So, you want to write. Congratulations. You just entered a life full of caffeine, loneliness, rejection, and bliss only other writers understand. I’m not a master but I love sharing what I do know. I also read a lot and try to pass on great writing resources. I hope this helps.
1. You don’t have to be the best writer, just a called writer. I can’t tell you how many teachers let me know my writing was mediocre and to make a life out of it was setting myself up for disappointment. They are right, I am mediocre. Yet, I have something they didn’t know—I’m called to write. I believe because I’m called, God equips.
2. Have skin like a rhino and a heart like a dove. A mentor shared this with me and it helped so much. Rejection is part of the business. So is dealing with people at all levels. It’s not a life where you will prosper carrying grudges and burning bridges. Thank people. Send thank you cards. And keep referring to #1.
3. Christian Writers Guild. This is where I started, and it is well worth the investment. That’s right, not a cost, but an investment. In the spirit of full disclosure my time with the CWG was paid by a loved one who believed in me. Be disciplined, do your homework on time, and you not only learn the craft and have a great head start, you avoid late fees.
4.FaithWriters. Join the Platinum level (FW 500). The benefits are so many for very little. One little article I had on the repost page found favor with an author writing an anthology. Within months I had an author’s credit and was invited to the book signing as one of the signers. I owe that to FaithWriters.
5. ACFW. What took me so long to join American Christian Fiction Writers? The prayer loop paid for the first year membership within a week. There is so much to this organization and I feel like my learning curve jumped years ahead with the resources here. I also recommend joining the Scribes group. I am in two small Scribes groups and what an experience.
6. Look at my links at the bottom of my site. I read a lot of blogs and there is so much out there. If you’re disciplined, you can read blog posts and still get your writing in. I included a lot of writing related blogs in the link section.
7. Create a prayer team. I get funny looks but the ones who make fun of me are struggling a lot more than I am, and I’m telling you, I’m not a master writing. I’m one who believes God answers prayer. I believe in this so much that I have an article for you to read about how to start one. This is so important.
8. My Book Therapy. Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck and the MBT gang are constantly encouraging writers with blog posts, writing retreats, contests, forums, chats, and more. I also recommend the books they wrote on the craft.
9. Keep reading. Read the genre you want to write in. Read the genre you don’t want to write. Read for fun. Read authors you love. Just keep reading.
10. Be disciplined. Most writers have a day job so their writing time is all the more precious. I’m as guilty as anyone but turn off Facebook and use it as a reward when you hit a writing goal. Make a writing goal, and hit it. My downfall is TV. I love the morning news and often keep the TV on once the news is over. I don’t write as much when I do this. Learn from my mistakes.
Writer and Speaker
http://juliearduini.com
