As an author and speaker, one of the first questions, I get at my book signings as well as from family and friends is,
How did you actually write two books in two years?
The truth is that I set myself up for success.
I've shared these successful writing tips with attendees of my events as well as in my newsletter.
Because I believe we all have a story in us, I wanted to help others share their stories.
The seven writing tips I share here I originally did as a scope broadcast so you'll have a choice.
You can enjoy the written bullets or the short video from my backyard!
7 Successful Writing Tips that Work from Author Heidi Siefkas
1) Read everything you can get your hands on
Currently, I'm reading On the Road, Girl on the Train, and a beefing up on my Greek and Italian for my up and coming trip. Make sure to read outside of your genre.
2) Write often: journal, blog, and even reviews of other books
You know that practice makes perfect. Write often and in different formats from starting a blog to reviews and journal entries. BTW, both of my books started out as journals.
3) Set a specific only writing time
I know it may seem foreign to most, but this means you need to be away from the Internet, Facebook updates, and scopes. Remember to work with your natural rhythms, whether you're a morning person or a night owl.
4) Never leave home without the ability to take notes
I used to carry a small notebook. Now, I typically write all notes in my iPhone. For my second book, With New Eyes, I used the voice memo function for dialogue and even outline points.
5) Set writing goals daily/weekly/monthly
My daily goal is to write two to three vignettes. I don't stress about chronological order, but I check off my running list of vignette subjects in my outline. If I'm unable to write one day, I sit for a session and bang out four or five vignettes to continue to make progress. Now, progress doesn't need to be just in putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard. Progress can be dictating a character sketch or a dialogue.
6) Be true to you and authentic to your readers
If you are true to you and authentic, you will attract the right readers. Remember other people will pressure you to write a certain way for sales or genre; however, you are the final editor.
7) Remember that you can't be everyone's cup of tea, but you can leave an good first impression
Just as in life, you can't please everyone or every reader. Each person reads your writing differently; that is what makes writing so unique. Reading is a relationship between the author and the reader. Whether with a raving fan or harsh critic, embrace the gift you have to reach readers without boundaries. It's like a classroom without walls. And, just like first impressions in person, make sure your beginning is memorable and emotionally grabs the reader.
If you liked these practical tips, I would love for you to share these with the writers in your circles. In fact, if you live in Florida or would like to come to the Fort Lauderdale area this fall, I'm co-hosting the South Florida Writing Retreat October 24th at the Atlantic Hotel and Spa in Fort Lauderdale with peer author and speaker, Wendi Blum. At the retreat, writers will learn how to implement writing strategies, market and promote a book, use self-publishing resources, obtain a book contract, and overcome resistance/writer's block.
Space is limited. Book early to save your seat for only $97.
