How I Write

1. Write with passion and perseverance, overcoming rejection

I collected rejection letters for ten years. Until you beat my record, you should keep trying.

Embrace rejection as growth. Rejection is an inevitable part of a writer's journey. Instead of viewing it as a setback, use it as motivation to improve your craft. Many successful authors, including John Grisham and Dan Brown, faced numerous rejections before achieving success.

Focus on continuous improvement. With each rejection, analyze feedback and identify areas for growth. Keep writing and starting new projects, even if your current work isn't gaining traction. Remember that every book you write helps you develop your skills and voice.

Maintain a positive attitude. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your talent. Join writing groups or attend conferences to connect with other writers who understand the challenges. Celebrate small victories along the way, such as finishing a chapter or receiving a personalized rejection letter with constructive feedback.

2. Develop compelling characters to drive your story

A well-developed character is multidimensional, with quirks and flaws, dreams, motivations, and values.

Create multifaceted characters. Develop characters with depth by giving them:

• Unique personality traits and quirks
• Clear motivations and goals
• Flaws and vulnerabilities
• Personal values and beliefs
• Backstories that influence their actions

Show character evolution. Allow your characters to grow and change throughout the story. Their experiences should shape their decisions and outlook, making them feel more realistic and relatable to readers.

Use supporting characters effectively. Minor characters can add richness to your story and help reveal aspects of your main characters. Ensure each character serves a purpose in advancing the plot or developing the protagonist.

3. Master the craft of dialogue and description

Dialogue defines a character. Even in the most basic of conversations between two people, there will be distinct differences in how they speak to each other.

Craft authentic dialogue. Pay attention to how people speak in real life and incorporate those patterns into your writing. Each character should have a unique voice, reflecting their background, education, and personality. Use dialogue to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create tension.

Balance description and action. When describing settings or characters, choose vivid, specific details that engage the reader's senses. Avoid lengthy descriptions that slow the pace. Instead, weave descriptive elements into the action and dialogue to maintain momentum.

Show, don't tell. Rather than explicitly stating a character's emotions or traits, demonstrate them through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with others. This approach allows readers to draw their own conclusions and become more invested in the story.

4. Structure your novel with a strong plot and pacing

I think of my book as a train. My characters are like train cars. And the plot is the engine that pulls them down the track from one place to the next.

Outline your story. Before diving into writing, create a basic outline of your plot, including key events and turning points. This roadmap will help you maintain focus and pacing throughout the writing process.

Build tension and conflict. Introduce obstacles and challenges for your characters to overcome. Escalate the stakes as the story progresses to keep readers engaged and invested in the outcome.

Vary your pacing. Alternate between fast-paced action scenes and slower, character-driven moments to create a dynamic reading experience. Use chapter lengths and sentence structures to control the rhythm of your story.

5. Revise and edit ruthlessly to polish your work

Stephen King uses this formula: a good second draft = the first draft, less ten percent.

Distance yourself before editing. After completing your first draft, set it aside for a few weeks. This break will allow you to approach your work with fresh eyes and a more objective perspective.

Focus on big-picture issues first. During your initial revision, address major structural problems, plot holes, and character inconsistencies. Once these foundational elements are solid, move on to line-by-line editing for grammar, style, and word choice.

Seek feedback from others. Share your work with trusted beta readers, writing groups, or professional editors. Their insights can help you identify blind spots and areas for improvement that you might have missed.

6. Navigate the publishing process with patience and professionalism

If being a writer is important to you, keep at it, keep improving, and don't give up.

Research the industry. Familiarize yourself with the publishing process, including:

• Finding and querying literary agents
• Preparing submission materials (query letters, synopses)
• Understanding publishing contracts and rights

Be professional in all interactions. Treat writing as a business, maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor in all communications with agents, editors, and publishers. Follow submission guidelines carefully and be patient during the often lengthy process.

Consider multiple paths to publication. Explore traditional publishing, small presses, and self-publishing options to determine the best fit for your work and career goals. Each path has its own advantages and challenges, so weigh them carefully.

7. Cultivate discipline and routine in your writing life

Being a professional is learning to be at your desk even when you don't feel like it. It's facing that blank screen and making yourself put some words where there are none.

Establish a consistent writing schedule. Set aside dedicated time for writing each day, treating it as a non-negotiable appointment. Whether it's early mornings, late nights, or during lunch breaks, find a time that works for you and stick to it.

Create a productive writing environment. Designate a specific space for writing, free from distractions. This could be a home office, a quiet corner, or even a local coffee shop. The key is to have a place that signals to your brain it's time to write.

Set achievable goals. Break your writing projects into manageable tasks and set realistic daily or weekly goals. This approach helps maintain momentum and provides a sense of accomplishment, motivating you to continue writing.

Last updated: September 5, 2024