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 25th, “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!
