Advice For New Writers

by Davidson King

While I still sort of consider myself new, I also feel sometimes I’ve been doing this for ages. In the almost two years of publishing I’ve learned more than I have in many lessons at school. So I do have some advice for new authors who are just started out.

READ. I think this is my biggest recommendation. I wouldn’t have wanted to write so much if I didn’t read so much. I also wouldn’t have learned as much either.

NEVER SKIMP ON EDITING. Grammarly isn’t your editor. I see this a lot on social media and from new writers. They say they use Grammarly and use a proofreader. Please don’t do that. I know editing isn’t cheap but remember for so many people out there, they don’t know who you are and will only judge you by your writing. Make sure what they are reading is the best you can be.

RESEARCH. A great way to alienate yourself from people is to not research. Give something, someone, a group of someone’s, or anything really, the respect of understanding them and knowing the facts. I promise you someone will call you out on it if you’re wrong. There are so many resources and people out there to help there’s no excuse not to research.

WRITE YOUR STORY. You can get swayed by what other people tell you to write or how to turn your story arc their way. Don’t. You don’t plant a sunflower seed and decide halfway you want it to be a tulip and change it do you? Because you really can’t. Your story is in there and it won’t ever feel like your own if you don’t follow through with what you wanted.

PROMOTE. Be visible. Your readers matter so much and they are SO COOL! Seriously, I’ve met so many amazing people just my interacting with them. Do tours, events, whatever you can. Sometimes they will be a success and sometimes they will flop but they are necessary. More new writers are born every day and we are flooded with new books. Be bold and get out there.

Okay, I think that’s enough advice from me. Good luck out there.

Continue reading →