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!
