We have author Melanie Milburne with some advice this week.
Your best advice for aspiring writers:
I think the only way you can become better at something is to do a lot of it. Writing the same as any other skill- you can have natural talent but that talent can be boosted and enriched by loads of practice. Think of Olympic athletes. They hone their skills for hours and hours and train their minds and bodies to perform at a superior level. Writing is exactly like that. I learnt to write by writing my first 40 books. I am still learning even though I am currently writing book number 74. Reading books on the writing craft or attending writing classes or workshops is a good way to keep challenging yourself to lift your writing to a new level. If you don't feel ready to write a complete book then start with something smaller- a childhood memory or a short piece on something you'd wished you had done but didn't, or the reverse. Every time you put words on paper it is like working a muscle. But just as our muscles get tired or can't work as hard as some days as others, so too our writing will wax and wan. But that is a normal part of the creative process. You just have to work harder on the good days!
Most memorable book you read:
I could write dozens of titles here but one that always stays with me is Mary Stewart's Nine Coaches Waiting. I love everything about that book. The writing, the characters, the setting, the plot. The happy ending! It was the first romantic suspense I ever read and I have reread it numerous times.
Which book would you recommend for all aspiring writers to read/own and why?
Dwight Swains Techniques of The Selling Writer. Even though it was first published in 1965 and numerous of writing craft books have been published since, this is the one I go back to time and time again.
Melanie Milburne has a new release:
His Mistress for a Week
What happens in Monte Carlo…
But when Clem's brother disappears with Alistair's stepsister, she isn't given a choice…she will be going with Alistair to Monte Carlo to retrieve them! Forced together for one week, they quickly realize that their enmity masks simmering, sizzling lust. They strike a deal: for one week only, all bets—and clothes—are off!
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Write, write, write and write a lot! :D That's great advice, especially to write small and work your way up.
ReplyDeleteI agree! No matter what genre you write, Mr. Swans' book is a must-have. Stephen King's On Writing is another. Congratulations, Melanie.
ReplyDeleteWaxing and waning is exactly the rhythm of my writing cycle. Sometimes it's just good to kick back, close your eyes and think about other things. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. That's always appreciated.
ReplyDelete74 wow so proud! xxx
ReplyDeleteWow! Congrats on writing 74 books! If anyone gives good advice about how to do it, you do. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are very right about the amount of practice it takes to get good at something, even when you have natural talent!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Getting out the millions of bad words like Bradbury says. Have 'Secrets of a Selling Writer'. Fab book recommended by Margie Lawson. Have pre-ordered!
ReplyDeleteAll best wishes! :-)
Wow 74 books I knew it was up there some where :) Have to sink my teeth into this one soon. Congrats Melanie and so well done. Jan. xxx
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that the only way to get better at writing is to write as much as you can... it is like anything else, the more work or effort you put into it. . . the better you get xox
ReplyDeleteGreat advice and tips. Thanks for sharing and congrats on the release!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all your success so far. Practice makes perfect as you point out. I#ve noticed a huge improvement in my writing over the past few years and that is just down to learning and practicing and of course, enjoying what I do :) Great post.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed with the large number of books Melanie has written. 74! Wow! I also loved her advice- it so true. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
I meet newbies who don't write a lot, but that's the way you go about it. I don't stop and I see improvements year by year. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of books. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteThere is no easy way around it. Whew! That's a ton of books. --A lifetime of dedication. One day. One fine day.
ReplyDeleteBook number 74?! Wow, that is inspiring. So many stories and characters... What fun!
ReplyDeleteNice essay. This one perfectly suits for all writers,bloggers, students. It contains a lot of tips and will help to improve your composing experience and become better writer. more essay help cues take a glance at this source. Good luck writers!
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