The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The January 3 question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?

Are You a New Writer?

Rather than talk about who I follow on BookBub, because it’s the new year, I decided to address new writers, instead. I guess that’s the teacher in me: new year, new semester, ­new students.

I remember back to when I was a new writer, too. What I share with you are the things that best helped me as a new writer.

Read anything and everything. Read from writers you admire, notice their style, their voice. Read specific genres. Read across the genres. Read all the how-to books you can. Not only the newest publications, but older books, too.

Write a lot. Don’t worry about structure with your first drafts. Don’t edit or delete; just write. Write scenes of your desired genre. Or, just write whatever comes to mind and not worry about genre. Don’t worry about completing a book at this point. Instead, concentrate on making the dialogue sound true and creating believable characters.

Follow writers you admire. Learn about their process, any advice they offer. Take everything with a grain of salt, however, because no two writers follow the same process.

Subscribe to writing newsletters and writing blog; they’ll provide how-to information you need. Use that which sounds good for you.

Look for a critique partner or critique group you can join. In the beginning, you’ll be swapping writings with anyone and everyone. In time, you’ll want to vet them just as they should be vetting you. You want someone who will be honest, telling you what doesn’t work and why. Ideally, you want someone who writes in your genre or is knowledgeable about your genre.

Above all else, be open to hearing comments about your work and suggestions of how you can improve it. You don’t have to like everything suggested or even use it; and, don’t defend your work either. Just say thank you. What they provide and how they provide it will determine if you want to continue critiquing with them.

Attend conferences and make connections. Attending a conference is no place to be shy. Introduce yourself and then ask about their writing. People love to talk about themselves! Create elevator pitches, too. Don’t know what they are? Google elevator pitch. If you go with a group, don’t sit with them at every event. Sit away from them from so you can meet new people.

Create a business card. Make it simple. List yourself as a writer with contact information. That’s all you need.

Don’t think about a publisher or agent, yet. It’s too early. You’re just getting started. That said, any opportunity to hear an agent or publisher talk, sign up! Call it research; it’s a way to determine what kind of agent you want and what kind house you want to publish with. Don’t discount becoming an indie publisher, though. Do the research to compare your options.

Enter contests: local, regional, and national. Choose those that provide some kind of feedback. Consider who’s judging the contests, too. Consider if you were to win, would you get to meet with an agent, publisher, or production companies?

Find a writer’s group nearby or online and attend regularly. Check out past meetings to see what presentations they offered. You want a writer’s group that will help you grow as a writer, a group that provides you with quality takeaway.

If you are in a writing group, consider becoming a volunteer. It’s a great way to make connections. However, any volunteer work you do will take time away from your writing. Be prepared.

Learn and master basic grammar and punctuation. Both agents and publishers want polished work; meaning, reasonably clean work, not work riddled with errors on every page.

And, I can’t repeat this direction often enough: WRITE A LOT! The more you write, the better you’ll become. Practice writing is no different from practicing the piano, hitting the ball, or riding the wave. Dedicated, regular practice improves!

Check out my Recommended Reading page on my website! I’ve got a great list of how-to resources and am adding to the list every month.

And, one last reminder about my two-week Master Class, Punctuation and Grammar Made Easy, starting Jan 6, 2024 with limited seating. So, sign up now! There may still be a seat or two left.

*****

Dr. Diana Stout appreciates her readers and fans and would love for you to sign up for her announcement only newsletter. She promises that your mailbox will love you because the newsletter is only sent out with new release information, discounts, freebies, and giveaways. And, if the season is right, she might provide a recipe from her own cookbook.

Learn more about Dr. Stout at her website, Sharpened Pencils Productions.

*****

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day.