A Nugget for Writers

By Susan Reichert, Editor-in-Chief for Southern Writers Magazine 

Debra Holt, author of Claiming the Maverick’s Heart, said in her guest post on SWM's Suite T, November 25^th, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was one tried and true method, one foolproof blueprint for all new writers to follow in order to have instant success with your writing career?”

I agree with Debra that would truly be wonderful. Just think how much easier it would be for new writers as well as for experienced writers. But alas, we can’t be cookie cutter writers.

Yet, there is a way for every writer to become a good writer––yes…that true and tried method of practice, practice, practice. But, there is also a type of blue-print you may not know about.

Whether you are a new writer or one who has been writing for years, it is important we continue educating ourselves on writing techniques. One of the easiest ways is to read books on writing. There are hundreds on the market on the different techniques such as dialogue, plot, scenes, settings, story lines, character development, and the list goes on.

Another smart way to learn is to see how successful writers do it. One writer may be an outliner, one may be a panster. One decides on a theme, another creates a character and let’s their character lead the story.

Each person has their way of learning. In other words, some of us like to watch someone do it, while others want to follow directions. It is important to find what works best for you. Once you do, then, like any profession, continue educating yourself.

What some writers forget is that it is important to see how other authors do it. In other words, don’t reinvent the wheel. Example: If Suzie Q, a successful published author says in an interview she did or does something to make her writing better…then should you not try that technique? If it works for her, it may work for you. Reading what someone else does gives your creative brain information that can work for you.

When I talk with authors about their writing techniques they are always open to sharing how they write, what works for them even what doesn’t work. The good and the bad they’ve experienced. Through listening to them, I have learned each one of these authors are serious about their writing and spend the time and effort and yes money to become better at their craft. Could this be a blue-print?

Who knows, one little nugget of information on how one author was successful could catapult your next book into the fast lane to success. Worth a try!