Samantha’s Rules of
Writing:
My first rule of writing is always to set goals. When a new
book idea hits me, I set a goal of how long it can reasonably take me to write
it. After deciding how long I want the book to be, I do the math and divide the
number of words the book will contain by how many words I can reasonably write
per day, and the end result is an approximation of the book’s release date. I
don’t recommend this method for the faint at heart, because it takes
discipline, and determination. As evidenced
by the fact I have written and published eight books in the last ten months.
A second rule to observe would be: if you’re bored or hit a
stumbling point, move to the next project. I write several different books at
the same time, and often write several chapters in the same book at the same
time (this helps to keep your time-lines straight). I may write in one book for several days
straight, then, move to another book as the ideas flow. I don’t know how people
can stand to write one book from start to finish. In my mind, I assume that’s
what causes writer’s block (something I never get)!
Last, but not least…yield the advice of those that have gone
before us. They all say two things:
1. Keep a notebook handy—in case of inspiration.
I have several. I keep one for general ideas and new titles
that come to me when I’m busy with something else (or trying to sleep). But the
most important notebook I keep is the one that I use WHILE I’m writing. If I’m
writing, and an idea to twist the plot occurs to me, I write it down
immediately—mostly because I can usually write 5,000 or more words per day, and
I don’t want to stop in the middle of a writing jaunt because I usually have to
continue writing until my brain is emptied for the day!
2. Throw away your thesaurus.
No one wants to have to keep a dictionary on them when
they’re reading your book. I’ve found the best way to gauge this is to write
the same way you speak. And unless you make a habit of stopping midsentence to
look for a bigger word for what you are trying to convey, you shouldn’t do it
with your writing.
Benefits of being an
Indie Author:
I published my first book in August of 2010, and currently
have eight books published, with a goal of publishing a minimum of five more
before the end of this year. I’ve observed the release of books by fellow
authors that are in contract with big publishers, and I see that they publish
only ONE to two books per year! That would drive me absolutely mad!
I have several book ideas of different genres in my head at
any given time. Being limited to one book per year in one specific genre would
not only prohibit my creativity, but would slow my career to a pace I could
never tolerate. As an Indie Author, you can go at your own pace, and the sky is
literally the limit if you go this route.
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5 comments:
I can understand writing books so fast, but you must also be a fast editor so I, my friend, am in awe of you. Great post!pr
Thanks so much, Christine! It's nice to know that my efforts don't go unnoticed. I actually have two really wonderful people who edit for me, so I'm very lucky in that respect.
:-))
Hi Samantha; thanks for your message on Book Blogs. I am now following you. I really like your blog design, by the way. It looks like a beautiful Victorian card.
Absolutely Brilliant. I'm currently organizing three novel series projects in notes between research & improv writing. All while studying a Fiction Writing series. Multitasking for the win! You're absolutely right. It does help with writer's block, I find. When the fog rolls in on a certain scene I'm devising, I play hopskotch on my textbooks & mid-notes I'm back to epiphany mode. LOL Keep up the inspirational confirmation Blog pieces. ~.^
Hello, and thanks for this post. I'd always wondered about indie vs. traditional publishing, and I didn't realize indie authors could churn out books at that rate! It sounds very gratifying to be able to set your own pace for your work :)
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