Because of the wonderful era of digital publishing we now live in, whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone who is just getting his or her feet wet, there has never been a better time to be a writer. No matter your experience, the one thing that makes a person a writer is turning out a completed piece of work. Many people think that’s a breeze—and true, everyone has a story inside them—but getting that story down on paper (or monitor) takes more than just saying you want to do it. It takes actually DOING it. Until then, think about what you say to those who have managed to do it.
Here’s a list of the top ten things writers (professional, newbie, traditional or indie) really, really don’t want to hear.
1. I’ve always wanted to write a novel. Yeah, this is so bleeding easy, anyone who says they can do it, can. You know, I’ve always wanted to do a little brain surgery, too. Now, this is not to say one a select few can write. But you do have to get those little fingers dancing across that keyboard. Saying you want to write doesn’t cut it.
2. Oh, you’re self-published. Of course. I’m just a talentless hack who can’t manage to get an agent or a publisher to read my work. Think again, baby! Finding an agent/editor/publishing house is optional and most of us just don’t feel like getting the smaller piece of the pie after doing all the work.
3. Is your book going to be a movie? I might want to see it. Uh, no. If you want to know what happens in my book, you’ll probably have to take the time to read it.
4. You write horror? I don’t read horror. Okay, fine. I’m not changing what I write, so just read something else.
5. Can I have a copy? Sure. And while I’m handing over free copies of a book you’ll probably never pick up, can I have a free haircut/manicure/physical/cocktail/etc.? See where I’m going? (Now, I don’t mind handing out freebies, but it’s nice to get a review at Amazon or Goodreads in return.)
Now things we do want to hear are how much a reader enjoyed our book. And I have a spanking new novel out called Solstice, a horror/apocalyptic tale about a family’s trek across Europe in hopes of finding safety. I’d love for you to check it out so, despite number five on my goofy list, I am giving some copies away. Just comment here to be entered in the drawing. And happy reading, no matter your tastes.
And if you would like to be a writer—just remember—anyone can do it. It just takes a lot of patience. Put your butt in the chair and get to work! Just one page a day will add up to a novel in only a year
About Donna Burgess
Donna Burgess lives with her husband, daughter, son, many cats and one goofy Golden Retriever in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. When she is not writing, she can be found on her longboard, behind a good book or on the soccer field. She is the president of E-Volve Books. She holds a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Journalism and is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Creative Writing.
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2 comments:
Thank you for your guest post. I also hate reading reviews from nonwriters who completely bash an author, whether it be the grammar in the arc or whatever. When criticizing make sure its not done to be hurtful. The author spent a lot of time writing the book and you took five minutes to deem yourself a writing expert and tear the work apart. Thank you again for an authors perspective on something that as a reviewer and review reader makes me crazy.
Thank you for your guest post. I also hate reading reviews from nonwriters who completely bash an author, whether it be the grammar in the arc or whatever. When criticizing make sure its not done to be hurtful. The author spent a lot of time writing the book and you took five minutes to deem yourself a writing expert and tear the work apart. Thank you again for an authors perspective on something that as a reviewer and review reader makes me crazy.
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