10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Linda Ford

10 things I wish I’d known

1.. Format is not a make or break consideration. Story is what counts. An editor is not going to turn down a wonderful story because it the margins are too narrow.

2.. Nevertheless, don’t waste time using an unreadable font. The editor certainly won’t waste time trying to read it.

3.. Critiques and feedback are a bonus meant to help improve writing. Get over hurt feelings at having problems pointed out and get on with trying to learn how to fix them.

4.. It’s easier to make suggestions on a promising manuscript than on a poor one so a detailed critique is probably a good thing.

5.. Every word written is a word closer to publication—really. So write every day. Write as much as you can. Don’t keep reworking old material. Write something new and fresh.

6.. You have to put in your apprenticeship to achieve overnight success. Overnight success is about 10 years.

7.. Never miss an opportunity. That can mean meeting an editor or agent face to face. But it can also mean attending workshops, getting critiques (even if you have to pay for them) and listening to everything with an open mind.

8.. A person has to discover their own process whether it is plotter, pantsers or planner (One who plans their story without extensive plotting). It might take time to do so. Keep writing and experimenting with lessons from workshops until you figure out what works for you. This is also the way you develop your individual voice. There are no shortcuts unless you count heeding advise such as this.

9.. Story is everything. Really. Not format, not networking, not critiquing, not even excellent writing. It’s all about story. So learn what a story is and how to tell a good one.

10.. It’s got to be fun or at least satisfying at some level. If it isn’t, why are you doing it? And if you’ve lost the fun, stop focusing on the results and learn again to enjoy the process.

Linda Ford writes for both Heartsong Presents and Love Inspired Historicals. She lives in Alberta, Canada where she shares her life and her home with her husband, a son and a paraplegic client. website: www.lindaford.org