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Lindsay McKenna | Top Tips For Successful Writers
December 30, 2010
This blog is for those of you who want to write, are struggling to write and who
want to publish. My latest book, DEADLY IDENTITY,
HQN, December 2010 is out. It is book #2 of the my next saga-series, Jackson
Hole, Wyoming. When I turn around and look at my zig-zag path to publishing,
then I feel anyone can do it. I'd like to share some tips with you that may
support your dream of writing a book. For five years I taught at Kent State University and Akron University, Ohio in
their adult education programs. I offered classes in Fiction Writing, Nonfiction
Writing and Manuscript Evaluation. My classes were always packed to the gum
stumps with a maximum of thirty students. My first rule for them was: one did
not pass through the door to my class the following week unless they had ten
pages of fresh (not edited or revised) writing material. I told them if they
didn't think if they could meet my requirement, to get their money refunded and
don't bother coming back for class number two. I created Writing Boot camp. It
wasn't for sissies. It was for people who had a dream deep in their heart about
not only writing, but getting it published. I wanted to support their dream and
knew how to go about doing just that. Ten percent of my eager students of all ages published straight out of my
classes. That's a pretty high percent. If you want to write, you need to ask
yourself WHY you want to write. Is it to write about your family's history? Is it to write to get the gall and
toxins out of your system? Or, is it because you love to tell a good story. If
you are the “tell a good story,” type, you'll have it easiest time in trying to
break into the world of publishing. In the initial class, I had each student stand, introduce her or himself and
give me a five minute presentation about themselves and why they wanted to
write. It was actually a trick. Not that I didn't care why they wanted to write,
but I wanted to hear them TALK. Why? Because the way a person thinks, the way their mind orders communication and
they speak, will show me the way she or he will write. I could tell by the
rhythm of a person's speech pattern during their presentation if they had a
sense of that same rhythm that was needed in order to create a book. Sentences
can be long or short and you need to know when to make them one way or another.
Some people's minds are just created that way, and that's good news for writing. I would listen to see if they had a beginning, middle and end to the
presentation about themselves--or not. Those that would jump around in a hodge
podge manner always had trouble creating a scene (the who, what, where, when and
how). Orderly minds help in the organization of writing. Can others who don't
think this way over come it? Absolutely. That was why I demanded ten new pages a
week. It forced the disordered minds into an organized template so that everyone
knew what was expected of them. And they all produced, week after week. Not one
sissie among them. By laying down the rule that ten new pages a week had to be created, this forced
each person in the class to really ask themselves (consciously or not) if this
is what they REALLY wanted to do. To sit and create ten double-spaced,typed
pages a week is a lot if you're not used to doing it. It forces organization,
time management and allowing yourself to be creative with the muse within
yourself. This test winnowed wheat from chaff. In my fiction classes, I told my class to write about their passion. Write what
they know. You don't have to go out and create a universe unless you want too.
Frequently, your job, whether you know it or not, is plenty of grist for the
mill of the novel. How many people know what it's like to be a pilot? Or a
rancher? Or a trucker? A construction worker? An office assistant? There's
suspense, mystery, excitement and adventure in all of these so-called “mundane”
jobs. What you know is what you will be best at writing. In my own situation, I wrote about the military because I was a part of it. I
created the sub-genre of military romance in 1983 via Silhouette Special
Edition, CAPTIVE OF FATE. And I wrote consistently in this vein for
decades and now, look at it. Military romance is a thriving sub-genre that many
talented writers are in. Amazing what one can do with “what they know.” Why is this important? Because your readers ‘out there' may be truckers,
ranchers, office assistants or construction workers and they'll know if you, the
author, know what you're talking about. And if you do, they'll likely buy your
next novel. And if you don't know what you're writing about or fail to do the
extensive research needed for it, the novel will be DOA--dead on arrival--to the
reader's hands. They won't buy your next book. That's why it's vital if you want to break into the writing world, to write what
you know. Don't think it's boring, because it really isn't. I was in the US Navy
as an Aerographer's Mate (weather forecaster). I found out what it was like to
be one of the few women in this vocation and found out a whole lot about sexual
harassment and harassment in general. I ended up creating the sub genre of
military romances as a result of my experience in 1983. I started a whole new
trend in the publishing world by being faithful to writing what I knew. You
write from experience because it gives solid legs to your story and your readers
will be very happy with you. Plus, the book arrives alive and breathing to the
editor's desk. And then, into your reader's hands. That means word-of-mouth from
your happy readers to others will result. What fuels your passion, whether it's a love of gems stones and being a rock
hound, a lover of history, a curiosity about reptiles, creating a new design in
a quilt....all of this can be written about. It's not the topic that stops you
from being published. It's the construct of how the backdrop is written about:
that who, what, where, when , why and how. Write your heart out on paper or on a computer. Write what you love to read. To
thine own self be true. Sooner or later, someone in the realm of publishing will
love your manuscript as much as you do, and buy it. And then you become an
author. Follow your heart. I did. I'm still writing and publishing after being
in the business since 1980--and still going strong. Thanks to my readers. I wish you creative forays into the landscape of your mind--and putting it down
on paper :-) Warmly, Lindsay McKenna www.lindsaymckenna.com DEADLY IDENTITY,
HQN, December, 2010
OPERATION FORBIDDEN,
March, 2011
DEADLY SILENCE, HQN, July, 2011
THE LAST COWBOY, HQN, December 2011
Comments
52 comments posted.
Re: Lindsay McKenna | Top Tips For Successful Writers
I've thought about writing but have always been afraid to put my thoughts on paper. I know it's very difficult to become a published author. I've also read many times to write about what you know. This sounds like sound advice to me. Thanks for the opportunity to win a book.
(Lucy Pinto 1:54am December 30, 2010)
You sound like an awesome teacher! I don't have any desire to write, only read the great books that others write, but if I did, you would be the teacher I would want.
(Joanne Reynolds 6:18am December 30, 2010)
I prefer to read what others write about and I admire the talent that so many authors have. I love to read and I really enjoy books on romantic suspense. I am sure that was a wonderful experience for those that took your classes. Thanks for posting this blog contest and for giving someone a chance to win your book. I look forward to reading it.
(Mary Christian 9:28am December 30, 2010)
This book sounds to be a thrilling read and a loving one
(Anthonia Sharp 10:16am December 30, 2010)
I think about writing as I am sure a lot of people do. But when I try to put the words to paper, to me it comes out juvenile, it is very hard. I am jealous of you all who can put words on paper and make it sound good. :) I think it is great that you're offering writing tips. I can't wait to try your books, I've put them on my reading list.
(Nicole Caroen 10:26am December 30, 2010)
I know i am going to enjoy reading this book and i look foward to it.
(Anthonia Sharp 10:42am December 30, 2010)
My writing is journalism, but I'd someday love to find the time to craft a novel. I was drawn to your post because I grew up in Akron and found it interesting that you taught at the university there!
(LuAnn Morgan 11:13am December 30, 2010)
I've written. I've published. I'm writing for one of the
most famous companies in the world. But what I want more
than anything is to publish my first novel -- which,
incidentally, doesn't have to be the first book I wrote.
(I'm writing my third now.) It's just that I get discouraged
by the enormous amount of work it takes to find
representation, especially when I write in such disparate
genres. I need a champion. Someone who gets me. Someone who
realizes that I have to write in different genres because
the stories that crowd my head are so many and so varied.
But is that a blessing? Or a curse? You're an inspiration to
me, lady. Thanks for being who you are.
(Maria Alexander 11:35am December 30, 2010)
I think I will enjoy Deadly Identity. In fact, I just added it to my list of books I want to read.
(Anna Speed 12:09pm December 30, 2010)
Sounds like a good read...Happy New Year!
(Suzy Roy 12:21pm December 30, 2010)
deadly identity sounds riveting
(Debbi Shaw 12:26pm December 30, 2010)
Your class sounds awesome. Would love to find something like that in my area.
(Maria Munoz 12:30pm December 30, 2010)
I am very greatful for writers like you that create such wonderful books for us to enjoy... I have a great imagination and am very creative, but do not have the ability to put things down in words...
(Colleen Conklin 12:45pm December 30, 2010)
I would like to attend a creative writing class in my spare time ( what spare time) but I would love to read this book
(Cj Swier 2:45pm December 30, 2010)
I have been reading romance novels since I had my heart broken the first time. It is what has gotten me through the worst of times and has led me to regain the confidence that real love affairs do happen and they do last. I think if someone was to ask me why I wanted to write, I think I would to be able to give another woman back the kind of sense of self these books gave to me. You can have any kind of love you want; gentle with a loving family, a quick kind of lust, a passionate suspenseful thrill of your life. You can have any or all of them. They are out there. If I was to write, it would be to remind woman of this on their darkest night.
(Amanda Daghli 3:10pm December 30, 2010)
Oh I love such advices and comments. I've done some writing myself and it is not easy- I think either you have the talent or you don't and those who do,use wisely and frequently get the rewards. I think many of us- me included- lack the discipline and focus that it requires to be a writer or the endurance- physical and emotionally to deal with rejection and criticism, bt at the end it is worth. Now, I am very happy to be a reader.
(Clio Teixeira 4:01pm December 30, 2010)
I've often thought about writing. I have scores of self-motivation books, how-tos and articles from the internet but I haven't gotten down to the brass tacks yet. I know that if you really want to write, you will....and I think I don't really want to...at least not right now.
I am enjoying reading books by the awesome talented writers who do see it as their vocation.
Valerie
in Germany
(Valerie Bongards 4:14pm December 30, 2010)
I love your book Lindsay and I really appreciate all the hard work that writers put into their works. I've never wanted to write, bt I love to read.:)
(Clicia Tremblay 4:18pm December 30, 2010)
All good advice.
(Mary Preston 4:32pm December 30, 2010)
happy new year and many many more books to come!
(Steph Teague 5:06pm December 30, 2010)
Very interesting point. WOuld love to read this book.
(Maria Antunes 5:33pm December 30, 2010)
You are a most encouraging person!
Blessings,
marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 5:43pm December 30, 2010)
I think I could take all the writing classes in the world and still not be a good fiction writer---I'm just a numbers person at heart and it's probably a good thing I became an accountant.
(Sue Farrell 5:59pm December 30, 2010)
Thanks for the amazing information. It was informative and interesting.
(Maude Allen 6:33pm December 30, 2010)
Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I enjoy your books.
(Yuka Liew 6:35pm December 30, 2010)
I kept a diary from the age of 8 or 9 until I married in 1963. After marriage I would write down things going on in my life or other interesting happenings in the world. I did this for 25 yrs. I still do type up what is happening in my life or children or grandaughters life. I have always wanted to write but don't think I can do so with success until I get my own life in order and remove some of the stress. lol.. How do you remove stress? The hope that things will be better is what I keep hoping for. I have written a couple of short stories but need to edit again. The dreaded editing.. One day I will get this done until then I will read the great books by great authors both new and old. I am sure I have read a number of your books since I have been an avid reader for over 60 yrs.
Keep up your writing and hope some of your former students continue with theirs and one day I may read their work.
(Brenda Hill 6:46pm December 30, 2010)
I used to love writing until someone told me I was a bad writer. Now whenever I write a report or even an email, I cringe to hear that negative voice taunting me that I cannot write well. I'm starting to write again just to face my demons and that person who gave me that negative influence.
(Kai Wong 6:52pm December 30, 2010)
I would love to write stories for other people to read. I think it would be so exciting to be published for others to enjoy.
(Jane Thompson 6:55pm December 30, 2010)
Hi Lindsay, I would love to write successfully. I'm not sure that I have the discipline or dedication required to actually write a story worthy of publishing. Have you thought about teaching fiction writing workshops online?
(J H 7:07pm December 30, 2010)
Your tips sound good for keeping at the writing bug. I did Julie Cameron's The Artist Way at Barnes and Noble years ago in a group which included writing "morning pages" of 3 pages a day. Also plan for weekly little field trips out of the ordinary to wake up the senses.
(Alyson Widen 7:26pm December 30, 2010)
I so can not write, but love to read. I also admire how a
person can write and get me lost in that world.
(Cynthia Plaza-Harney 7:42pm December 30, 2010)
I don't know anyone who doesn't feel satisfied when they take the time to write what is in their hearts.
(Phyllis Lamken 7:54pm December 30, 2010)
ty for the info me i wrote for the school paper and they say i talk to much gift of gab well i love to write but only letter and story for school
(Desiree Reilly 8:05pm December 30, 2010)
I've never really thought about writing but so admire those who do..and am thankful for the authors who pen the books that interest me. Can't imagine life without reading!
(Leanna Morris 8:10pm December 30, 2010)
I've always thought it would be neat to be an author, but I am no good at story telling. I go round and round too much. But I do enjoy reading what other talented people have to say. So thank you for sharing your talent.
(Jacqueline Wyllys 8:12pm December 30, 2010)
I really want to write. Beyond that I am lost. LOL.
(Michele Powell 8:48pm December 30, 2010)
When I was in college I took a class for scriptwriting. Had to do it to graduate. First week we were given time lines for each twenty pages. Of course I wrote a sci-fi based loosely on a record album that was based on something I hadn't read. Movies are strange, because you have ten pages to get the audience hooked and ten pages to wrap it up with a bow in the end. My problem came with the in between. No romance in it for me. At the time I was a freshly divorced mom of one. I had one problem with the 70-80 pages in between where you carried the film. Halfway through you needed to put a twister in there to keep things interesting but every scenario I came up with killed the hero. Yes my life was interfering with the idea of a hero at the time. The guy had to save the sister (no romance threat there) but every time I wrote I killed him. I spent a whole semester with the teacher asking what they did that week and my answer was "died" plain and simple.
Down to the wire we were and he said your mid-term grade rests on today's answer, what did they do? "They had a member of the Order of the Rose flash in with a bolt of lightning and freaked out the bad guys. There's only two bad guys left and now the hero can throw lightning swords at the bad guys." Why had I forgotten sci-fi had special fx? I spent 10 weeks killing myself over that and when it was do or die I found a way. The hero became a member of the Rose and rescued his sister in the final ten pages. That was too easy to end it.
I got an A in the class but it cost me sleep like you wouldn't believe.
(Christina Harrison 8:59pm December 30, 2010)
I'll never be a writer. I do love to read but I am not really into adding color that is so needed in books to set the mood or picture for the reader.
(Linda Kish 9:01pm December 30, 2010)
The only story I wanted to tell was how to survive being in a hospital with loads of problems and allergies. I survived
many things and thought I would share them with people, but didn't ever get beyond the beginning.....not much of an author.
(Brenda Rupp 9:03pm December 30, 2010)
I really enjoyed reading this blog about how you taught your classes; very enlightening. I am so thankful for those of you who can write and capture our imaginations and our hearts. Thank you.
(Karen Cherubino 9:12pm December 30, 2010)
I read a lot and when I get a book that doesn't flow or parts of the plot don't make sense or connect it really makes me appreciate other writers where the books really flow. I haven't really tried to write. I think it takes time, practice, dedication - a lot of hard work. I salute all who get published & encourage those who have the dream to write to keep at it.
(Diane Sallans 9:14pm December 30, 2010)
I wish I could write wonderful stories like all you good authors.Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book. Happy New Year!
(Linda Hall 9:17pm December 30, 2010)
Another book that MUST go o0n my wishlist.
(Lisa Richards 10:23pm December 30, 2010)
I have no desire to write but love to read. Deadly Identity is definitely on my TBR list. Thanks for the contest to win a copy.
(Teresa Ward 10:32pm December 30, 2010)
I've always loved to read, and always wanted to write.
Thank you.
(Renee Grandinetti 10:57pm December 30, 2010)
have to admit, haven't read your books so this would be a great chance to add a new author!! Hope I'm lucky!
(Cathy Matkovic 10:58pm December 30, 2010)
I'm a reader not a writer! Your DEADLY IDENTITY book sounds wonderful! And I'll put it on my 'to read' list whether I win it or not!
Thanks for the giveaway!
(Joanne Schultz 11:12pm December 30, 2010)
That's very good advice.
(Ginger Hinson 11:40pm December 30, 2010)
Just by reading your blog, I can see that you have just as much passion teaching, as you do writing!! I've always wanted to be a writer, but was discouraged by my mother. English was always a language that I excelled in, considering I learned how to read at the age of 3. Now I wish that I had never listened to her and followed my heart!! Perhaps, when I can get the time, I'll sit down and put the pen to paper to see what I can come up with. Several friends of mine have told me that I should write, and maybe I should make it a New Year's resolution. I wish you a Happy New Year, and continued success!
(Peggy Roberson 12:35pm December 31, 2010)
iam 59 and have been reading since i was 5 when i read i am there in you books you make thrm so real thank you for the joy
(Brenda Hook 7:40pm December 31, 2010)
I really enjoyed reading this. My goal this year is to start writing. I know I can do it. Thanks for inspiring me.
[email protected]
(Debbie Penny 7:56am January 4, 2011)
Tips make my day. Thanks for offering yours into the ring and setting goals to aspire to, deviate from and grow.
(Alyson Widen 4:45pm January 5, 2011)
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