This was a meme going around that I took from Anya’s blog .

1. Writing is work. Yes, you have to love the “written word”, but what differentiates an author is the person’s tenacity in sticking it out, editing and honing one’s craft until someone finally says, “YES, I want to buy this book.” Or starting a new story until someone finally says, “YES, I want to buy this book.”

2. A rejection means: Not marketable at this time. Sure it can mean, Your story sucked!, but I prefer the first translation. Call me an optimist. ;)

3. Critiques are a necessity, not a hinderance (so long as you have CPs that don’t just pat you on the back and say, “Good story”). EVERY story can be made better. I’m not just referring to having my work critiqued. It’s important to crit other’s work as well. We learn so much about our own writing while doing this. When critting other’s work, always crit with a keen eye, be tough, but also constructive. Don’t just say “it needs fixing”. Instead, offer suggestions how you would fix the problem. It’s up to the author to chose to incorporate (or not) your suggestions.

As for being critted, when we write our books, we’re so close to the story that we need another set of eyes (or 3) looking at our work. Often times each CP finds something different that can be improved in your story.

4) Write straight through. Don’t worry about every little research detail. Just write. Type **more research needed** right in the document if you need to remind yourself to go back, but don’t stop writing to surf the net looking for some tidbit of information. Keep writing while your muse is flowing.

5) If you don’t “feel” the scene while your writing it, then you can pretty much guarantee your readers won’t either. Close your eyes and “see” the scene in your mind. Then ask yourself these questions: What do I feel? smell? see? hear? or taste? Now go back and show it!

6) I’m a pantser (seat-of-my-pants) writer. That’s why I sometimes end up dumping the beginning of my WIPs, because I “need” to write down the backstory that’s in my head. But the “offical” beginning of the book certainly doesn’t need it. The process of writing all that background allows me to get a feel for my characters (where they came from and where they’re going). Once I have written it down, I usally end up cutting out the beginning of my books and starting at a later point (read: more intriguing) in the story. If you find yourself doing this, it’s neither right nor wrong. Consider it your writing process. The more books you write, the better you’ll get at recognizing it.

7) Over analyzing your story in the beginning stages will kill your muse. Give yourself a break and just write. A clunky, sluggish beginning can be fixed. An empty screen can’t be.

Ideas come to me when I’m NOT trying to conjure them. *dang, fickle muse* Don’t try so hard to force your muse. It’s usually when you least expect it that an idea forms.

7) You’ll always learn and grow as a writer. There’s no such thing as a “graduation certificate” in this business.

Join writer organzations, learn the market and network. Industry contacts are invaluable.

9) The publishing industry is very dynamic. Being able to go with the flow (ie, writing something differerent) is a must if one wants a long career as a writer.

10) Learn patience (something I have to constantly work on *g*).