Sometimes it’s a good idea to look at old things in a new way. Nothing in my Alphabet for Authors is new information but hopefully it will spark your creative juices.
A - Affirm aloud: “I am a writer!”
There’s a fine line between affirming who you are and what you do. This affirmation comes when you clearly know and feel the difference between the two. Then, when you say, “I am a writer” the ego is out of the way.
B - Browse your local bookstore.
There’s nothing quite like perusing the aisles of a bookstore. I especially love small, independent bookstores—the kind with creaky wooden floors, bookshelves that fold open to reveal hidden storage spaces, and comfy over-stuffed chairs.
C - Create something new today.
Creativity is only limited by one’s imagination. Excellent writers understand the importance of creativity in everything they do.
D - Delete at least one sentence from each page of your manuscript.
This simple exercise is a powerful way to begin editing. Read each sentence with the following questions in mind: Does this sentence move the story along? Is it vital to the scene? Does it have a definite purpose? If the answer is ‘no’ to any of these questions, strike the sentence.
E – Embrace Editing and do it AGAIN!
Embracing the editing process means you open your eyes, heart and mind wide to recognize how unpolished your manuscript may be. My first novel was edited dozens and dozens of times.
F - Finish a chapter.
No matter what, just get it done! Then work on making the ending of each chapter, and the beginning of the next chapter, seamless yet purposeful.
G - Give yourself permission to write.
Put everything else on hold and do what you love to do. Say ‘no’ to the endless list of other demands, both self-imposed and otherwise. C’mon…you know want to!
H – Hook
Make sure your one sentence elevator pitch grabs the attention of anyone who hears it. The jacket blurb (short synopsis printed on the back of your book) absolutely must pull the reader in. Writing a pitch, blurb and synopsis requires many revisions to get it just right.
I - Imagination and Intrigue Invite Interesting characters.
All interesting characters have a certain quality that makes them believably intriguing. Interview your characters; spend time with them. When you listen, they’ll tell you all kinds of things.
J - Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents: check it out.
http://jeffherman.com
K - Keep at it!
Authors in today’s market must be resilient, dedicated, and just keep at it. The best antidote for the tough times is to write. Write. Write. Write.
L - Literary Marketplace: Subscribe today.
The world’s largest and most complete database of the book publishing industry.
http://literarymarketplace.com
M - Memorize your pitch…then practice it.
Here’s the rundown on mastering your pitch. Write it. Rewrite it. Rewrite it. Rewrite it. Memorize it. Practice it until it doesn’t sound like you’re reciting it from memory. Practice. Practice. Practice. Above all else, remember to relax, breathe, and if at all possible, smile when introducing yourself to an agent. Remember, they are people, too.
N - News: Read online newspapers.
Reading about what’s going on in your local community, the country, and the world, provides an endless source of character and plot ideas. Certainly there are other ways to gather ideas for stories, but don’t discount the news—besides, someday your novel may be the next big headline!
O - Open a favorite book you haven't read in years and read it again.
There’s nothing quite like rereading one of your favorites. It’s sort of like biting into fine chocolate. Delectably yummy!
P - Publisher's Weekly: subscribe today.
This online publication provides valuable information on international news related to the book publishing and book selling industries. www.publishersweekly.com
Q - Query
After you’ve researched, written, edited, and submitted, remember this: A perfect query letter does NOT equal representation! There are far too many factors in the equation. Don’t let the word “query” cause you unnecessary grief or angst. Accept the fact that it’s just part of the process.
R - Respect your agent's and editor's time...respect your own time.
Don’t be needy, clingy or demanding of your agent or editor. Do be professional, patient and respectful. Set boundaries in your life and relationships so others respect your writing time, and so they don’t become needy, clingy or demanding of you.
S - Synopsis: Condense it.
A synopsis is a brief summary. ‘Brief’ means concise, succinct, or with few words. ‘Summary’ means comprehensive. Hence, when you write a synopsis for your novel use as few words as possible and only as comprehensive as is necessary. A synopsis in a query letter should only be one paragraph, unless an agent’s submission guidelines specifies otherwise.
T - Trust your inner voice.
Write from your heart. Edit from your head. Not an easy thing to do. Creativity is the language of our own inner voice. It’s not a language you can learn from a blog post, in a class, or from anyone else. You’re the teacher and the creator. Once you know that, then you’ll trust your inner voice and live from your heart. The writing will come from that place.
U - Understand why you write and you will better understand yourself.
I write so the unexpected magical things in life come alive. In myself. In my life. On the page. It’s that simple. Why do you write?
V - Viewpoint: Reread or rewrite your manuscript from a different viewpoint.
Point of View isn’t just about who is telling the story. It’s also about considering each of your characters’ viewpoints—their emotions, feelings, responses, etc.—in such a way that you actually write their story from their own point of view. Know your characters better than anyone else does.
W - Writer's Conference: Research options and sign up for one today.
I go to a writer’s conferences with an open mind, ready to absorb information and learn about craft, industry and myself.
X - eXpect results equal to your efforts, skill, determination, talent, and perseverance.
One of the keys to success as an author is to make sure your expectations are high enough to continually reach outside your comfort zone, but realistic in relation to your present strengths and weaknesses. When it comes right down to it, you have to make it happen. So expect your best. Then trust it’s enough.
Y - YES! The word you will be shouting the day your book is published!
Z - Zany: Do something silly every day!
If you feel like you’re in a rut, you are. Get up and do something out of the ordinary. This creates positive energy. Writer’s block comes from blocked creativity, which comes from blocked, or negative energy. Be Z-A-N-Y and Zap Away Negative Yuck!
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