When we place our name on our writing, we are ensuring the reader sees excellence. The effort to create an outstanding manuscript requires time and skill with a commitment to learning the newest trends in the industry.
Whew!
Every writer has experienced the defeat of rejection and the dive into the waters of discouragement. We raise our fists and wade through the tears to work harder and not allow defeat to drown our publishing dreams.
How do we move forward in promoting excellence in our writing? The following are my practices, and I pass them on to you.
Schedule time with God every morning before turning on the computer.
Simple advice, but the best way to tap into our Creator’s heart.
Schedule time daily on your calendar to study the craft.
Explore the blog posts written by professionals who practice quality writing.
Read the how-to books, highlight and underline the information that speaks to you.
Put the instruction into practice.
Don’t be afraid to fail.
Don’t be afraid to change.
Never knowingly send a faulty manuscript to a critique partner or editor.
Schedule time daily on your calendar to study social media.
Explore the blogs written by social media experts who understand the value of effective and efficient posts targeted to writers.
Read the how-to books, highlight and underline the information that pertains to your brand.
Appeal to your readers’ needs.
Put the instruction into practice.
Don’t be afraid to fail.
Don’t be afraid to change.
Schedule at least one writing conference per year where you will learn, network, and find encouragement.
Schedule time to give back to the writing community.
If we aren’t diligent in helping others, how can we expect to grow or pass the baton of excellence when our season of writing is over?
Learn how to say no to those projects that you feel are not from God.
We all want three P’s after our name: Published, Professional, and Polished. How will you strive for yours?
Write on!
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
Follow DiAnn on Twitter: @DiAnnMills
The Conversation
Hi DiAnn
Thank you for your helpful post. I prayed earlier this morning about where to put my efforts to balance out my life. It’s so easy to obsess with writing or become engrossed in editing and let other things slip.
On a personal note, I met you at ACFW conference. You won’t remember because it was just in passing when I needed directions, but you impressed me because you mannerisms were so kind. You stopped what you were doing and looked directly at me to help me solve my problem. That simple meeting was one of my more memorable from conference, which is saying a lot because ACFW conference was terrific!
Thanks!