Best Advice for Aspiring Writers...
I have said before (and I'll say again) that the best advice I can give to writers is simple: this business isn't for wusses.
But today I'd like to amend that slightly and offer some new advice to aspiring writers: don't be lazy.
Is this cruel, cruel advice? Yes. But believe me I wouldn't be opening myself up for the onslaught of angry comments that might commence if I didn't think it were true.
No one is going to help you decide which of your ideas you should write about.
No one is going to write the book for you.
No one is going to re-write the book for you.
Instead, you have to learn how to do these things for yourself.
You do this simply by writing and rewriting and reading and researching and becoming a student of the craft and by--wait for it--not being lazy and expecting someone to give you a trick that will make it all easier. It isn't easy. None of it. (That's why rule #1 is that this business isn't for wusses.)
YOU have to do it. Yourself.
And to take this one step further...
No one is going to tell you how to find you an agent.
No one is going to get you an agent.
So how can you possibly know how to find an agent?
Well, for starters I just Googled the phrase "How to find a literary agent" and got 12,000 responses.
12,000 responses.
So, yeah, I think that information exists and with a little effort people who are serious about the business should be able to track it down. Heck, almost every published writer I know has a section on their website or blog that deals with that very issue. Come to think of it, I have a section on this website that deals with that very issue.
There are some amazing websites for writers out there (and, yes, I have linked to them on this blog and on my site on many, many occasions--if you look, you'll find them).
There are some amazing organizations, too, like SCBWI (and, on the theme of not being lazy, I'm not going to explain what it is--I'm going to give you homework and make you go look it up).
I've said before that I knew nothing about publishing when I started. I knew no one. I simply went to the bookstore and bought the first screenwriting book I found (because, at first, I wanted to be a screenwriter). And then after that I started searching online for screenwriting and found some great websites. And then I made the decision to start writing novels and...you guessed it...I started researching novel writing.
You have to LEARN publishing (both the craft and the business aspects) like you learn math or science or Spanish.
Don't worry, it's possible. I know because that's how I did it. You can do it, too.
In fact, if you're serious about being a writer you will do it.
Because, after all, this business isn't for wusses.
-Ally
But today I'd like to amend that slightly and offer some new advice to aspiring writers: don't be lazy.
Is this cruel, cruel advice? Yes. But believe me I wouldn't be opening myself up for the onslaught of angry comments that might commence if I didn't think it were true.
No one is going to help you decide which of your ideas you should write about.
No one is going to write the book for you.
No one is going to re-write the book for you.
Instead, you have to learn how to do these things for yourself.
You do this simply by writing and rewriting and reading and researching and becoming a student of the craft and by--wait for it--not being lazy and expecting someone to give you a trick that will make it all easier. It isn't easy. None of it. (That's why rule #1 is that this business isn't for wusses.)
YOU have to do it. Yourself.
And to take this one step further...
No one is going to tell you how to find you an agent.
No one is going to get you an agent.
So how can you possibly know how to find an agent?
Well, for starters I just Googled the phrase "How to find a literary agent" and got 12,000 responses.
12,000 responses.
So, yeah, I think that information exists and with a little effort people who are serious about the business should be able to track it down. Heck, almost every published writer I know has a section on their website or blog that deals with that very issue. Come to think of it, I have a section on this website that deals with that very issue.
There are some amazing websites for writers out there (and, yes, I have linked to them on this blog and on my site on many, many occasions--if you look, you'll find them).
There are some amazing organizations, too, like SCBWI (and, on the theme of not being lazy, I'm not going to explain what it is--I'm going to give you homework and make you go look it up).
I've said before that I knew nothing about publishing when I started. I knew no one. I simply went to the bookstore and bought the first screenwriting book I found (because, at first, I wanted to be a screenwriter). And then after that I started searching online for screenwriting and found some great websites. And then I made the decision to start writing novels and...you guessed it...I started researching novel writing.
You have to LEARN publishing (both the craft and the business aspects) like you learn math or science or Spanish.
Don't worry, it's possible. I know because that's how I did it. You can do it, too.
In fact, if you're serious about being a writer you will do it.
Because, after all, this business isn't for wusses.
-Ally
Labels: Tips for Writers
posted by Ally Carter at Sunday, January 04, 2009
36 Comments:
Blogger Kelly McClymer said...
Well, I did a lot of my own research, took community and college classes in writing (undergrad and grad), participated in critique groups (in-person and on-line), joined writing organizations...and wrote, and wrote.
I don't think you have to do it alone. Have as many teachers, tutors, paid editors, agents and beta readers as you need to get out the best book you can.
But no one else can write your book for you, of course, just like the coach and cheerleaders and the roaring crowd aren't going to sink your baskets or make your touchdowns for you in sports.
It always comes down to butt in chair, hands on keyboard. But there are lots of tips and tricks to get yourself motivated to spend that time and block out other distractions. And enough grammar and plotting books to get the sparks flying. Why reinvent the wheel?
(I had to move this comment because I had to re-post the post. Sorry for any confusion.
--Ally)
One thing I've learned is that if you can't stay interested enough in writing one book (like if you skip from project to project like I tend to) no one else is going to stay interested, either. Love the story you're writing.
Good advice Ally.
I'VE said it before and I'll say it again: I agree.
I want to be an editor "when I grow up." I also want to write. I don't care if I "know the right people" or have an "in." I will force myself to do the research anyway because,well, I'll feel like I'm less of a writer and I have less experience than everyone else. I WANT to make mistakes because if I'm rewriting a manuscript over and over and over again I don't want it to be easily published. I mean I'll want to somewhat, that'd be amazing. But I should go through the same hardships my little bookey-book went through.
After all, a very wise person once told me that the writing business isn't for wusses.
2 thumbs up.
P.S.The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators seems like a good organization to me as well. =]
Oooh, good one. Like you, I really knew nothing and no one when I started out and did tons of research on my own. A few published authors did answer some specific questions, which I'd ask when I was confused and overwhelmed.
This is actually very encouraging. And I would consider this a time where I am lacking encouragement and motivation in general. Especially for writing.
Thank you, Ally!
You know what, Ally?
Thanks. No, seriously, THANK YOU. This is exactly the kick in the butt I need to start seriously writing. I mean, I've started my fifth novel, but none of the other 4 are even close to finished. I've been wondering what to do next, waiting for something to inspire me like my original book idea did. But, these things are once in a lifetime chances. You get a wonderful idea. You write a book about it, now the world knows. you don't, and congrats, it's your idea. But no one else knows that. This business isn't for wusses. Someone very wise taught me that.
I've actually been doing a lot of research on lit agents recently. I found four or five that sounded good on agentquery.com. It was really helpful. All I had to do was search for agents that represent YA writers, and I got a bunch of results (so many that I couldn't go through all of them in one sitting). And guess what? Your agent wqas at the very top of the list.
Hey Ally, this doesn't really have to do with the post but i was wondering if in your next post you could answer a question for me. (it's about cross my heart)
I was wondering if the code black test in the end of the book was also a test for the blackthorn boys, or were they in on it the whole time?
sorry it's just been bugging me because i don't think it ever really clarifies it in the book
the best and simplest advice you can give... thanks for having the guts to say it.
Thanks, Ally,
Your tips for writers have been great.
Donna
Love your comments and suggestions for aspiring writers. I have a blog called Reinvent the Book, and would like to list your site there. Cant figure out how to do that. Any suggestions? Google says add to reading list link on the blog you want to add, but,I dont see that option on this page.
Angela: Me, too. About EVERYTHING you just wrote.
Ally: Oh, believe you me, I know. (About rule #1)
Wow, people really get that mad? I guess I can see why, but mostly it's good. Sometimes I'm lazy (so yeah, I didn't like that first comment), BUT when I really like something I'll stick to it, and I have stayed at a computer typing a story because I was extremely into it. SO I guess I'm not always lazy.
Anyways, I am really glad that you didn't know anyone at first, because now I know people can get into it without knowing anyone. Since you're proof of that!
I hope you don't mind my copying and pasting your tips to a word document so I can look them up again. I read through the other tips on your site and want to do those to so I can get to them without internet... if you do mind please say so, but I hope you don't and take it as it's meant to be - a compliment to you because I do value your advice. :)
I don't read this blog because I'm interested in writing or publishing, just because I like the books, but that sounds like really good advice, and not just for writers, but for anyone who wants to learn something new or try something different.
Thanks, Ally.
that really IS great advice!!
Great points and it underlines the fact that you have to have faith in yourself (even when it looks like nobody else does). It took me three years to break into television writing--looking back, three years isn't so long, but of course at the time you don't know whether your break will take 3 months, 3 years, 10 years, or never. The only thing to do is...keep writing.
Great post Ally! I think you're right. There are a lot of people out there willing to give advice and help out, but in the end it comes down to you: you gotta be the one to seek out the opportunities and do the research (otherwise, how can you decide what advice to take and which to take with a grain of salt?).
I also agree with Kelly that you don't have to do it alone. I found that once you start participating in the communities, you start making friends and that makes it all easier :)
Boy, isn't this the truth.
I'm on something like my seventh finished manuscript. The first two are never going to see the light of day, with some serious rewriting I can make something out of 3-5, 6 was part of a series (which I never expect to get published, as the previous books were in said 3-5) and 7 is... actually pretty decent.
But I gave myself permission to play. Every book I write has to be better than the last. Which means the characters were Mary Sues in the first books, and now they all have personalities; which means I have a half-ear for dialogue; which means I'm learning the art of foreshadowing and am soon to be a journeyman in the art of editing.
Joining a community was THE best thing I ever did. No one really gets what you have to do except writers. But hey, at this rate, you'll see me in print in the next five years or so. Just need to improve query letters from 'horrible' to 'terrible' and then to 'not bad' and 'okay'. And it's all fun enough to be worth it.
Hey I just Googled "how to find a literary agent" and came up with 1,350,000 responses. I'm not sure how many of those actually have to do with finding a literary agent - the one letdown of Google.
Okay I have a question How much research Do you did to do if you're going to write a book like LYKY and CMH and other books with spies and the CIA and back branches of the government? Figured I'd ask since I'm working on a book (possible a series) that also includes the CIA and Back Branches of the government the blog is about advice and since my dad tells me that I should do A LOT
Research figured I would ask.
~Please and thank you~
Ally your words are soooo true...my parents are both author's and they always say: "The book isnt's going to write itself, if that was possible I wouldn't have to spend $100 on notebooks each freakin year!" (well thats what my mom says whenever I steal one of her future writtings from under her bed without her promition!)
Good advice. And it's true.
My attempts at books began in fourth grade when our teacher made us sit down for "Creative Writing Time". The only hitch was that "finished" creative writing pieces had to be 3-8 pages long, swear-word/controversial topic free, and have a happy ending (of course she didn't say this to our faces, but that's what she graded me down on). because, well, i wrote a 26 page story about a girl who has to solve a murder mystery. it ended with the girl committing suicide herself. and the adults... well, when they got home from the bar they sounded like adults who got home from the bar (or at least a fourth grader's perspective). Of course the quality of writing was at a fourth grader level, but the only reason I wrote it was too test the limits. Even if the teacher had corrected grammar and plot mistakes, it would never have been published, but her assumption that fourth graders were capable of nothing more than 8-page-long fairy-tales made me write a drawn out "book".
And since then I've been writing a lot.
Now, of course my writing is probably a lot better, and of course my writing is probably a lot more plausible (because 9-year-olds generally don't solve murder mysteries and don't get hired by detective agencies). But I think that experience taught me that the only judge to tell you if your work is "good" or not is yourself.
Your editors and publishers and friends and whomever can help you edit and all, but only you can decide whether or not your work is worthy of publishing.
So, no, I don't think any of my so-far books could be published -- because they aren't good enough. They don't have subplots, they have shallow characters... but I'm going to take your advice and not be lazy. As soon as I finish my homework (stupid history essay), I'm sitting here and working on my latest project. I will finish this one.
Thank you so much for the advice.
To me the hardest thing about writing a book...well writing the actual book.
I have started on so many different stories..but I stop writing them because I can't think what comes next, I come to hate the whole idea, or I just stop because Im not sure how to get what I want said across the page. It gets so frustrating..I start writing again..but it all just sounds to...stupid? Childish? Boring? Maybe it should..im just 13. The moment I knew words existed (maybe around age 2?) I knew what I wanted to do.
People say I can do it. People say Im gifted. But are people going to write the book? Unluckily..no.
This helps me think how I can better my stories..but I know I will get the hang of it and I will have my stories made! Danke! (German for Thank You!)
Uh oh... I really hope I am tough enough! ;)
I have seen a lot of comments already posted about authors who did the same thing as you, you know, started out with just a paper and a pencil... but then worked THEMSELVES. It is very encouraging! I'll see what I can do about actual novels... you see, I have so many ideas, that I never sat down and actually chose something to pursue. Form now on, I will probably be more determined to be good at my writing skills. Thanks (:
i hope im not a wussie. we'll see
Well I've always wanted to be a writer. I"m working on a book and trying to find a good editor. The advise you give always helps me and it's great :) Thank you so much for the advise Ally :)
How about I come up with a great idea- you write it and we split the big money? What? No? Why not?
Great advice.
I am really liking these posts. I have kind of made it my "new years goal" to have a "book" written by next year. I am hopefully going to be able to write 15 minutes a day, but I am not being too serious about it. I am just doing it for fun, you know?
My dad, however, (long story...) is actually being serious about writing his book. So, it has been nice to forward him your 101 tips for writers and posts like these. So, thanks. :)
What a great post, Ally! So true and so inspiring. I recently decided that I wanted to pursue writing as my career and as someone who works 2 jobs (about 50-60 hours a week), I know breaking into writing in addition to what I do now won't be easy. I needed this boost.
Is it alright if I post a link to this blog post on my website?
thats really good advice
The randomness of life never ceases to amaze me.
My first "I'm going to be a writer, so I need to buy a book on writing" purchase? "An Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting"
I thought I wanted to write screenplays as well. It turns out my novel-writing style is just very visual. I'll leave the screenplays to the professionals who buy the rights to my book one day.
Thanks for saying what so many beat around the bush rather than saying!
I REALLY want to be a writer when I grow up. You're right. I've tried to write some novels, but it's really hard. Books have always captured my attention. That's all i'm ever doing is reading books. You can learn soooo much from them! I really want to be a writer so I can make that happen for other people!!!
Dear Ally I am begining to write a book and found these tips very helpful.
A good friend and I call it the "Butt in Chair" or "BIC" approach. Depending on how the writing is going that day, we ocassionally use another word in place of butt. Because sometimes you just have to cuss. Especially when your imaginary friends, er...hem, hem...fictional characters want to argue with you about what happens next.
Sometimes you have to let them win. Because no one wants to read about fictional characters that are wusses.
i think that the caracter Zach is sooo hot!! i hope to read more of him.
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