Writing Regularly and Often

The working habits of writers vary. Some can write 2000 words a day or more, others are content with a page while, for some, it is a case of adding a paragraph or a few words to something you have written.

I once saw a brilliant quote concerning a poet. It went along the lines of: This morning I added a comma. This afternoon I took it out.

Our working habits can also be dependent on other factors and it is often a case of doing what suits us best, including the time available and nature of what we write.

But the key is to write something each and every day.

Not only will the words you write add up, the project you are working on get advanced (and if you start to skip days, enthusiasm and the flow can start to suffer), but you will also be helping your writing skills.

Just as musicians, singers, sports men and women practice every day, writing is no different. Writing is a skill and, as a writer, you do need to write regularly and often, no matter how big or small your output is – even if just adding or taking out a comma!

Instant Book Writing

With the difficult process of getting books published, many writers are now turning their attention to self publishing. And, with modern technology this has never been easier, whether in making your material available as an instant download, selling through a mini-site or in printing books on demand.

If you are considering self publishing, one of the best guides I have seen is Shaun Fawcett's Instant Book Writing Kit. Not only does the author discuss the various possibilities open to the self-publisher and how to set these up but, importantly, how to promote and sell your work. For details and a free information course visit, http://instantbookwriting.com.

Tomorrow an exciting announcement and news of a free to enter draw.

Creating story ideas

One of my first jobs was to work as a researcher in a large picture library. Here millions of pictures were filed away and it was my job to locate those needed by publishers, writers and the media. And, in a spare moment, I used to enjoy looking at some of the earlier photos - especially those taken in the 1850s - and study the scenes and the faces of those photographed.

Very rarely were the names of these people given - they were just faces staring back from a time long ago.

And I used to wonder what they were like. How they fared. And the type of existence they lived.

And I found photographs a great way to stimulate the imagination.

Next time you are leafing through photographs (especially old ones and of people you do not know), take a moment to study their faces and imagine what they were actually like.

It is by wondering story ideas and characters are born.

When you can, try this photograph idea. I think you'll find it effective.

Make the Most of the Unexpected

This has been a rather messed about week for me. My car went in for a service which meant I had to spend several hours in Newbury (a lovely town) and, because the car needed new tyres, I later had to spend over an hour at a tyre fitters.

So what has this to do with writing?

The first is that during my wait in Newbury I was able to spend time visiting the Invicta Book Shop - a wonderful second hand book shop and treasure trove of material. Here I was able to browse as well as buy a couple of reference books which will almost certainly be useful. And by spending time in old books shops such as this you never know what you may come away with, whether ideas, inspiration or what could be a useful book or two.

Also, as I had some waiting to do at the garage, I was able to look at a few magazines I do not ordinarily see. And it is always interesting to see what material they feature and whether there is scope for a possible contribution.

Then, later in the week and while at the tyre fitters, I was able to do a little writing and editing. It may not have been exactly quiet but it proved useful.

And from all this come the following suggestions:

* Make the most of chances to spend time in second hand book shops. You never know what treasures you may find or ideas you may come up with.

* When in waiting rooms, take a look at magazines lying around. This way you may spot a possible opening for your work or gain something of value from what you read.

* Grab spare moments and put them to good use, whether for writing or correcting something you have written.

Soon I'll have some exciting news to announce in this blog but, in the meantime, I hope your writing activities are going well.

Self-Help for Writers

A little while ago someone asked me why I called my blog 'Self-Help for Writers.'

One of the reasons is that writing is a lonely business and to get results so much depends on you and your attitude. As a writer you must think positively and have belief in your abilities. If not and you are only half-hearted or dismissive about what you do, then you are not likely to fare well.

To succeed as a writer you need belief in yourself and a willingness and determination to do your best. And I hope in these blogs that my words and thoughts can in some way help you to make the most of your writing talents.

But so much rests with you.

And belief in yourself.

Importance of Titles

Whenever you submit a piece of writing for consideration, almost the first thing the editor will look at is the title.

If it intrigues, if it seems relevant, if it fits in with the type and style of title the editor favours, then the editor is more likely to read further.

Also consider your title from a readers point of view. If you saw your title as a reader, would it arouse your curiousity? Or would you skip on to something else.

In article and book writing, you can also add to your title with a subtitle. This can indicate more of what your piece covers and again, the more tempting you can make it, the better.

One way of arousing interest for nonfiction pieces is to include a number in the title. For instance, 7 Ways to ... 5 Best Ways to ... 10 popular .... Numbers attract attention and this can be seen by the way they feature on so many front covers.

Another effective word to use in a title is 'You.' Again this makes it relevant to the reader and can draw and invite them in.

Also do not ignore 'How to ..' Readers want to find out and how to tells them how.

For fiction writers, let your titles conjure images. Let it create wonder and curiousity. I once saw a letter from Dorothy L Sayers to a BBC producer and in it she was agonising over the title of a novel. She typed a list of quite a few and knew just how important getting the right and most appropriate title was.

In your writing, the title is just so important and is worth taking time and care over.

Writing Persistence Pays

I have been writing all my life and even as a young lad I knew it was my life goal to become a writer. And I also knew it would take me many years to obtain my dream.

To be a writer and to make the most of your talents you need to be both disciplined and persistent. And whenever you feel tempted to give up on a piece of work - and it does happen to us all - it is essential you keep going. As Brian Hays once noted, 'If you've got the guts to stick it out ... you're going to make it.'

As writers we continually need to get up after setbacks and rejections and keep going.

The road to success (and publication) may at times seem a long and arduous one but it is reachable.

Making Your Writing Resolutions More Successful

Have you written down your writing goals for 2007 yet? If not, I urge you to do so. By writing down what it is you want to achieve, you will stand far more chance of achieving it.

And if some of your aims seem daunting, be prepared to break them down into stages and tackle each stage bit by bit. As the proverb reminds us, 'Yard by yard, it's hard. Inch by inch it's a cinch.'

Also, in addition to writing down longer term goals, do set shorter ones. Each Sunday I write down a list of things that I want to write and do over the next week and this helps me stay focussed. In addition to writing aims, I also include ways I can better myself, including scheduling some reading and research time into each day.

Setting writing goals really can help what you do and lead to you producing far more.

Writing Success for 2007

As a new year starts, we all have our writing aims and hopes but, in order for them to be realised, they do need to be worked upon. And over the next few weeks I'll be describing ways and techniques to help with productivity and your writing output.

In the meantime, to get the new year off to a good start, do write down what you hope to achieve. Written goals stand far more chance of becoming realised and will give you something positive and concrete to aim for.

Your writing goals could include short term projects as well as longer term objectives but, by planning and thinking about what you hope to do and achieve over the next 12 months, you will be helping to get the new year off to an excellent start.

And I hope it will be a successful one for you.