Friday, June 10, 2011

My ABC's of Writing: Brought to You by the Letter J


Round Two wraps up with the letter "J."


You didn't think you'd escape from this without a Star Wars reference somewhere, did you? Feel fortunate that I almost lasted two weeks before busting out something Force-related.

Today, I'm talking about the concept of becoming a Jedi.

And by Jedi, I mean Swiss-Army Author. It's not just about writing, my friends. I think most of us realize this. In this day and age, we have to wear so many hats. Writer. Promoter. Social networker. Blogger. Book designer. Layout expert. Editor. Reviewer. Critic.

There are so many opportunities out there today, but we have to have Jedi-like focus and metahuman, Jedi-like skills in order to capitalize. I'm not just talking about self-publishing, either. The days of writing your book, sending it out there, and concentrating solely on the writing are nearly past. So become a Jedi, a Swiss-Army Author.

Yes, focus on the writing. But learn about the business side, play with Photoshop, fiddle with this ebook thing if you're feeling Obi-Wan Kenobi-like. Become your own best editor and toughest critic.

And may the Force be with you.

A is for AGENT
B is for BETA READERS
C is for CRITIQUE GROUP
D is for DESCRIPTION
E is for EDITING
F is for FICTION
G is for GENRE
H is for HUMOR
I is for IDEA