Keys to Writing Success - Revision Time

Here is a writing tip which I hope will serve you well.

It is that when finishing a piece of work, and you do not have a pressing deadline to meet, allow some time before sending the work off. By allowing yourself this time - even if just a gap of a few days - you will be able to look at your work in a new light and perhaps spot errors or sentences that may not read as well as you would like. Today, for instance, I was going through an article I finished last Friday and thought was ready. To my alarm I spotted two errors - one in the opening paragraph and which, despite my reading the article over several times, I had not spotted before. Allowing time and reading your work after an interval can certainly help you to spot mistakes, improve it and, in the process, help strenghten your chances of publication.

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I have recently updated my website and if you would like to take a look it is http://neilsomerville.com

Story Endings

In recent weeks I have heard several writers read out short stories they have written. Interestingly most of these stories started really well and drew you into the action and characterisation quite quickly. They then tailed off and with the concluding part of the story a disappointment.

It is possible these writers began their stories with the beginning and opening very clear in their mind and then, as they wrote, thought up the conclusion.

Some writers do write this way and see where their stories and characters take them. I know one detective writer who does not know whodunit until their story is quite advanced. However if you write this way, once you have written your story you do need to consider your conclusion carefully.

Does it satisfy the reader?
Is there a good twist?
Does it end in the strongest possible way?
Does your story end with a 'bang,' ie deliver the conclusion and then finish rather than peter out.

The beginning of any story is very important as you need to draw the reader in. But the ending also has to be strong, particularly if you are hoping to interest an editor with your work.

If you write fiction, do pay attention to your ending and make sure it is strong and satisfying. Just as writers like to give thought to beginnings, this is equally true of endings - and besides, a strong ending can always increase the chance of acceptance.

Keys to Writing Success Part 11. Naming Characters

Sherlock Holmes.

One of the most famous and enduring names in fiction.

It has a special quality. Different, intriguing and also possibly a little remote.

It is a name we remember.

And names in fiction are supremely important.

As Emile Zola wrote, 'I always judge a young author by the names which he bestows on his characters. If the names seem to be weak or unsuitable on the people who bear them, I put the author down as a man of little talent, and am no further interested in the book.'

You can choose names from books containing name lists - for instance Baby Names, online or by looking through the phone book. One name I conjured up for one of my characters in my one and only novel was Ma Demuth, with the Demuth coming from the phone book. Although the novel is unpublished those who have read it, remember Ma Demuth well.

It really is worth spending the time to create good and appropriate character names, particularly as it can help make your characters remain in the minds of readers.

Keys to Writing Success - Part 10

I once read about a writer who specialised in writing teenage fiction. To help keep her target audience in mind she had a picture of a teenager on her desk. This was a constant reminder of who (and the age range) she was writing for and allowed her to write in the best and most appropriate way.

As you plan and set about your writing, this is something which can be of great help. Visualise the type of person most likely to read your material. By doing so your writing will be more relevant, applicable and, if sent to the right magazine or publisher, have greater chance of acceptance.

Do bear this important Writing Key in mind - I am sure it will serve you well.

Keys to Writing Success Part 9 - Successful Timing

Before mentioning a new writing tip, many thanks to all who have contacted me through this blog. Also, some have also enquired about my new book, Your Chinese Horoscope 2008. For American readers this is now available for purchase from Barnes and Noble. If you would like to order a signed copy, please visit my website, http://neilsomerville.com

My writing tip this week is this: plan and look ahead. Magazines often work several months ahead and although we are in early October, many Christmas editions have been or are about to be finalised. If you write for magazines, you do need to write seasonal or time-related items well in advance. Similarly with newspaper submissions, if you have an idea for an article, try and submit this as soon as you can. In publishing time is of the essense and, as the saying reminds us, 'the early bird catches the worm,' and in writing it is often the early and appropriate submissions that catch the editor's eye.

For magazine and newspaper writing, plan your work well in advance.

Good Luck.

Keys to Writing Success - Part 8

Recently I read about a writer who had written a short story and was wondering where he should send this. He mentioned it was a rather unusual story and with hidden meanings.

On reading this I do wonder if his story stands any chance of publication. The reason is, if you are hoping to get published rather than write for personal pleasure, then you do need to consider the market first and where you intend to submit to. That way you can tailor your work to meet the needs of a magazine or publisher and their intended audience.

For those writing for publication, this is an important principle - start by considering the needs to the market (including what readers and editors are looking for,) rather than writing and then wondering what to do next. I write about this in greater detail in Achieve More Acceptances and this and other principles given can certainly help make the path to publication that much smoother.

Bear this Key to Writing Success in mind. It is an important one and can serve you well.

Good Luck.

Story ideas - The Colin Dexter way

A little while ago I attended a talk given by the crime writer and creator of Morse, Colin Dexter. And during a fascinating evening he told of how he devised many of his stories. He said that he took an incident from real life but changed just one thing. And from that change, events took a new (and sometimes sinister) turn.

It's a wonderful way to come up with story ideas and if you are ever in need of a plot, do bear this method in mind. It could be an incident you read in a paper or something you actually experienced but just change one thing or detail ... and then wonder what the consequences are.

Good luck and happy plot creating!

Achieve More Acceptances - A Review

When I wrote Achieve More Acceptances my aim was to help writers make more of their talents and to get published more easily. And I was very gratified to receive the following review from writer John Craggs earlier this week.

'I finally got to finish reading AMA, (Life got in the way for a while...), and thoroughly enjoyed it, much of the time nodding in agreement

I could have done with something like this all those years ago when I first started trying to sell my work. Good solid practical information which double-guesses most of a would-be writer's questions.

The concept of the 'golden opportunity 'was very worthwhile. I've had a few of these, where a little extra effort or thought have really paid off. I suspect a lot of people let these chances slip by either through procrastination, fear of rejection, or giving up too easily.

I'm not teaching any classes at the moment, but AMA has been added to my small list of books I'll cheerfully suggest to writing students. Come to think of it, this will be the first 'download' I've ever suggested. (Sign of the times.)'

Achieve More Acceptances is currently available for the very reasonable price of $7 (about £3.60) and to order or for more details please email me at neil@neilsomerville.com

John Craggs is the author of some highly entertaining books, 'A Hamper of Havoc' and 'British Bike Bodgers Booklet' and both can be ordered via www.lulu.com. He also writes a fortnightly humour newsletter and to subscribe you can email John at gyppo1@ntlworld.com with 'MSD SUB'

Keys to Writing Success - Part 7

This week I'm going to share with you something that has served me well for many a year. It is also something that I have touched on before but is so important, is worth mentioning again.

To make the most of your writing time you need to stay organised and think ahead. By doing so, you will be preparing yourself mentally for what it is you want to write. If not, there is a risk that when you do have writing time, you could be sitting in front of a screen or sheet of paper without any firm ideas.

Writing time is too valuable to waste.

To help me maintain my own output, I always plan out on Sunday what I intend to write during the week. This gives me something to aim for as well as allow me to collect my thoughts. This weekly plan is not necessarily detailed but serves as a useful guide and prompt.

I also make a daily to do list, again setting out all I want to do that day, including specific writing projects as well as other things.

By making weekly - and daily - lists you will find it will not only help you with your writing output but keep your writing projects on track.

The Keys to Writing Success - Part 6

One of my favourite writing maxims is, 'To be a writer you need to be an eternal optimist.'

And to succeed, you do need to believe in what you do and keep putting your work and ideas forward. Such is the way of publishing, some work and ideas will get rejected but you must keep going and be optimistic and hopeful.

During the week I was saddened to read one person interested in writing, write 'I have never had anything accepted and probably never will.'

With such an attitude making that breakthrough and getting accepted will be doubly difficult. As Henry Ford wrote, 'If you believe you can do a thing, or if you believe you cannot, you are RIGHT.'

As a writer believe in your skills. And know that if you keep writing, keep putting forward ideas and proposals and retain a healthy sense of optimism (despite the inevitable knocks) you will get results.

Good luck and I wish you and your writing well.

Back from my holidays

In case you have been wondering why there haven't been any postings recently, I have been away on holiday - and a very idyllic time in rural Estonia. As is always the case after a holiday, loads of emails, post, the unpacking etc. But I hope to be adding a new (and important) Key to Writing Success in the next few days.

Also as a reminder, for those in the UK who may prefer to buy a copy of Achieve More Acceptances and pay in sterling (rather than dollars) please email me at neil@neilsomerville.com.

Until my next post, here's wishing you all the best with your own writing activities.

The Keys to Writing Success - Part 5

As a writer you need to be aware. This way you can pick up ideas and thoughts more easily or see or hear things that you could incorporate in what you write.

And although you may think, 'Ok, I will be more aware,' this is not always enough. You need to actually take in and note down what you see. Jot down your thoughts in a notebook or, if have one and are able, record your impressions on your MP3.

And in addition to noticing what may be going on around you, keep alert for writing possibilities and markets. You could see something interesting or amusing that could make a good filler or be made into an article or a magazine you could possible write for.

As a writer it is essential to be aware.

There are writing ideas and possibilities all around.

And as a final thought. Today, make an effort to be especially aware and to notice or think of something that could have some writing value for you and be sure to write it down.

Good luck.

Achieve More Acceptances - British Writers

Some British writers have asked me if it is possible to buy Achieve More Acceptances in sterling rather than to pay in dollars. At the moment the Paypal link is set up in dollars but if you are interested in buying Achieve More Acceptances and paying in sterling, please email me at neil@neilsomerville.com for details.

More information and some reader comment can be found on http://achievemoreacceptances.com . The UK price is currently £3.50 and, with the tips, advice and the special Golden Opportunity which I have found so useful, is truly remarkable value.

The Keys to Writing Success - Part 4

JK Rowling first thought of Harry Potter while sitting alone on a train and Dickens created many of his masterpieces while walking the Kent countryside.

These moments of quiet and reflection are essential for the creator. And in this fast paced and noisy age, it is very important to shut yourself away from all this and just think, wonder and be yourself. This is when some of the best creations and ideas come about.

As a writer, make sure you have times of quiet during your week and you will find it can lead you to new ideas, allow you to work out plot scenarios or just freshen your mind and spirit for work you may currently be engaged on.

Seek out the quiet
the stillness
the tranquility.
And enjoy.

Achieve More Acceptances

I have recently had a number of enquiries about Achieve More Acceptances and Be Published More Often and, in answer to some of the questions, I am pleased to reproduce the introduction to the report and hope that it will be of interest.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this report is to help you achieve more acceptances and be published more often. And, in the pages that follow, you will find ways in which you can strengthen your submissions and so improve your chance of acceptance.

Some of these methods you may already follow but there will also be some you may not be so familiar with. In particular you will read about ‘The Golden Opportunity.’ This is something I stumbled across in my own writing career and has opened a number of outlets for my work. This opportunity can, I believe, also help many and I thoroughly recommend that you stay alert for your own ‘golden opportunities.’ By doing so you could be well rewarded.

Much of the advice covered in this report covers can be applied to both fiction and non-fiction. However, if you are particularly keen to get into print, I would recommend you concentrate initially on non-fiction. There are far more openings for informative and factual pieces than there are for stories and this is shown by the many special interest magazines and publications currently in print. Even though fiction may be enjoyable to write, it is also harder to sell.

Also, when you place your work or get an encouraging response from an editor, do use and build on this. One submission or compliment can be the opening you need and pave the way to others. As a writer keen to get those all important acceptances, do make the most of chances you have.

Be alert. Be persistent. And believe in what you do.
And I very much hope that this report can guide you towards the breakthrough and acceptances you are wanting.


More details can be found at http://achievemoreacceptances.com and where it is available for instant download for $7 (or about £3.50).


Next week, another Key to Successful Writing.

The Keys to Writing Success - Part 3

This week an essential key.

To write and to realise your potential, you need to be persistent. Unfortunately many feel that writing is just a case of sitting down and putting pen to paper. But to get published and to get your writing taken seriously, you need to allow time to learn the craft, to perfect your prose and to find out what works.

In my early days of writing I had countless rejections, but I just kept believing that one day I would get something accepted. And if you are in the early stages of your writing career, the same could be true for you. You can get published but you do need to allow time and persist

And here are some thoughts on this very subject

Be persistent.. Editors change; editorial tastes change; markets change. Too many beginning writers give up too easily.
John Jakes.


Never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
Harriet Beecher Stow.

And finally,

If you've got the guts to stick it out ... you're going to make it.
Brian Hays.


Good luck, and remember persistence pays.

The Keys to Writing Success - Part 2

The title is the first thing an editor or reader sees and it has to capture attention.

Whenever possible make sure your title intrigues or, if an article or nonfiction, sets out possible benefits (eg the ever-effective How to … or 7 Ways to …) So important is a good title, I have written about it at great length in Achieve More Acceptances.

In the meantime, here are the thoughts of some well-known authors on titles:

The Ancient Mariner would not have taken so well if it had been called The Old Sailor.
Samuel Butler.

I make a list of titles after I’ve finished the story or the book – sometimes as many as a hundred. Then I start eliminating them, sometimes all of them.
Ernest Hemingway.

A good title is the title of a successful book.
Raymond Chandler

With every piece of writing you do, it really will reward you well to give careful thought to the title. A good title will help sell your work.

The Keys to Writing Success - Part 1

'I often quote myself. It adds spice to the conversation'
George Bernard Shaw.


And quotes can certainly add some spice, whether to something you have written or in helping to illustrate a point you want to make in a discussion or speech.

And in the next few blogs I will be passing on some quotes from writers which I think contain some valuable sentiments.

The first is from William Styron, 'There's only one person a writer should pay any attention to. It's not any damn critic. It's the reader.'

While from Quentin Crisp, 'I want to write the words people want to print.'

And Judith Krantz, 'I'm writing to have fun and for my readers to have fun. I do the best work I can do.'

All these three quotes have the same message - you need to write with the reader (and audience) in mind. Once you do that, your writing will be far more effective - and often more successful too.

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In my special report, Achieve More Acceptances I mention The Golden Opportunity and which I have found a very effective way of getting material (and in some cases, some series) published. A few weeks ago I took The Golden Opportunity a stage further, approaching a web publisher. They responded within minutes expressing interest and accepting my work. For more details about The Golden Opportunity, take a look at Achieve More Acceptances and Be Published More Often and you could find it opens up some interesting markets for your own work, both for print or the web.


Good Luck.

Chinese Horoscopes

This week sees the publication of my new book, Your Chinese Horoscope 2008. Although in this blog I mainly write about writing matters, if Chinese horoscopes are of interest you can find more details about my book by clicking on the Amazon link below. For American readers the book will be available through Barnes and Noble a little later in the year.




One of the fascinating aspects of Chinese horoscpes concerns the personalities of the 12 animal signs and, just as I have seen writing teachers suggest that writers base characters on their knowledge of Western signs (eg determined Taureans, secretive Scorpions etc), the same can be applied to animal signs. Indeed whenever I meet someone I am always interested to find out their Chinese sign and so have a better appreciation of their nature, including strengths and possible weaknesses. This, together with the helpfulness of indicated trends, are just part of this fascinating and ancient discipline.

In my next blog I will share some of my favourite writing quotations and some more information about Achieve More Acceptances and Be Published More Often .

Write this Moment

As writers it is very important to remain aware of market developments as well as keep informed about possible opportunities. Although books and directories can be useful, with new publications appearing as well as changes in personnel and requirements, these are not always up to date or reflect current needs. However I recently discovered a service being offered by Write this Moment. For a very reasonable quarterly or annual subscrittion, each week they post details on a job board listing the requirements of certain magazines or publishers.

I have had my own subscription for about a month and have been greatly impressed by the range of work and opportunities being posted. Also, if something is of particular interest, it is possible to have the details emailed to you or be directed to the relevant website.

In Achieve More Acceptances and Be Published More Often I wrote about how to find and profit from 'golden opportunities' and am positive Write This Moment will yield quite a few.

If you are seeking to be published or looking for new markets, I thoroughly recommend taking out a subscription. For details and more information visit, www.writethismoment.com.