http://mounthermon.org/documents/writers-forms/Conference_Binder/C%20OUTLINES/2%20Afternoon%20Worksh

#43 WORKSHOP V, Sunday, 3:15-4:15 PM Location: Fireside (Beside Hospitality) Instructor: Stacy Hawkins Adams, Freelance Author

The Writer’s Journey From Idea to Finished Draft to Publication I.

Figure out who you are as a writer and determine the core message you want to share with readers in this particular book.

II.

Create a plan, based on your free time, most creative periods, et cetera, to get words on paper. What will you give up - or begin doing - to accomplish this??

III.

Discipline takes you the distance. Once you’ve decided on a schedule, honor it. Accept that talking about writing isn’t actually writing.

IV.

Make “free writing” a regular part of your scheduled writing time.

Spend at least 10 minutes each day or every few days “dumping” whatever flows through your pen into a journal or notebook. You’ll be surprised when you look back weeks later and discover a few gems hidden there.

Today’s brief exercise: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

V.

Write forward. Read just enough of what you’ve already written to put you back in the story or nonfiction piece, so you can write the next chapter or section.

VI.

If this is your first project, consider delaying critiques until you have a solid chunk of writing complete. This will limit “stage fright,” or the writer syndrome that “It’s not good enough so I might as well stop.”

VII.

Choose an honest critique partner - or several. Listen with your ears, not your heart.

VIII. Do the work. Revise. Hone your skills. Seek expert help, if/when you can afford it.

IX.

Network online. Subscribe to blogs and listservs that focus on professional writing and feature published authors whose work you admire.

X.

Network in person. Develop win-win relationships and master the art of keeping in touch.

XI.

Create a platform, based on the theme/s of your work. This will help you develop a marketing strategy and a brand, which will be critical to success.

XII.

Don’t give up! Be tenacious in exploring your options. Determine whether traditional publishing, self-publishing or some combination will best fit your needs and/or purpose for writing.

XIII. Never stop honing your craft. The more you read, the better you’ll write.

The better you write, the more your work will be read. Keep writing, repeat steps 1-12, and your efforts will be rewarded.

Recommended Reading: On Writing by Stephen King Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas Spiritual Writing by Deborah Levine Herman On Writing Well by William Zinser Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Rennie Browne and Dave King

© Stacy Hawkins Adams www.stacyhawkinsadams