Writers Who Kill

 

Advice for Aspiring Authors from the Writers Who Kill

by Heather Weidner

June is the season of graduations and speeches about future adventures. To celebrate, I asked the Writers Who Kill what advice they would give to aspiring authors, and they provided a wealth of valuable information for folks at any stage of their careers. 

Find Your Crew

“Find a good supportive critique group. Learning how to provide a good critique will help your writing even more than the advice you get from your group."

~ James M. Jackson

“My advice to new writers: make friends in the writing community because writing is an up and down business, but they will be there to support you in the good and bad times (keeping you sane doing the thing you love).” 

~ Debra H. Goldstein 

“I’d tell new writers to find their tribe. Writing is a solitary pursuit, but not a lonely one. I highly recommend checking out Sisters in Crime and especially the Guppy Chapter. It’s the place to go to find encouragement and answers in a safe and nurturing environment.”

~ Kait Carson

“Seek out a writing community. Writing, for all its joys, can often feel like a solitary path. But even the most solitary journeys are made lighter with kindred spirits by your side. Surrounding yourself with fellow writers who understand the late-night edits, the plot twists that won’t twist, and the triumph of typing “The End” can make all the difference. Whether you connect through a local Sisters in Crime chapter, a virtual writing group, or a cozy nook within your own community, take the step to reach out. Speaking as a lifelong introvert, I can promise you this: having writing friends in your corner doesn’t just enrich your craft, it nourishes your spirit.”

~ Sarah E. Burr

Listening to Criticism

“Embrace helpful, constructive criticism and ignore hateful, biased, ignorant opinions of your work.” 

~ Margaret S. Hamilton

Perseverance

“Never give up! Building a writing life is a marathon not a sprint. Volunteering is the easiest way to meet your peer group, raise your profile, introduce your work to a wider welcoming audience, and make new life-long friendships!”

~ Martha Reed

“Just 200 words a day is a novel in one year.”

~ Judy L. Murray 

“Writing is work, and you need to treat your writing life as a business. Guard your writing time. It’s valuable. Also, invest in a good author headshot.”

~ Heather Weidner

“Keep on writing. Persevere. Get involved with fellow writers to learn your craft and critique your work. And keep on writing.”

~ Marilyn Levinson

“Don't stop and don't give up.”

~ Nancy Eady

“The difference between a writer who is published and one who isn't — the published writer didn't give up. Be too stubborn to give up.”

~ Grace Topping

Hone Your Craft

“Enjoy your writing. Love what you create. Share it with others in a writing community, in person and online. Listen carefully to other people's critiques (and bite your tongue when you want to defend your work) to find nuggets you can implement to improve. And then, give other writers the same courtesy.”

~ K. M. Rockwood

“Be patient. (I know, that's a hard one.) Focus on the writing before you spend too much headspace on publishing and all that entails.” 

~ Korina Moss

“Whether you're talking about life or about writing, you have to find your own way. What works for you? People are always asking writers about their “process.” Are they a pantser or an outliner? Do they write 1,000 words a day? Do they listen to music or write in silence? In the long run, you have to find what works for you. That might take a while in writing and in life.”

~ Susan Van Kirk

“Read, read, read. Read voraciously in the genre you want to write but read other genres as well. As you're reading, notice. What do I love about this? Where do I start skimming?”

~Lori Roberts Herbst

“Revision is the key to success.” 

~ Molly MacRae

What was the best piece of writing advice you received? 

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries. 

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a crazy Jack Russell Terrier.