Now, to help. A book that is excellent: Dwight Svain Techniques of the Selling Writer. It is an old book, but excellent. It will help you on your way, and goes through everything with such care. I have had many authors recommend this. He doesn’t pull punches, but he gives hope and good advice. I love it.

So that is about all I have to say.

As for why I feel I can say this with such conviction? I am sure you might be wondering. I am still far down the mountain. I know how far i have to go and some days the mountain is steeper than others. But I know a few writers who wrote their first books and after years of working on them were finally published and are on their way to bright careers. Kristen Britain (Green Rider), Mindy Klasky (The Glasswright’s Apprentice and The Glasswright’s Progress), Julie Czerneda (Thousand Words For A Stranger, Ties Of Power, In The Company Of Others – SF), among others. I know there is HOPE.

See if the authors you like have web pages. News groups. Check sff.net because hundreds of writers are there and hundreds of resources. Talking to authors about their work, about their struggles, about challenges helps yourself. And you have fun talking about non-sensical things as well. Ask questions. I have learned that authors, for the most part, love being asked questions. They want to help (but don’t ask them to read something for you because it is impolite).

Lastly, encouragement, because you need it, want it and it will help you now.

You write wonderful stories, You need to improve…but so do best selling writers. Everyone has to improve. You just need to have confidence in your ability. Trust yourself over all other people. Believe in yourself. You can do it.

::deep cleansing breath:: Hope that helped. Now get back to writing!