Following up on my recent posts on reading and not reading, I decided to explore the topic of building readers. Some kids grow up as reading adults, many don't. Why, you wonder?
Reading, like anything else, can become a habit - a good one. It can be taught by example - adults who read usually have kids who read. But then the opposite happens - nonreading adults have reading kids, shooting that theory in the foot.
Is it genetics? Maybe more creative-oriented people enjoy reading. Those who think in pictures and can "see" the story unfold in their head enjoy reading.
The barriers to reading enjoyment can vary, ranging from lack of skills, and bad school experiences, to simple disinterest. As one previous commenter said, people will pay anything for a movie and balk at the price of a book.
But how do you price literacy?
Movies are fun, but they require nothing more than to sit and enjoy. Reading engages the mind in analyzing the words, making you think on what you are reading. Is that it - people simply don't like to think?
Maybe it's Bill Gates' fault. In a recent newspaper column I read, the columnist mentioned that computer use made people's attention spans shorter. He even noticed it with himself. Funny, though, that most of us can spend hours, all day and night practically, at the computer, but everything is in small bites. Small bites over time - compare that to a book with its many pages.
So read a book in small spurts right? The answer isn't in dumbing down books so they reach the level of most TV shows or vapid movies that pass for entertainment. It's not in relying on Google and the Internet.
It's cheering to see kids reading. Maybe it's Harry Potter, and now it's the vampires in Twilight, but kids are reading. Maybe a few will latch on to Searching For A Starry Night and find a funny Dachshund "helping" a couple kids solve a mystery. Or maybe they'll find someone else's book. That's the key - find a book and read.
Six Tips to Building Readers:
1. Expose kids to reading.
Share stories with them when they're growing up. Read stories they'll look forward to.
2. Use the library.
The Internet has made researching easier, but the library still has a place. Get your child their own library card. Make it a special event, a parent-child trip to pick out new books.
3. Make reading special.
Whether it's at bedtime or an afternoon read, have that special ritual with your child. They'll know after brushing their teeth and saying their prayers that it's a special time, a few moments to unwind with mom or dad and listen to a good story.
4. Make reading familiar.
Don't make books unfamiliar objects. Even if parents (gasp!) aren't readers, they should at least make the effort to show their children that it's a worthwhile activity. Maybe you don't like to read novels, so pick up a book of essays or a nonfiction book about gardening or a favorite hobby. On shopping trips, be sure to stop at a bookstore or the book section. Encourage the child to pick out a new book instead of a new toy. Alternate if needed.
5. Have books in your life.
Make books a part of your life. Even those who don't read fiction can pick up a nonfiction book occasionally. Have a home bookshelf with your favorites. Build a small bookshelf in your child's room to hold their favorites.
6. Share your favorite books.
Even if you didn't grow up to be a big reader, most of us can remember those books we loved as kids. I loved horses and read every book there was, like Misty of Chincoteague, Black Beauty and others.
Share your favorites with your child. They may like them, too. Or encourage them to share their favorites with you. It's a good way to learn more about your child and enjoy hearing more about what interests them.
(c) 2008 C. Verstraete
** Your Turn: What do you do to encourage your kids to read? What are your favorite childhood books? Please share!
August 28, 2008
August 27, 2008
Daily Blog 27: Reading is better than TV
To contrast with my previous blog 26 on why people say they don't like to read, I thought I'd be fair and talk about those who do. Me, for starters. I was the kind of kid that was told "a fire could start and I'd have my nose in a book." True.
I still love to read, but have developed a bad habit of having several books going at once. But if it's a book I really get hooked on, then I will read it straight through as I'm unable to put it down. Others I enjoy but save for bedtime or carry around in my bag for those moments when I'm waiting and have nothing to do.
Do I believe reading is better than TV? You bet. (Most people might say that). There are several TV shows I do love to watch (Dancing with the Stars, Smallville, Supernatural), but usually finding something to read is easier than finding a favorite TV show (and you can finish it before they take it away like they discontinued that new vampire show Moonlight!)
Books can also be reread, and unlike reruns, they are just as good the second, third, or more times around!
I have several favorite books I do go back and reread now and then. To name a few, they include: Gone with the Wind, Dracula (cool read it online), Salem's Lot, The Stand, The Agony and the Ecstasy (about Michelangelo), Emmeline (an amazing novel with a shocking end)....
** Your Turn: What are your favorite books? Share the books you like to reread more than once.
I still love to read, but have developed a bad habit of having several books going at once. But if it's a book I really get hooked on, then I will read it straight through as I'm unable to put it down. Others I enjoy but save for bedtime or carry around in my bag for those moments when I'm waiting and have nothing to do.
Do I believe reading is better than TV? You bet. (Most people might say that). There are several TV shows I do love to watch (Dancing with the Stars, Smallville, Supernatural), but usually finding something to read is easier than finding a favorite TV show (and you can finish it before they take it away like they discontinued that new vampire show Moonlight!)
Books can also be reread, and unlike reruns, they are just as good the second, third, or more times around!
I have several favorite books I do go back and reread now and then. To name a few, they include: Gone with the Wind, Dracula (cool read it online), Salem's Lot, The Stand, The Agony and the Ecstasy (about Michelangelo), Emmeline (an amazing novel with a shocking end)....
** Your Turn: What are your favorite books? Share the books you like to reread more than once.
August 26, 2008
Daily Blog 26: Top 10 Reasons People Don't Like to Read
At a recent event where Echelon author Margot Justes and I tried to sell our books for the first time, we were surprised to find that the majority of people didn't have much of an interest in reading. We took an informal survey and began asking passersby one question – do you like to read? For kicks, I thought I'd share some of their outrageous answers. (And most of these answers did come one right after the other.)
10 Question: Hi, do you like to read?
Answer: The woman laughs and points to her toddler. "I'm not much of a reader." (Blame the kid. Not a good start.)
9 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "Not right now, but thank you."
8 Q: Do you like to read?
A: One woman said she liked sci-fi and she doesn't like a book "if (something) doesn't blow up or someone doesn't die." (Margot mentioned that her book has a dead body in chapter one. I had mystery and horror books; she had romance and suspense. Darn, how did we miss sci-fi?)
7 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "Not really." (Score one point for truthfulness.)
6 Q: Do you like to read?
A: The woman asks, "You wrote this? Is it free?" (No comment.)
5 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "I don't have time to read." (Hmm.)
4 Q: Do you like to read?
A: The woman walks up to the table. "What's going on here today?" (Authors turned concierge - we let her see the brochure and told her what she'd just missed. Oops, forgot the tip jar.)
3-2 Q: Do you like to read?
A: Two for one - Two women, one shakes her head, the other answers, "No, we don't read." (Birds of a feather…)
And the #1 most incredible answer of the day:
1 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "I like to read religious books. I read books by Rev. So and So. (I didn't get the name. Then I asked:)
Q: Do you read fiction?
A: "No, I wouldn't waste my time."
© 2008 C. Verstraete
10 Question: Hi, do you like to read?
Answer: The woman laughs and points to her toddler. "I'm not much of a reader." (Blame the kid. Not a good start.)
9 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "Not right now, but thank you."
8 Q: Do you like to read?
A: One woman said she liked sci-fi and she doesn't like a book "if (something) doesn't blow up or someone doesn't die." (Margot mentioned that her book has a dead body in chapter one. I had mystery and horror books; she had romance and suspense. Darn, how did we miss sci-fi?)
7 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "Not really." (Score one point for truthfulness.)
6 Q: Do you like to read?
A: The woman asks, "You wrote this? Is it free?" (No comment.)
5 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "I don't have time to read." (Hmm.)
4 Q: Do you like to read?
A: The woman walks up to the table. "What's going on here today?" (Authors turned concierge - we let her see the brochure and told her what she'd just missed. Oops, forgot the tip jar.)
3-2 Q: Do you like to read?
A: Two for one - Two women, one shakes her head, the other answers, "No, we don't read." (Birds of a feather…)
And the #1 most incredible answer of the day:
1 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "I like to read religious books. I read books by Rev. So and So. (I didn't get the name. Then I asked:)
Q: Do you read fiction?
A: "No, I wouldn't waste my time."
© 2008 C. Verstraete
August 25, 2008
Daily Blog 25: Making Your Stories Live on (Beyond You)
The highest praise someone can give a writer, I think, is to make their work live on and become "quotable" beyond the page. Think Rhett Butler's famous, "Frankly, I don't give a damn," from Gone with the Wind. Or "To be or not to be..." from Shakespeare's Henry VI.
While you don't often write with such lasting legacies in mind, sometimes a phrase pops to mind that you latch onto. While the first graph is often the one in your story or book that should produce the best zing, you also hopefully have a few nuggets scattered throughout the story.
While others may have their own choices, one of my favorite sections from Searching For a Starry Night, is Sam's description of Petey the Dachshund:
Sam sprawled on her cot with a pencil, opened the book, and started a puzzle. Lita fell onto her cot and scribbled in her notebook. Next to them, lying on his blankets on the floor, Petey snored and turned over on his back, sticking his legs up in the air. Sam tried not to giggle as he rolled over to his side, reminding her of a Vienna hot dog without a bun. All he needed was relish, she thought.
The idea of making a story live on is to give readers something to latch onto, be it a mental image, a memorable quote, a funny remark, etc. - just give them something that will stick in their minds. Then the book itself becomes not only quotable, but memorable.
And if all else fails.... well, how about changing history?
Wonder what Juliet or Snow White would say if they had been called by your name instead? Have fun making your own quotes! This generator lets you put your name into classic stories. (And beware of the famous first lines quiz and other time wasters, um, sources.)
** Your Turn: What are some of the memorable parts in your own book or your favorite quotes? Please share them!
While you don't often write with such lasting legacies in mind, sometimes a phrase pops to mind that you latch onto. While the first graph is often the one in your story or book that should produce the best zing, you also hopefully have a few nuggets scattered throughout the story.
While others may have their own choices, one of my favorite sections from Searching For a Starry Night, is Sam's description of Petey the Dachshund:
Sam sprawled on her cot with a pencil, opened the book, and started a puzzle. Lita fell onto her cot and scribbled in her notebook. Next to them, lying on his blankets on the floor, Petey snored and turned over on his back, sticking his legs up in the air. Sam tried not to giggle as he rolled over to his side, reminding her of a Vienna hot dog without a bun. All he needed was relish, she thought.
The idea of making a story live on is to give readers something to latch onto, be it a mental image, a memorable quote, a funny remark, etc. - just give them something that will stick in their minds. Then the book itself becomes not only quotable, but memorable.
And if all else fails.... well, how about changing history?
Wonder what Juliet or Snow White would say if they had been called by your name instead? Have fun making your own quotes! This generator lets you put your name into classic stories. (And beware of the famous first lines quiz and other time wasters, um, sources.)
** Your Turn: What are some of the memorable parts in your own book or your favorite quotes? Please share them!
August 24, 2008
Daily Blog 24: Promoting, promoting and...
Winding down. To those of you who may be tired of reading about writing, I will be getting back to miniatures soon. I have a great miniatures story coming up that I will run as the Miniature of the Month and for my last daily blog. But I will continue to write about writing as well at least a few times a week.
Today's discussion: promotion. BSP (Blatant self promotion) and other forms is part of becoming a published author. You tweet, share, brag, on and on. Some people hate it. Some like hearing about other writer's successes and news. I know I like to hear about new books. I read excerpts and often find some that I put on my to-be-read list.
But other than authors selling to other authors as goes on a lot, as a newbie myself, I'm wondering what works and what doesn't. So authors, share what you've done for promotion; what materials you've purchased; what results you've had.
** Your Turn: What have you done to promote your book? What's worked best? What hasn't? What materials do you use? What advice do you have to promote a book? Share your experiences!
Today's discussion: promotion. BSP (Blatant self promotion) and other forms is part of becoming a published author. You tweet, share, brag, on and on. Some people hate it. Some like hearing about other writer's successes and news. I know I like to hear about new books. I read excerpts and often find some that I put on my to-be-read list.
But other than authors selling to other authors as goes on a lot, as a newbie myself, I'm wondering what works and what doesn't. So authors, share what you've done for promotion; what materials you've purchased; what results you've had.
** Your Turn: What have you done to promote your book? What's worked best? What hasn't? What materials do you use? What advice do you have to promote a book? Share your experiences!
August 23, 2008
Daily Blog 23: Weekend Writing?
Most of us slave over a hot computer all week. The computer has helped blur the work week so the standard 40-hour week really no longer applies. We write, blog, email, surf, etc. all hours of the day and night.
Is there time off for good behaviour? Well, there should be, but writing is an occupation that can't be necessarily pigeonholed into specific hours. You write when you can, when you want (or don't want), when you need to. (Or if you can - for fun, I found this page with links to computer-generated writing. I didn't read any. Afraid? ha! Not that I think a computer or the "trained monkeys" can outwrite a writer.)
Weekends, you hopefully try to take some time off - at least a few hours to catch up on other stuff like housecleaning, shopping, and just plain relaxing. But even then, it's hard to stay away from the computer completely, isn't it? Or do you? Me? Well, I need to continue working on the book, but I also need to do some serious weeding in my office. Stuff piled everywhere and no room, so some stuff has to go - somewhere.
** Your Turn: For fun, I thought I'd ask today how much you use the computer and/or write on weekends. Are you able to stay away - completely? How do you not write and do computer stuff after the so-called "work week" ends?
Is there time off for good behaviour? Well, there should be, but writing is an occupation that can't be necessarily pigeonholed into specific hours. You write when you can, when you want (or don't want), when you need to. (Or if you can - for fun, I found this page with links to computer-generated writing. I didn't read any. Afraid? ha! Not that I think a computer or the "trained monkeys" can outwrite a writer.)
Weekends, you hopefully try to take some time off - at least a few hours to catch up on other stuff like housecleaning, shopping, and just plain relaxing. But even then, it's hard to stay away from the computer completely, isn't it? Or do you? Me? Well, I need to continue working on the book, but I also need to do some serious weeding in my office. Stuff piled everywhere and no room, so some stuff has to go - somewhere.
** Your Turn: For fun, I thought I'd ask today how much you use the computer and/or write on weekends. Are you able to stay away - completely? How do you not write and do computer stuff after the so-called "work week" ends?
August 22, 2008
Daily Blog 22: Titles - What's in a name?
Names are more than just letters strung together. They have power and meaning. In some cultures, a name is carefully considered before being chosen since it's supposed to have great impact on the person's whole life. In other cultures, certain names are to be feared as in this newspaper story on British fishermen and superstitions about the name Graham.
Most authors use the same care when choosing a name for a book or story. The name, hopefully, will signify something in the story, like a play on words, or come from part of the story as in Margaret Mitchell's famous book, its name taken from the description of the South being a way of life Gone With The Wind. Or a title should invoke curiosity. Some names, of course, are more obscure and the meaning can't be determined at first glance.
I think my favorite names are plays on words and puns. Mysteries use this style a lot: For Better or Hearse; Holmes on the Range; Evan Blessed; see this Amazon.com Listmania for others.
Funny, and not so funny, at least to the author, is coming up with what sounds like an original title, or their publisher picks a title for which they have no say - and it turns out there are several other books that have the same title.
But choosing a title isn't always an easy process.
Initially, I hated the first title I'd thought of for Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery, but I couldn't think of anything else. I can't remember the exact name, but I know it changed a couple times. I think at first it was the Missing Miniature Art Mystery or something similar - too many mmmm's. Then there was something like Sam's Search for the Missing Art. ZZZ. Blah.
The resulting Searching For A Starry Night is a little cryptic, but makes perfect sense. The photo image of the empty painting gives a clue and reading the blurb reveals that the mystery involves the search for an actual miniature replica of Van Gogh's famous painting, Starry Night. The blue stars on the cover background reflect the painting name, too, so it all ties together.
The sad part is when a title is chosen that doesn't really have any meaning or link to the book. Maybe the choice is made via a quick read of the book blurb, or some other reason. Then the author is stuck explaining it, which can be good, and bad, in and of itself.
** Your Turn: Got a favorite book title or know of one that you think makes no sense at all? Or hate your own book title? Please Share!
Most authors use the same care when choosing a name for a book or story. The name, hopefully, will signify something in the story, like a play on words, or come from part of the story as in Margaret Mitchell's famous book, its name taken from the description of the South being a way of life Gone With The Wind. Or a title should invoke curiosity. Some names, of course, are more obscure and the meaning can't be determined at first glance.
I think my favorite names are plays on words and puns. Mysteries use this style a lot: For Better or Hearse; Holmes on the Range; Evan Blessed; see this Amazon.com Listmania for others.
Funny, and not so funny, at least to the author, is coming up with what sounds like an original title, or their publisher picks a title for which they have no say - and it turns out there are several other books that have the same title.
But choosing a title isn't always an easy process.
Initially, I hated the first title I'd thought of for Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery, but I couldn't think of anything else. I can't remember the exact name, but I know it changed a couple times. I think at first it was the Missing Miniature Art Mystery or something similar - too many mmmm's. Then there was something like Sam's Search for the Missing Art. ZZZ. Blah.
The resulting Searching For A Starry Night is a little cryptic, but makes perfect sense. The photo image of the empty painting gives a clue and reading the blurb reveals that the mystery involves the search for an actual miniature replica of Van Gogh's famous painting, Starry Night. The blue stars on the cover background reflect the painting name, too, so it all ties together.
The sad part is when a title is chosen that doesn't really have any meaning or link to the book. Maybe the choice is made via a quick read of the book blurb, or some other reason. Then the author is stuck explaining it, which can be good, and bad, in and of itself.
** Your Turn: Got a favorite book title or know of one that you think makes no sense at all? Or hate your own book title? Please Share!
August 21, 2008
Daily Blog 21: 10 Favorite Research Sites
Time-wasters.
We all do it. Go look up one thing and get lost surfing. But don't despair, you're not wasting time, you're doing research.
In that vein, I decided to list some of the more interesting and fun places to do research (in no specific order). (Warning: don't look unless you have a couple hours of free time.)
1. Oracle of Bacon
Remember that 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon game? Well researchers at the University of Virginia actually did research on it. (Hey they get paid for that?)
2. Project Gutenberg
Free copies of the classics and other books that you never got around to reading in e-version.
3. Best actors and actresses
All kinds of awards, even Russian movies.
4. Silent Film Stars
I love this site! Who's who in pre-talkie films
5. Vintage Clothing History
Dress those characters right! All kinds of cool vintage clothing
links
6. How People Lived
Click the illustrations at Kraft Australia to see how people lived, ate and cooked in different
generations.
7. Hit Music
Hit songs from the forties to the present and get the Top 10 hits from now to the 1800s. Guess which song was a hit in 1893?
8. History of Toys
The favorite toys we played with and an interesting video. Find your favorite old toy at the National Toy Hall of Fame.
9. Unusual Feats
Maybe your character can eat the Most Ferrero Rocher chocolates in a minute? (Yes it's a category, if not the greatest feat.) Or give them some other odd pastime from the Guinness Book of World Records.
10. More weirdness
Or make your characters truly strange. A favorite for oddities always was Ripley's Believe it or Not.
** Your Turn: Share Your Favorite Time-Wasters, er, Research Sites!
We all do it. Go look up one thing and get lost surfing. But don't despair, you're not wasting time, you're doing research.
In that vein, I decided to list some of the more interesting and fun places to do research (in no specific order). (Warning: don't look unless you have a couple hours of free time.)
1. Oracle of Bacon
Remember that 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon game? Well researchers at the University of Virginia actually did research on it. (Hey they get paid for that?)
2. Project Gutenberg
Free copies of the classics and other books that you never got around to reading in e-version.
3. Best actors and actresses
All kinds of awards, even Russian movies.
4. Silent Film Stars
I love this site! Who's who in pre-talkie films
5. Vintage Clothing History
Dress those characters right! All kinds of cool vintage clothing
links
6. How People Lived
Click the illustrations at Kraft Australia to see how people lived, ate and cooked in different
generations.
7. Hit Music
Hit songs from the forties to the present and get the Top 10 hits from now to the 1800s. Guess which song was a hit in 1893?
8. History of Toys
The favorite toys we played with and an interesting video. Find your favorite old toy at the National Toy Hall of Fame.
9. Unusual Feats
Maybe your character can eat the Most Ferrero Rocher chocolates in a minute? (Yes it's a category, if not the greatest feat.) Or give them some other odd pastime from the Guinness Book of World Records.
10. More weirdness
Or make your characters truly strange. A favorite for oddities always was Ripley's Believe it or Not.
** Your Turn: Share Your Favorite Time-Wasters, er, Research Sites!
August 20, 2008
Daily Blog 20: Top 10 Reasons Why I Write
Today's post is going to be short, philosophical and focus on one question - why do you write?
Isn't there a joke? Paraphrased it goes: Why do you write? I write because I can't sing or dance. ha!
1. Well, I also write because it's a habit; a habit honed from years of writing nonfiction and then adding fiction.
2. I write because I enjoy it. (Sometimes). At least when I like the story and when it's working.
3. I write because I can't "Not" write. I have to do it. Only other writers can understand that.
4. I write when I'm not playing. I find it hard sometimes to split my creative energies. I have to write or create in miniature. But I can work on small miniature projects if I'm doing a big writing project. It's good to do something that lets you be creative and lets your mind wander at the same time.
5. I write because it's more fun than cleaning house. ha!
6. I write because it's the best way I know how to make money.
7. I write because it's better than doing nothing.
8. I write because the words have to go somewhere.
9. I write because there are still things I want to accomplish and they won't get done unless I pursue them.
10. I write because I can't think of anything else that I enjoy doing more.
** Your Turn: Why do you write? Share your top 5 or 10 reasons.
Isn't there a joke? Paraphrased it goes: Why do you write? I write because I can't sing or dance. ha!
1. Well, I also write because it's a habit; a habit honed from years of writing nonfiction and then adding fiction.
2. I write because I enjoy it. (Sometimes). At least when I like the story and when it's working.
3. I write because I can't "Not" write. I have to do it. Only other writers can understand that.
4. I write when I'm not playing. I find it hard sometimes to split my creative energies. I have to write or create in miniature. But I can work on small miniature projects if I'm doing a big writing project. It's good to do something that lets you be creative and lets your mind wander at the same time.
5. I write because it's more fun than cleaning house. ha!
6. I write because it's the best way I know how to make money.
7. I write because it's better than doing nothing.
8. I write because the words have to go somewhere.
9. I write because there are still things I want to accomplish and they won't get done unless I pursue them.
10. I write because I can't think of anything else that I enjoy doing more.
** Your Turn: Why do you write? Share your top 5 or 10 reasons.
August 19, 2008
Daily Blog 19: Going for the Gold
Watching all the athletes at the 2008 Olympics doing their best to win gold, you can't help but think how going for the gold can apply to almost every area of your life, including writing.
Unless you write purely for your own enjoyment, the goal of writing is publication and payment. It may be fun to write some things free for promotion or exposure, but writing also is a commodity that should increase in value with practice, effort and over time.
To become a gold medal writer means putting in the work - writing, learning, polishing, rewriting. It means taking the time and putting in the extra effort required.
A few thoughts on becoming a Writing Olympian:
1. Train
Some writers say they can't write daily. But write as often as possible. The best athletes put in hours of training to reach possible gold. Don't shirk your preparation.
2. Be challenged
Any athlete or writer can get stagnant by not challenging themselves. Don't be content, thinking that with this book or this story, you've "made" it. I read somewhere that you "never arrive." Even Stephen King continues to try new things and push the envelope.
3. Be Positive, but Don't Put on Blinders
Be positive, but also be realistic. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to try something different. A certain approach may not work in your area or might not work for you. Everyone is different, so don't get discouraged and find what marketing, writing, promotion, etc. tips work for you.
4. Find a Good Coach
Even the best writers sometimes can't see the forest for the trees. Ask another writer to give your material a pre-read to catch those things you often overlook.
5. Be Proud of Your Efforts
Athletes do get disappointed when an error or something causes the gold medal to slip from their hands. Sportsmanship means congratulating the person who did win gold and being proud to have won the silver or bronze medal for your team and country.
No matter which level your writing is at, be proud of your accomplishments and continue to work, train, and strive to reach gold. Reaching the next level will not only help you improve your skills, but reach the real gold - a whole new audience of readers.
Unless you write purely for your own enjoyment, the goal of writing is publication and payment. It may be fun to write some things free for promotion or exposure, but writing also is a commodity that should increase in value with practice, effort and over time.
To become a gold medal writer means putting in the work - writing, learning, polishing, rewriting. It means taking the time and putting in the extra effort required.
A few thoughts on becoming a Writing Olympian:
1. Train
Some writers say they can't write daily. But write as often as possible. The best athletes put in hours of training to reach possible gold. Don't shirk your preparation.
2. Be challenged
Any athlete or writer can get stagnant by not challenging themselves. Don't be content, thinking that with this book or this story, you've "made" it. I read somewhere that you "never arrive." Even Stephen King continues to try new things and push the envelope.
3. Be Positive, but Don't Put on Blinders
Be positive, but also be realistic. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to try something different. A certain approach may not work in your area or might not work for you. Everyone is different, so don't get discouraged and find what marketing, writing, promotion, etc. tips work for you.
4. Find a Good Coach
Even the best writers sometimes can't see the forest for the trees. Ask another writer to give your material a pre-read to catch those things you often overlook.
5. Be Proud of Your Efforts
Athletes do get disappointed when an error or something causes the gold medal to slip from their hands. Sportsmanship means congratulating the person who did win gold and being proud to have won the silver or bronze medal for your team and country.
No matter which level your writing is at, be proud of your accomplishments and continue to work, train, and strive to reach gold. Reaching the next level will not only help you improve your skills, but reach the real gold - a whole new audience of readers.
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