No I am NOT going to list the Top 7 tips for being a successful writer… No I am NOT going to quote anyone OR punt my own books… No I am NOT going to sound all wise and sage-like.
But I WILL share certain tips which I personally use… And these aren’t really ‘tips’. They’re ‘things’ I do. Things you might be doing already – or if you’re not – you will because its FUN. And FUN is truly the Nr. 1 Writing Tip EVER.
TIP #1: Get out!
No I don’t mean ‘leave’ my blog, silly. I mean take your laptop/iPad/whatever tablet – and go to a coffee shop. Or a park. Or a restaurant. Or to a Magic The Gathering event, or a graveyard, or a lingerie shop (who knows what tickles your genre!?). I find the white noise in a coffee shop to be very writer-friendly. I order my favorite flat white coffee, open my Macbook, and TYPE. Awesome things then flow from these finger tips. And when my creative flow needs a break – I check people out. I love people watching. By observing your environment you actually create new ideas – you just don’t know it yet.
TIP #2: Also read the Great Greats
We’re in a world where we are blessed with amazing talents like Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, Jonathan Kellerman, Kathy Reichs, James Herbert – and many many more. I personally find that reading the mental meanderings of the ‘Greats’ inspires me greatly. Yes, I do read William Shakespeare! I love how he used words like his own brush on a canvas that speaks. Lewis Carroll? C’mon – that’s just raw genius! The ‘Greats’ were there when our industry truly began growing its skin. The knowledge they shared in later works is precious. Their imaginations were unaffected by modern social media, thus I believe their stories and worlds were so much more part of THEM, their true selves. And I find that to be refreshing.
TIP #3: Tweet-tweet-tweet!
Twitter. It is a wondrous tool! NOT just for marketing. In fact, I use Twitter for everything BUT marketing. I literally Tweet stuff that just randomly pops up in my head. Most of it is pretty weeeirrrd but based on my Follower count – my Followers like my random Tweet-bursts. I won’t ‘sell’ on Twitter. I will however share my work and journey. And when my journey includes the release of a book – HELL YEAH I’m going to share that! I really am not on Twitter to push product, I’m there to interact, chat and learn – and yes, share my work. ALSO, Twitter is the ultimate linguistic gymnastics for any writer because you must say something funny, insightful or intelligent in just 140 characters… And WOW, some of the conversations on Twitter is sometimes ingenious in its random creativity!
TIP #4: Get weird
Yeah, I actually mean it. For some of us ‘weird’ comes easy. And when I say weird I actually mean – loosen up! Even better, why not meet up with a group of like-minded people on a regular basis. A group of creators and writers. I have an awesome group of creative friends. We get together for ‘creative meetings’ – but somehow it always ends up with chilli poppers, beer and lots of laughter! But – we always walk away with fresh ideas. And very importantly – we feed each other’s imaginations with intelligence, humor, creative blabbing, brain storming – and honesty.
TIP #5: Experience
Nah not the type of ‘experience’ employers ask whether or not you have during interviews. I’m talking life. New things. New places. New people. New food. Challenges. Thoughts. Treats. Books. Music. Cow photos (#joke). I thrive on new experiences! Some have been amazing, some [CENSORED], some delectable, some inspiring – even life-changing. A creator NEEDS experiences because you are constantly creating new worlds and universes, right? So go out – EXPERIENCE… But please, I’m not saying go swim naked in the mall’s fountain, or slap a hyena on its butt, or believe you can fly after drinking chai tea… Keep it constructive people!
TIP #6: Write with your organ
Hey, eew, what are YOU thinking?! I actually mean it in a most sincere way… Write from your HEART. Lately a lot of authors write for money. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But I believe in writing a story and creating characters that are infused by tiny parts of you. And with that I mean – write with honesty. Believe in your stories, believe in your characters as if they’re real people in your life. Yes, you HAVE to write FOR a specific target audience and niche. But keep it real. I’m a fantasy writer – but I promise you – there is truth in my fantastical worlds. The truth lies in the words… As long as you are congruent with your writing and intentions, your readers will pick up on it. And they will like YOU, the creator…
TIP #7: I like – big – BUTTS – and I cannot lie!
Heehee… Just kidding 😉 No, Tip #7 – WORK. Yeah, hard work. Writing is dedication, persistence and discipline. Yes you make it fun and I’ve given you awesome reasons to walk around and have coffee in various places. But writing – STICKING TO THE STORY – takes discipline. Writing your book is the easy part. The work that comes after that is the true bulk of your journey. Especially if you self-publish on Amazon and the like. Once you accept that you will be working everyday to achieve your goals – you’ll have FUN! You’ll be proud. You’ll be so excited… And you’ll absolutely love the journey as writer and creator…
Thanks for reading you awesome reader you 🙂
Jen Henning
jeaninehenning.wordpress.com 
I dig it! Thanks for these great suggestions 🙂
Much of a pleasure K.C! 😉
Great advice, and delivered so well!