Some Basics About Writing That I Believe…

Okay, This Might Be Blunt…

But here are some hard-held beliefs of mine that have helped me get through 50 years of writing and selling fiction.

1… I do not believe that anyone, for any reason, should tell another person what to write in their fiction.

No one tries to tell me on fear of death, so this is not a problem that I face, but poor early stage writers are constantly bombarded by how they should write to market and so on and so on…  I have told a lot of writers over the years to grow a backbone and write what they want.

2… I do not believe that anyone should write sloppy.

You know the stupidity, “Get it down and fix it later.” Just lazy, sloppy writing that kills creative voice.

3… I do not believe that anyone should rewrite.

One draft, doing the best you can, and then release and move on to the next story. It really is that simple.

4… I do not believe that anyone should ever touch one of my stories.

Period. Always fighting this one personally. Seems after 50 years people still do not think I know what I am doing.

5… No one should ever allow anyone to read a work in progress for any reason.

Group think is never as good as your own creative voice and this kills creative voice. Believe in your own writing and voice and learn to trust it.

6… I think the idea of Beta Readers might be the stupidest, funniest, and most damaging thing that has come along in Indie publishing.

Just based in fear.

7… And on that note, I have yet to figure out what any person is afraid of in fiction writing.

I have heard all the fear excuses a thousand times, still can’t figure out that fear. Standing in front of someone with a gun can cause fear. Sitting alone in a room making up stories is just not a fearful thing.

Anyone who has taken any classes from me have heard these beliefs expressed in many different ways. I have watched so many thousands of writers come into publishing, then vanish. I find it sad, to be honest. Mostly they vanish because of fear and rewriting that killed their creative voice.

I follow Heinlein’s Business Rules. If you can follow them more than not, you will make it to professional fiction writing. Those rules are so simple, like climbing on a horse. Anyone can stay on until you discover you do not have a saddle and the horse is covered with the slickest stuff you have ever felt. And the horse doesn’t like you on its back.

One last thing I believe and that I feel is the secret to being a successful fiction writer.

Have fun… If sitting alone in a room and making up a story you want to tell is not fun and challenging, you are doing it wrong.