Writing Tips

Stories have run around in my head my whole live. "Get them on paper," a friend urged. And so my writing career began. Four of us started a small writer's group that met monthly until our leader moved to Tennessee. Eventually all meetings ceased. When Ron and I moved to Smith Mountain Lake in 2000, I joined Lake Writers, a group sponsored by the Smith Mountain Arts Council. This group provides a sounding board for writers and offers excellent advice. Fellow Lake Writer Becky Mushko became my "literary midwife." I laughed and learned every time she scrawled "Aarrgghh!" across my pages. The best advice I can offer is to join a GOOD writer's group. Next, develop a thick skin and embrace constructive criticism. And edit, edit, edit! After publication, you MUST be willing to promote yourself! Even main-stream publishers won't push your book very long, usually only six to eight weeks. Learn about writing. I suggest you read the following books: The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman Hooked by Les Edgerton On Writing by Stephen King

After the contract with the crooked agent, I received rejections from over 35 other agents. Discouraged, I researched print-on-demand and self-publishing options, considered starting my own publishing company.Thankfully, I came to my senses. I chose Infinity Publishing. Infinity charged the least and paid the best royalties. They have their own in-house printer, and a one-year book return guarantee to bookstores and shops. And with Infinity, I own all book rights. To date, Infinity has published both of my novels: Secrets at Spawning Run and Secrets at Sweetwater Cove.

Before joining Lake Writers, I signed with an agent who said she'd find a publisher for my novel if I paid her $250.00. I did it! Don't you ever do this! Research all agents and publishers before signing anything; check them out on www.writerbeware.com and www.preditorsandeditors.com. This lapse in judgment cost me a year.