Sam

Pieces of writing-related advice from me, in no particular order:

1. Every story starts with a change.

2. If you don't feel anything for the piece you're working on, stop.

3. Money should flow the writer's way. Don't pay a publisher to get published. Avoid vanity publishing; you'll lose money and you'll look ridiculous.

4. Background information should be given in doses.

5. Work on something every day. Do the ass time. Sit there and work on something every single day.

6. Outlining isn't necessary, but it sure does help.

7. You will deviate from these outlines.

8. Writing isn't magical. It isn't whispered to you from on high. It takes work.

9. Read.

10. Read more.

11. If you like an author, send them a message. Follow their Twitter. Get to know them, if they're responsive.

12. Networking is good. Knowing people isn't selling out. Become friends with good authors who do good things and learn from them. Get to know people they know; work with publishers they work with.

13. On the flipside, if you're published and fans reach out to you, give them recognition. If someone likes your writing, take the time to talk to them. Tweeting back or emailing a fan can make their day. Simple things affect people. A fanbase will affect you.

14. Zombies.

15. Or the apocalypse.

16. Don't waste time on people who only talk about how good their writing is.

17. You'll never get out of Nebraska.

18. Don't be afraid of words. Say cunt. Say clit. Say cock. Say balls. Talk about the curve of someone's ass or the way their pubic hair curls or how dark their nipples are. If you're not a sex writer, then don't be afraid to talk about the ugly or embarrassing things. Let yourself write words that make you turn red, or that make you uncomfortable. Ugly details are part of life, and some characters dwell on those things. Writing shouldn't be solely about the pretty side.

19. Critique partners.

20. Try co-writing at least once.

21. Don't be afraid to change your style. Your writing will change over time. If it doesn't, you aren't open to learning. Stay open.

22. Don't avoid writing something because you don't think a publisher will want it. There is a publisher out there, somewhere, who will want it.

23. If you're planning on self-publishing, get a critique partner or four. Run it by a freelance editor. Be sure that you don't want to go the traditional publishing route. Be sure that it's ready to go to press.

24. Challenge yourself. Make yourself be better.

25. Have a writing space. It would be ideal if this space was not in your bedroom. Your brain designates certain places for certain things. Make yourself a creation space.

26. Don't worry if you work best when it's coming down to the wire. Lots of people do.

27. Don't worry.

28. Don't worry.

29. Everyone has doubts. Writers' opinions of their writing can change from minute to minute. Everyone thinks they're not good enough.

30. Signing a contract is the best feeling.

31. ... Second only to finishing edits.

32. ... Second only to finishing the book itself.

33. ... Second only to holding a copy of it for the first time and looking at your name on the cover.

34. A lot of things about writing feel amazing.

35. A lot of things about writing feel awful.

36. Petting animals makes everything better.

37. Make human contact every once in a while. Go for a walk. Order Chinese food. Breathe.

38. Breathe.