If You Want To Idolise An Author... Don't Pick A Dead One.

Tip #2

 Do not place a photograph of your ­favourite author on your desk, especially if the author is one of the famous ones who committed suicide. -Roddy Doyle

 This is one of my favourite quotes when it comes to writing tips. Every writer chose to embark on this path after falling in love with another's work - and you will soon find that it's essentially our job to re-write what has already been written. Whether it be plots (there's only seven basic plots), characters (the stock characters will always reappear) or setting (there's only so many ways an author can make the London Underground unique).

Writing is like a jigsaw - all the pieces have been chewed, spat out and trodden on... but those lucky few can put all the pieces back together and create something that was never there before.

Similarly, it's great to idolise an author, but you must remember that they achieved their success through a means of luck, talent and a unique view of the world - and your pathway to published will be completely different... and so will your writing.

It's also worth mentioning that many authors, whose work is read all over the world, published their stories in a completely different time with different rules and readership. We live in an intensely competitive society, and even if it took Beatrix Potter less than a year to see her idea on a bookshop shelf... we don't live like that anymore. 

On average, it will take six months for an agent to take you on and approach different publishers. If a publishing house agree, they have to look at editing, marketing and figure out the best way to sell your book - roughly around 15 months. Realistically, you're looking at close to two years from having a completed manuscript to it being ready to go on sale.

And taking it back to the quote - there is an extraordinary amount of authors/poets who have let the stress get to them. Writing is supposed to be fun. It's an escape from everyday life and allows you to explore the adventures that you've been quietly playing in your mind. 

Remember, have fun.

The Successful Writer's Golden Rule

Tip #1

You've decided you want to be a writer. 

But wait. 

Before you even take one more step. 

Before your fingers tap open that word document.

Before you choose that perfect 'hand-writing' font that's 'perfect' for your diary-themed novel.

(Please, please don't even consider it)

And before you email your vaguely interested relatives and your facebook friends (who have likely already hidden your posts) that you're going to become a best-selling author.

Learn this one simple rule.

The bread-and-butter of writing.

Show, Don't Tell.

It's quite simple really; leave the 'telling' for an essay and 'show' your readers what you want them to see.

For example, instead of stating:

Linda was nervous about giving Jeremy the china, due to his reputation of being very clumsy.

Try instead:

"Sorry, sorry." Jeremy muttered as he handed Mrs Jones her feathered hat back. There was really no need for her to look so unimpressed; it had only flown a couple metres and he hadn't meant to knock it flying. Jeremy coughed, and stepped onto the platform - only slightly losing his balance - before holding out his hands. "I can carry the rest of it to the truck."

Linda visibly clutched the china teapot that little bit tighter.

Do you see the difference? By adding 'show', you're adding the butter to the dry piece of bread. 'Showing' is a way to add colour to your story and make it much more interesting to the average reader.

Remember: Show, don't Tell.