So you wanna be a Writer?

It wasn't until I had been picked up by a London publishing house, Quercus Fiction, did I actually begin to take myself seriously as a Writer. My family kept their own counsel up to that point because, let's be honest, so few people actually make it to publishing, so why should Robert be any different?

This is true, very few writers seldom make it to being represented by a Literary Agent, never mind the shelves of WHSmith. This fact however should never put you off writing the story you feel you should write. After all, the most fertile real estate in the world is the cemetery. So many stories, ideas, innovations have gone to the grave with their creators because they wouldn't risk rejection and ridicule. The chances are, you could well experience both, take it from me, it still happens.

But first, before you fire up the laptop, let's manage some expectations.

1. DO NOT give up your day job to become a Writer. Most well known names on the shelves still have day jobs. The writing is still a side hustle that brings in some nice treasure, but not enough to pay the mortgage...not yet anyhow.
2. Your family and friends will find it bizarre that you have decided to write a book, whatever the genre may be. Most of us don't know many Writers/ Authors. People will give you a double take if you introduce yourself as a Writer. It is such a niche profession/ hobby, you will attract people who all of a sudden have a great idea for a story, or go to their comfortable perch and explain how difficult it is to both write and get published. There is a well known saying...those who can, do...those who can't, critique.
3. Manage your time. When I wrote my first effort, my time management was terrible. It was all over the place. I ate my dinners cold, or I ignored the family when I should have been out in the sunshine with them. It caused countless rows with my wife, and yet I ploughed on. I had to finish my story. With a fresh idea forming before I even finished editing the first, I knew I needed to manage my time better. These days, I try to get 2000 words done per day, Monday to Friday with weekends off. It is a marathon...not a sprint. At first such a word count will appear daunting, but just let it flow. There will be days when you cannot bring yourself to type anything. So instead, I write hand notes and therefore maintain forward momentum. It is really a state of mind. You'll find your own groove soon enough.

Your book idea... my genre of choice is Historical Fiction. I love the history aspect, and the research that is required to make the story credible, despite the plot being a complete fabrication in my head. Write what you enjoy, you'll enjoy the creation process far better than writing something you think the audience will like.

Write for you...your audience will get what they are given.

If you chose to write in a historical setting, you will gain nothing by watering it down for what people find acceptable today. History is cruel and violent for the main part. If you want credibility with your prospective audience, give them warts and all. The attitudes of the period, the language of the period, the social norms of the period. Be true to the period and genre in which you are telling your story. If you are set on writing Non-Fiction, then it will be very research heavy, but the writing principles remain the same.

Write notes first... I like to treat myself to a new notebook with every new story. A clean slate as it were. Hash out your plot and characters before you get on the keyboard. With the plot and pace of your story scribbled in front of you, it reduces so many false starts with your opening chapter.

START WRITING...you do not need any fancy masterclass on how to write your story, because it is yours. You may prefer to write third person instead of first person. Just take your time carving out your story. With your notes at your elbow, you will seldom run out of things to type about. Day by day, word by word, chapter by chapter until your first draft is done.

Take some leave... step away from your work and allow it to ferment over the next couple of weeks. You'll be in the bath when a great idea for a plot twist drops in, or you'll remember a scene you wrote that needs to be re written. Make note of the edits you wish to make, and enjoy time away from your manuscript. The reason for this is so when you return to make the edits, you've allowed the passion in your heart for the story to subside, so you can be more critical of your efforts. You need humility and a thick skin in this game.

Edit & Proofread...after a few weeks of fermentation, you can now return to your baby. Once you have sewn in or removed the edits where they are required, you can now begin your proof read.

READ YOUR STORY OUT ALOUD!

If you read it out aloud, you will read every word. You will add volume and pitch to dialogue where required, because you know the demeanour of your characters, after all...you created them. You can hear if a sentence doesn't flow right, and can adjust it as you go. Word for word, cover to cover. Your family will think you are going mad, but it is worth the jibes, take it from me.

Go over your manuscript as many times as it takes to get it just so. Some people will talk of Beta readers reviewing your work, but I find these irksome. Only because they all have an idea of how your story should go. It's your call.

Find a Literary Agent... you'll need an agent if you want publishers to even accept your manuscript for consideration. You can self-publish of course, for in this day and age, you cannot lose. But there is nothing finer than getting mainstream published. Getting an agent is a challenge, but they have submission guidelines on their websites, so you can't go far wrong. Be sure to approach agents that represent your genre of work. Don't carpet bomb them all with the same email. Take the time to tailor each submission to increase your chances of obtaining representation.

So let's say, you have an agent and big publisher is putting your work out on the high street. Don't hand in your notice at work just yet. JK Rowling did not see the big money until Warner Bros expressed interest in the Harry Potter books. Stephen King was an English teacher for a long time before the royalties were enough to keep the lights on. Build your brand with every new title, and you never know...one day, your characters will be more famous than you.