Throughout my short existence in the world as a first-time novelist, I’ve searched high and low for answers to questions I’ve come up against, as well as ones I didn’t even know I had in the first place. Creating a good story line, believable characters, and witty, fast-paced commentary are just some of the problems most writers struggle with. Until my first lucky break (which as you may have read, I blew completely) I knew nothing about composing query letters, contacting agents, formatting a manuscript or even how long the publishing process often takes (on average 1-2 years!). Instead, I was under the same impression I imagine most novice authors are, that a good book will speak for itself. You show it to an agent, they love it, they publish it. Simple…and rarely a reality. No one explains to you that as a new author you have to be a jack of all trades, meaning: not just a writer, but a salesman, an editor, a marketing expert, and now more often than not, even your own publicist.
Nonetheless, through this experience I have grown more adept at my craft. And although I still consider myself to be a beginner, I do have some words of wisdom that I could share with you. That’s what this page is all about. Posts of random tid-bits I’ve collected from reading professional writing books, meeting with other up-and-coming writers, going to conferences, speaking to agents and writing coaches, as well as some of my own insight that I’ve noted throughout the last few years. Feel free to read, recycle or rebut anything you’d like, or even add tips of your own. Either way, hope it helps.
Good luck, and thank you for reading.
Writer's Block 