Mike Stop Continues
First, understand that writing is hard work that required constant practice. It never gets easier, and you have to take joy in the challenge or you'll burn out.
Second, you should read four books per week. Every week. I mean it when I say it. Four books per week. If you don't have the sit down time, get into audiobooks, and listen while you drive, cook, clean, eat, shop, and shower. Seriously. You should be reading four books per week, and they should break down as follows: One classic novel outside your genre, one popular novel in your genre, one book on writing/publishing, and one book on a topic new to you. You must drown yourself in knowledge if you hope to ever become a master of your craft.
Third, write every single day. You want to devote at least two hours a day to writing. First on your agenda to write at least 1000 words. (If you have a finished manuscript, you can substitute writing 1000 words for editing 2000.) With what time you have left over, immerse yourself in deliberate practice. Choose an area you're weak at—be in characterization, plotting, dialog, etc—and practice. Practice on one skill for however many days it takes for your to notice a marked improvement, then pick a new area.
Fourth, get feedback from someone new on something new at least once per month. Feedback is that important. Seek out the advice of well-read friends, local writers' groups, online writers' forums, and, when you're ready, paid editors. Never send anyone anything that isn't as good as you could possibly make it on your own, or else you're wasting both their time and your own. And once you receive their feedback, act on it!
Second, you should read four books per week. Every week. I mean it when I say it. Four books per week. If you don't have the sit down time, get into audiobooks, and listen while you drive, cook, clean, eat, shop, and shower. Seriously. You should be reading four books per week, and they should break down as follows: One classic novel outside your genre, one popular novel in your genre, one book on writing/publishing, and one book on a topic new to you. You must drown yourself in knowledge if you hope to ever become a master of your craft.
Third, write every single day. You want to devote at least two hours a day to writing. First on your agenda to write at least 1000 words. (If you have a finished manuscript, you can substitute writing 1000 words for editing 2000.) With what time you have left over, immerse yourself in deliberate practice. Choose an area you're weak at—be in characterization, plotting, dialog, etc—and practice. Practice on one skill for however many days it takes for your to notice a marked improvement, then pick a new area.
Fourth, get feedback from someone new on something new at least once per month. Feedback is that important. Seek out the advice of well-read friends, local writers' groups, online writers' forums, and, when you're ready, paid editors. Never send anyone anything that isn't as good as you could possibly make it on your own, or else you're wasting both their time and your own. And once you receive their feedback, act on it!
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