Welcome, old friends and newcomers, to my blog, which I call
The Joy of Story. I post approximately once a week, usually on Saturdays. I try
to post at least one essay each month about the craft of writing. I also plan to write one book review each month. I intend in the coming year to invite one
published writer each month contribute a guest
post to this blog. If you’d like to appear on The Joy of Story to express
your thoughts about writing, or to plug a book or two, please correspond with
me via email: jmd@danielpublishing.com.
Another monthly feature of this blog consists of 99-word stories written by fellow
writers. Each month I post an assignment and invite folks to write stories and
send them to me by email: jmd@danielpublishing.com.
The story must be inspired by my assigned theme, it must be exactly 99 words
long, and it must be a real story: with plot, character, scene, and conflict.
For the February story collection, see the assignment given at the bottom of
this post.
For more information about me and my books, see http://www.danielpublishing.com/jmd/index.html
BE IT RESOLVED…
The new year
has arrived, and it’s time to take advantage of the yearly option to reboot our
talent and our luck. Here are some New Year’s Resolutions I declare for myself.
The ongoing work of becoming a better person is beyond this list. For this list
I’m thinking of ways to be a better writer. Self, take heed. Here goes:
1.
Write.
2.
Write more. Remember, this is fun.
3.
Read critically what you’ve written. Even you know you’re no genius.
4.
Show your work to readers you respect and trust. Listen to what they say.
5.
Rewrite.
6.
Revise again.
7.
Feel proud. Maybe you are a genius,
after all.
So
far, so good. Do all of the above and you may call yourself a writer. If you
want to call yourself an author,
proceed to step two.
8.
Research the market.
9.
Submit.
10.
Endure rejection.
11.
Submit some more.
12.
Celebrate acceptance. This will happen, I promise, if you’ve followed
resolutions 1-11.
Now
you’re published, which makes you an author. Want to be a successful author?
13.
Promote yourself and your work. Let people know.
14.
Write a blog.
15.
Visit the blogs of your colleagues, and leave comments.
16.
Use Facebook gracefully.
17.
Meet your public in public places, smile, and sign copies.
What
else?
18.
Read the works of writers you admire. Read voraciously.
19.
Read the works of writers you know personally. Read selectively.
20.
Let these writers know you like their work. Plug them on Amazon.
…and…
21.
Write.
•••
Have your stories published on my blog!
So
much for resolutions. Time to put those New Year’s resolutions into practice:
Write me a story and I will publish it on this blog! Remember the rules:
1.
99 words exactly.
2.
A story needs plot, character, scene, and conflict.
3.
Your story must be inspired by the theme I assign.
4.
This month’s deadline: February 1, 2013.
5.
Send your story to me at jmd@danielpublishing.com.
The
February theme: Make
up a story about a relationship that changed someone’s definition of the word
“Love.” Hints: the story doesn’t have to
be about you, it doesn’t have to be true, and not all love stories have happy
endings.
•••
And Now a
Word from Our Sponsor!
Every good writer needs a good editor. That’s why I
established John M. Daniel Literary Services. As your free-lance literary
professional, I offer editing, ghostwriting, manuscript evaluation, and ongoing
mentorship. For more information, see http://www.danielpublishing.com/litserv.htm.
While you’re there, be sure to check out “Writers’ Resources,” a collection of
informing and entertaining articles about writing and publishing.
Great advice, John, and great resolutions for the new year. Let's make it a great one for all of us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Earl. I agree: here's to success for all of us.
DeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteWords of wisdom! As I begin work on the third novel for my Malone mystery series, I'll try to keep them in mind. :)
Good, Pat. Here's rooting for the Malones.
DeleteI think I'll have to print your resolutions and hang them on my wall. Great post!
ReplyDeleteMarja McGraw
Thanks, Marja. I'll be honored to hang on your wall.
DeleteThose are resolutions we should all adopt and strive to follow. Great advice, John.
ReplyDeleteThank you, John. Of course I know I'm preaching to the choir.
DeleteNice resolutions! I resolved to spend 2013 figuring out the secret to book marketing. So far, these waters have been tepid.
ReplyDeleteBill, when you figure out the secret, please let me know. You'll find it on one of your digs, I expect.
DeleteAbout to be published for my fiction for the very first time, I read the wisdom in your words! Your keep it light' tone has also been a saving grace. Just keep on writing!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Theresa. Congratulations!
DeleteHappy New Year, John. It's my favorite time of year because I "start" things, my favorite activity. Middles not so much, but starting and finishing project--books in particular are the most fun! Love your resolutions--write on!
ReplyDeleteMadeline
I agree with you, Madeline. Starting and finishing are the best part. Sometimes the middle of the sandwich is hard to chew.
DeleteJohn, you've laid out a clear roadmap for anyone to follow to publication and success. And I think it's pretty complete. If they will follow those steps they will achieve those goals. And for those of us who have (to some extent) achieved such goals, you've reminded us what we need to do to maintain that status. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jim. I think most writers already know these steps, or have a similar regime that also works. But it's good to review them now and then, and New Year is a handy time to do so.
DeleteJohn it's good to see you back and at em. Augie
ReplyDeleteThanks, Augie. I'm glad to be back in the saddle.
Delete