Hope is one of the most powerful motivators.
When Pandora opened her infamous box, she let out the evils of the world. But do you know what the last thing was to come out of the box? Hope. In that story, Hope was more powerful than all of the evils, including Lust and Envy.
Chasing the dream of being a published author can be a road fraught with a wide spectrum of emotions. If you're a writer, you know what I'm talking about. But in the end, there is always hope. Which is what motivates us to work at the craft of writing to constantly improve. So, how can you increase your odds of getting published?
1. Write every day. As my guitar teacher says: "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice." Writing is a skill that is honed. The only way to get better is to practice. Even when your brain is blank, or you don't know what's going to happen next in your plot, continue to write. Write a new scene, have your main character write a letter to their closest confidante, work on writing prompts. It will make a difference.
2. Read every day. Study those books that you love. What is it about them that makes you love them? For instance, I remember discovering Megan Whalen Turner's THE THIEF a few years ago when I first started writing seriously. I loved her characterization of Eugenides, the protagonist. He was so funny and clever and REAL. I remember wishing I could write characters like she did. It's a standard I still strive to reach.
3. Research the world of publishing. To be successful in writing, as in any endeavor, you need to understand the parameters of the industry. How long should your book be? Picture Books are different than Middle Grade stories which are different than Young Adult novels. Do you need an agent? How do you submit to an agent? There are many many resources for writers on the internet. Check out the message boards at Verla Kay, which is a fabulous writing community. You can learn about agents at Agent Query or Query Tracker. Dig a little - there is a wealth of information out there if you take the time to find it. There are many blogs and other sites that have a wealth of information on them that pertains to the craft and business of writing: Pubrants, Writers Digest, AAR-Online and Publishers Marketplace.
4. Take writing classes. Even the best writers can still benefit from a structured class that looks at the fundamentals of writing. I've taken several classes from Writers.com and there are other online writing classes available as well. Check with your local community college - they usually offer writing classes. Try it - you might be amazed at what you learn!
5. Be part of a critique group. Being open to critiques of your work is imperative to making your story shine. There are very few writers who can work in an isolated vacuum and end up with polished work. By sharing critiques, not only do you learn to analyze other work, but you can look at your own story with fresh eyes. Check with your local bookstore - they might know of writing groups you can join.
6. Attend conferences. There are many conferences available in most regions that not only provide workshops on the different aspects of writing and the business side of being published, but that also provide wonderful networking opportunities. If you are writing for children you should most definitely belong to the SCBWI - Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators. Romance writers should belong to RWA - Romance Writers of America and science fiction and fantasy writers there's SFWA - Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
And finally, NEVER, EVER give up Hope. Persist in the pursuit of your dreams and they will become real. I know you can do it! Here's a quote I have taped on my computer (as well as on my website):
A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.
Cut that out and tape it on your computer. And never give up! Good Luck!!
~Kiki
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