be even CLOSE to publishing. In fact, other manuscripts weren't even completed. So, no, my first completed manuscript wasn't my first published work. (This isn't to say that someone's first manuscript can't get published, it's to say that in general it doesn't happen. There are, of course, exceptions, but this is in case you realize your first completed work isn't what you want to publish...don't lose hope or get defeated, you aren't alone).

So there you have it. 7 general steps that should help you get started. Remember, everybody's process is different, but you won't get started writing until you actual sit down and write. So go for it!

Have A Terrifically Tip-Top Tuesday!

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