Thursday, September 15, 2011

What Would Your Favorite Author Say?

I once asked some of my favorite authors for writing/publishing advice. They gave it to me and I've cherished their words ever since!

I've posted part of this before, but I don't think it hurts to share it again for those who might have missed it. I hope it's as helpful to you as it has been for me. :)

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 Lori Foster says:

 “Avoid critique groups and contests. They can not buy your book, but they can dilute your voice - which is the only unique thing any writer has. Listen to all advice given, and see how it applies to your work, but never feel pressured to make a change just to please the masses. Be honest with yourself, and admit your words are NOT golden, and can almost always use change. Yeah, it's a conflict - but no one ever said writing was easy. So much is instinctive, and if you don't have the instincts, get out while you can! LOL” – www.lorifoster.com


Maya Banks says:

"My advice to writers, especially those just starting out is to be fiercely protective of their voice. I think a lot of writers in the beginning are excited, driven and exuberant. They look for critique partners and they tend to listen to every piece of feedback because they want their book to be the best it can possibly be.

I haven’t used critique partners in a long, long time. I’m a bit rebellious because I want the book to be my own whether it flops or succeeds. When an author takes every piece of feedback and attempts to please all their critics, the result is a watered down, generic story that could have been written by anyone. An author’s voice is what makes a story special. Not the plot or the theme. Most stories have been done before. Many, many times. What makes it new and fresh is the author’s voice. An author’s voice can make the difference between an editor passing or an editor offering a contract.

Don’t be afraid to ignore “advice” especially when it comes to your story. Make sure it resonates with you before you change parts of your writing. Even when an editor or agent rejects you and offers suggestions, make sure you agree with them before you go revise your story because they are only ONE opinion. Writing isn’t about pleasing every editor or agent out there. It’s about finding ONE editor who loves your voice enough to want to invest in you as an author.

And after you’re published, you’ll find that there is a multitude of people, readers, reviewers etc who offer advice or make suggestions on ways to change, improve etc. Again, writing to please ONE person or even a vocal minority is a huge, huge mistake. Own your voice. Don’t change it for anyone. For every reader, reviewer, editor or agent who dislikes one aspect of your story, there is likely a hundred who love it. --  www.mayabanks.com


Lucy Monroe says:

 “Believe in your voice and your stories and don't let anyone but your editor convince you to make changes that don't mesh with *your* heart. (Sometimes not even your editor.)” – www.lucymonroe.com 

  Kimberly Raye says:

 "The biggest piece of advice I can give to any writer (published or unpublished) is to believe in yourself and your work and take both seriously. If you don’t, no one else will. It wasn’t until I started believing in myself and my work that I started to go places with my writing. At first, it was just to the page, then to a critique group, then a publisher, and now it’s to thousands of readers. But it started with me having the faith to sit down and do it, to value what I was doing, to cherish and nurture it.” -- www.kimberlyraye.net 

 Cynthia Eden says:

 “Not everyone will love your work--and that's okay. But YOU have to love your work. Stay true to your voice. Write the story that you want to create--do not try to fit a preset mold or write what you think is "hot" right now. Believe in yourself and write the best story that you are capable of creating.” -- www.cynthiaeden.com


Brenda Williamson says:

 “Carry a small recorder and talk out what's in your head. Works great when alone in the car, riding the lawnmower, soaking in the tub, and anywhere else you don't feel foolish dictating or acting out love scenes.” -- www.brendawilliamson.com

 
Larissa Ione says:

 “Don’t sweat the small stuff…don’t get hung up on nits. An editor isn’t going to reject your book because you had too many “thats” or not enough commas in the story. Get the big stuff down – plot, characterization, voice, etc., because sometimes, the little stuff IS your voice.” -- www.larissaione.com




A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

http://annerainey.com

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