Friday Five: Advice for Writers

Friday Five: Advice for Writers

This will be a recurring series for the next several Fridays in which I give you the best advice for writers that i've come across.

5. Use the internet to your advantage. Connect with publishing professionals and fellow writers on Twitter, LinkedIn, and through blogs. It's a great way to learn more about your craft and the business and to feel connected to the fellowship of writers out there. This is especially helpful if your family is less than supportive or if you live in a remote area.

4. Create a blog. Get those contacts going now, even if you're just starting to write. It takes a lot of work and a lot of time to build a good reputation.

3.Blogging/Twitter/Facebook is addicting. Connecting and building relationships online is invaluable, but don't forget the main reason you're stalking connecting with them: You've got a book you want published. Keep writing and don't get sidetracked trying to create the perfect writing blog. You're never going to satisfy everyone anyway. Keep your book the most important part of your day.

2. Remember that there's a real world too. Don't forget about your real friends and making contacts offline. If you can afford it, network at conferences and book fairs. If you can't, get friendly with your local library system and bookstores. They might be invaluable when it comes time to promote your book.

1. Talk to strangers. Connect with everyone you meet. Maybe they do something unique that will spark a story idea or will help you out when you're trying to write about Tesla coils or algebra. These will be the people buying and reading your book, make sure they think you're friendly and outgoing.

If you'd like to contribute to a Friday Five post, email me at camarshallwrites@gmail.com