Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Seven Secrets to Success for Writers!

By Debby Giusti

Since we're only a few weeks into the new year, I thought it might be a good time to revisit the Seven Secrets to Success for Writers I penned more than a decade ago. I hope you'll add some of the secrets to your own success in the comment section so we can learn from each other. What works for you? What doesn't? Grab a cup of coffee and let's share tips and techniques for the new year!

 A few writing Secrets to Success for the New Year:

1. Put God First

Everything goes more smoothly, including the writing, when I start my day with prayer.  I think of it as giving Him my “first fruits” before the hustle and bustle begins.  Similarly, I “bookend” my day by spending time in prayer before I fall asleep. Often I may be struggling with a character or plot point, but when I make time for God, the problems resolve and the story gets written.

2. Know why you write

For financial gain, notoriety, fame? (Are you laughing?) Maybe your goal is to bring joy to your readers’ lives or spread God’s message of love or show how good can triumph over evil. Whatever the reason, it should be important to you, important enough to keep you writing when you’re tired or sick or frustrated with the story. Once you determine the why, you can accept projects that advance that vision and reject those that don’t.

3. Learn How to Say No

This dovetails with knowing why you write. Say no to the things that don’t fit into your plan or your reason for writing. For me that includes social functions that keep me from my computer, such as lunch dates or shopping sprees. I still have a life, but I don’t overschedule my week with events that keep me from working.

 4. Study Story

Learning to see the big picture is important. Often we focus on the bits and pieces--the plot, the characters, the conflict—instead of the story as a whole. We need to know how the parts fit together into a seamless tale that transports readers to another world. Studying the greats who “get” story helps me. Some of my favorite gurus include Christopher Vogler, author of The Writer’s Journey, Michael Hauge, who wrote Writing Screenplays that Sell , and Donald Maass, with his Writing the Breakout Novel and Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook.

5. The Synopsis is Your Friend

I’ve never known anyone who enjoys writing synopses, but I have learned to use them as a tool. If I can’t get the synopsis to work, my story won’t work either. Finding the flaw—the weak plot point, the limp conflict, the lack of motivation, or even the wrong villain—in that early story overview saves times and keeps me from writing two hundred pages that head in the wrong direction. Embrace the synopsis as a friend and an important first step in your writing process. 

6. Guard your Health

Sitting at a computer for long periods of time is detrimental to your health. Take frequent breaks when you’re working. Exercise daily. Get adequate rest. Drink lots of water. Health is one of our most important assets. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy the long writing career God has planned for your future.

7. Ignore the Negative Voice

You know what I’m talking about—that small internal voice that says hateful things about you and your writing. My negative voice can be very vocal…and very mean. “You can’t write,” she often taunts. “This story stinks. Give up now!” Early on, I waged an almost endless battle to squelch the negative and focus, instead, on what I got right. These days, my internal voice is a bit more subdued, although when I’m tired or overworked, she frequently makes herself known. My advice? Turn down the volume and don’t let her sap your confidence. Remember you are a writer. Ignore the criticism and just write!

The coffee's hot. Grab a cup, and let's discuss our own personal tips for writing success!

Wishing you a productive and successful 2022! 

Happy writing, dear friends!

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

Smugglers in Amish Country

 Uncovering secrets in this Amish town

could deliver deadly consequences.

When the robbery suspect she’s tracking begins attacking delivery girls in Amish country, officer Marti Sommers must go undercover as bait. With ex-cop Luke Lehman’s niece as one of the targets, this case is personal. After all, Marti’s rookie mistake ended with Luke injured and another officer dead. But can the two former colleagues stop a deadly smuggling ring…before Marti becomes the next victim?

Releases March 2022

Pre-Order on Amazon!

 




23 comments:

  1. Good morning, Seekerville! I hope you're staying warm on this cold winter day! I'm pouring a cup of coffee and eager to chat with everyone!

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    1. Our temperature is in the teens, but the wind chill has been below zero all day. Thankful for a warm house!

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  2. I think I've always gotten stuck on #2, "Why do I write". I'm not sure I've ever adequately answered that with a good conversation between me and God, which leads to unproductive writing sessions, ideas that don't work, and a failure to see a project through. Maybe if I had a better answer to that question, I could move forward in a better way. This is a fantastic summary. Thank you so much!

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    1. I doubt I would have endured if I had been writing for me. Plus, I probably would have stopped a few years ago if it was for "My Glory!" :) But I truly believe God wants books written that proclaim His message of hope and foregivness. Before I start a new story, I always ask him if he wants me to continue writing. He keeps saying yes.

      Spend a little time reflecting on the "why," Glynis. You might be surprise to learn the answer! :)

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  3. Good morning, Debby!

    I love your list! I've gotten pretty good at #1-4, but I need to work on #5-7.

    I haven't achieved success (publication) yet, so I have no secrets to share. I am making PROGRESS, but there's really no secret to that.You simply apply your behind to the chair and your pen to the paper (or fingers to the keyboard.) One of my favorite quotes is, "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit." It makes me feel like as long as I keep trying, success will someday be mine.

    Thanks for your wisdom and encouragement, Debby!


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    1. Terri! You've provided lots of wisdom today. Love your quote that is so true. Determination and persistence make the difference. The only way we can sell a story is if we first write that story...or write another story and another story until the RIGHT story sells!

      Forgive me for not getting your DEC win in the mail. I had a book due on Monday and I was pushing to get it written. I promise your "prize" will get in the mail this week! Cross my heart! :)

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    2. No worries, Debby! I had a hard time time myself getting life back on track after the holidays, and I didn't even have a deadline as a reason. Whenever it arrives, I'll be grateful!

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  4. Hey Debby! Even though I'm not writing fiction right now, I can certainly identify with your list. It is so easy to become your own worst enemy. I'm going to print it and put it in a frame next to the writer's prayer you gave me a long time ago. Thanks again!

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    1. Carroll, you're on your 5th cookbook! Congrats! I'm so excited for you. You're amazing and so, so talented!

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  5. Great suggestions, Debby, and you know me: I resonate with anything in a numbered format. I would be right at home in a 12-step group, or anything where you check boxes. This is helpful to me now as I try to get back into active fiction writing. (I have a release in July, but anyone who's ever signed a contract knows that Releasing is not Writing.)
    Here's a small tip we could add to the "negative voice" line: Don't compare yourself with others. Do Not. Zero, de nada, nothing. Don't compare your sales, income or talent with another writer, especially another Christian writer. You are where and what God wants you to be. This one reared its annoying little head late last week, and I had to take it to the Cross once again. Christian fiction is dicey anyway, with publishing houses closing or combining and agents de-agenting, so it helps to remember that that rising tide really does lift all boats.
    Anyone seen "Redeeming Love"? Anyone going to see it? I'm going with friends Sunday night.
    Back later
    Your Kaybee
    Checking the boxes in New Hampshire

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    1. Where have I been? I didn't know Redeeming Love is now a movie! Loved that book! Oh my! So, so good!

      Good advice, KB, about not comparing ourselves to others. I can get into a slump seeing how far short I fall in comparison to another's success. It's not that I regrudge them, it's that I berate myself for being so slow, so lazy, so unmotivated...kind of a fill-in-the-blank process.

      We all have our own journey right! And if we put God in charge of our writing, then hopefully, we're on the right path! :)

      Congrats on your success! On FB, I always see that you have something new releasing! Go you, KB!!!

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  6. Great post, Debby. I often struggle with #3. But what's this about the synopsis being a friend. With friends like that, who needs enemies? ;) Obviously, I'm a work in progress.

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    1. Mindy, #3 gets me too! I always want to take part in the fun things--like "doing" lunch or having coffee with a friend.

      I didn't say I enjoyed writing the synopsis, but I have learned that's it a tool for me to ensure all the parts of my story are in place.

      We're all a WIP! :)

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  7. Hello Debby Love The cover of your New Release Can't wait to read this one! Blessings to You and Yours!

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    1. Thank you, dear Sarah! I hope you enjoy the story. The heroine was fun to write!

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  8. Hi Debbie, it's great to "see" you here! Even though I write non-fiction, I struggle with 3, 5, 7. I do have a schedule that I write on my calendar and this helps control extracurricular activities, most of the time! I do tend to compare myself with others, but God is helping me on that one! Thanks for a great list!

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  9. Hi Edwina! Oh that nasty negative voice! Boo! Hiss! He/she can be so controlling.

    Keeping my calendar next to my computer helps me, as well, Edwina!

    Stay warm in GA! I love the sunshine but hate the cold nights!

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  10. Great tips, Debby. I really struggle with that inner voice. I need to work at not listening to that.

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    1. Julia Cameron, in her "The Artist's Way," talks about writing positive affirmations to counter the negative voice. So if you hear, "You're not a writer," get a notepad and handwrite "I am a writer," or "I am a good writer," or "I am a successful writer," or whatever ten times. Actually it works! :)

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  11. Debby most of your tips can be applied to readers also. I enjoy your advice so much. Blessings

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    1. Blessings to you, Lucy! You know how much we love readers!!! Thanks for your support!

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  12. Dead on! The one I forget the most is the Guard your Health...I can sit at the computer and time just melts and I look up and realize I haven't moved for three hours!

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  13. Exactly! I do the same, Erica! And forget walking when I'm on a tight deadline. Usually I take a daily walk, but when time is tight, that's the first thing to go!

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