Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The Treasure of Good Advice


Last Wednesday we talked about bad advice we’ve received in our writing careers. I was impressed by your wisdom in discerning the difference between treasures worth keeping and junk masquerading as valuable.

Today let’s share some good advice we’ve received. For me, the recommendation to attend a writers’ conference, and the ensuing cheerleading I received at the two I’ve attended, have enriched my writing career beyond every dream. Another priceless gem I benefited from was to read excellent writing. It sounds almost too simple, but it works. As you read articles, books and poems that are well-written, you learn by example how to artfully craft your own works.

What valuable counsel has helped you most in your quest to improve your writing? What rubies of wisdom would you give to new writers needing some help?

13 comments:

  1. I've gleaned so many treasures of advice from the blogging world. I think that's just one of the many reasons I love blogging. I especially like the advice to keep persevering and writing even in the face of rejection. If we persevere, we will eventually grow into maturity! And I love all of the advice on various craft books to read! I've gained more info. on great writing books through writer friends then I ever could have on my own.

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  2. I'd read so many articles, but some advice just didn't sink in until a real person gave it to me.
    The one and only agent I've ever met with advised me to get some dialogue into the first page of my story. He flipped through my pages, counting, until finally at page 8 we ran into the FIRST conversation. My cheeks have never been so hot. LOL
    But he was very kind and gave excellent advice. :-)

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  3. Yes, real people advice works best for me, too. And if they add kindness, it sinks in and stays put.
    Jen

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  4. Encouragement to keep going is one of the best forms of advice I've received. As well as asking questions to seek answers and clarification of critique comments, etc.

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  5. The best piece of advice I have received is to "read my work OUT LOUD back to myself." When you do this you "hear" your grammatical errors.

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  6. It's hard to pick just one, but I'd say learn to be objective about your work is a great morsel.

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  7. I have received letters where the editors have told me to try certain other markets. One suggested that I include a cover letter. One said I needed to do the story in first person. Another said that the story needed a better take-away message. These were early in my marketing, and I took their advice.

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  8. I've received SO much but the best advice I ever received was to keep queries out there at all times, as many as possible. That has helped me immensely. Rejection hurts but it hurts even worse when you only have one shot.

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  9. Don't neglect your gift. That is what I have learned this last year. Be true to the talents God has given you and move forward. All my new blogging friends have been such an inspiration and source of valuable information.

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  10. Wow, these rock, ladies! Thanks for sharing your best tidbits!
    Jen

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  11. Write with your heart and rewrite with your head!

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  12. I have two. One you touched on, the writer's conference. I think these can feed a writer unlike anything else. And a critique group to tell you the truth and not just how wonderful you are :). Nobody learns anything from fluff. I've read a lot of craft books but I am more hands on, which is why I like workshops, where things are explained and there is the opportunity to ask questions.

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