WRITE RIGHT: HOW TO GET STARTED IN WRITING
by Craig Lock
WRITE RIGHT: HOW TO GET STARTED IN WRITING
by Craig Lock
Start with an idea. Then ask yourself: How do I get it into print? Develop your imagination and try to create your own individual style of writing. In my self-help works I've written about things, which have been said many times before; but I've tried to put them in my own words in a "light unique" style. I try to inform and entertain at the same time in a "breezy, zany" style.
There are so many avenues for your skills in the marketplace. You can write articles, short stories, children's stories and novels. If you want to write novels, what type of novels: historical, romances, westerns, science fiction, adventure, etc?
There are so many mediums in which to express your creative talents. If you are writing non-fiction, do you want to write in the form of books, or for radio, TV or even perhaps for stage plays?
In subsequenct chapters we'll have a look at the following: Copyright
Country serial rights
Libel
and
Literary agents.
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HOW TO SELL YOUR WORK IN DIFFERENT MARKETS:
How to have the best chance of writing success? Where to find markets? How to present manuscripts? How to influence editors and publishers? There are many practical tips between rejection and success. Not having been in the publishing world before, I can't add too much, other than basic common sense. It is vitally important to write good covering letters, to stimulate the "taste buds" of the Publication Director; so that they want to see your work. "Whet their appetite"; so try to make your initial letters rather different: tantalising and interesting.
In addition to some creative talent, you also need ENTHUSIASM and PERSERVERANCE. I don't believe that a "budding author" has to be particularly gifted or clever - but just very DILIGENT. What is the reason for this? Because it's such a solitary pastime (or occupation), one has to continually motivate oneself. Far easier to do, when you are enjoying yourself and once you taste initial success. Many ordinary people with PERSERVERANCE have had a lot of fun, enjoyment and earned extra money from their writing. It's a tremendous thrill to receive your first payment cheque.
I definitely think that most people have a lot more IMAGINATION and CREATIVITY within them than they ever realised. How do you judge, if you have some writing potential? I think the obvious characteristics are a love of words and literature. That's Marie, but definitely not me; because I was a very late developer (in many ways!). I hated reading books till my middle years. What else? Also a strong desire to put your thoughts and ideas on paper. All these traits (like "dat" word) will keep you motivated to write. When you read a book, do you ever think, "I could write as well as that". Sometimes I'm amazed at what get's published. I'm sure many readers think that about my books too!
YOU TOO CAN WRITE THAT BOOK... perhaps one day it may even become a "BEST SELLER"!
Happy writing
Craig Lock
http://www.craiglock.com
About the author:
Craig Lock is an author of numerous books and the creator of the "original" online creative writing course. http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/creative.html
This extract is from Craig's brand new manuscript HOW TO WRITE AND BE PUBLISHED - ALL I KNOW ABOUT WRITING, which is available at http://www.bridgeniche.com/CLOCK/zaniestbooks.htm To order email clock@xtra.co.nz
THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
"If you have knowledge, let others light a candle to it."
More articles by Craig Lock:
