Donna Hill » Writing Tips

Writing Tip

donna — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:58:56 +0000

A novel notebook is a must have. Although it may sound like old school with all the current technology, having a 3 ring binder to contain your work in progress is a win-win. Divide the binder into sections: Synopsis, Character Bio, Setting, Chapter Details, Pictures, Notes. Add the information per section. It will always be available to you during the course of your writing. When you are finished with the novel, remove the pages and store them in an envelope labeled with the name of the book, pub date and publisher then file them away, and your notebook is ready for your next masterpiece.

Writing Tip

donna — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:58:08 +0000

As hard as it may be sometimes, to be a successful writer you need to get into the habit of doing writerly things: writing everyday (even if it is only notes or journal entries, or editing previous written work) and you MUST read. And not just pop culture books. Read across the board. Read outside of your comfort zone. Read the newspapers. Read!!!

Writing Tip

donna — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:48:45 +0000

Set aside time each day for your writing. Even if it is only an hour. If you can’t write something new, re-read what you have done and freshen it up. Great way to get the creative juices flowing.

Writing Tip

donna — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:47:01 +0000

No matter how difficult is may seem, or even if you believe down in your soul that you don’t have time, you must write everyday. Even if it is not the novel or current project that you are working on. Write something. Revise, take notes. Whatever. But you have to keep the adrenaline flowing. And the more you get away from writing and forming good writing habits the more difficult it will become for you later on. Remember a writer writes!

Writing Tip

donna — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:46:38 +0000

Your backlist is your lifeline. Simply because you have a new book, don’t forget the one before it, and the one before that. There are thousands of readers out there who have not read everything you have written, and there are readers who may like one type of story more than others. Keeping your backlist alive, will keep you in the hands of readers.

Writing Tip

donna — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:46:01 +0000

Do you have a tip to share with writers? Something that works for you?

Writing Tip

donna — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:50:22 +0000

Submission of your manuscript is often a daunting idea. But if you do it right your chances of getting read and being offered a contact rise exponentially.
1. Verify that the publisher you want to submit to accepts the kind of book you are writing
2. Verify the name of the editor BEFORE you submit.
3. Master the art of writing a detailed synopsis
4. Make sure that your first three chapters shine
5. Include a return envelope with enough postage for the return of your manuscript
6. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. Authors must develop a thick skin. If at first you don’t succeed try again.

Great Quotes

donna — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:21:54 +0000

Donna’s favorite quotes

"A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."— Maya Angelou

Goodreads Quotes