Best writing advice? Two words.

 

Folks ask me all the time. What’s the best way to get my book published? My response is that there are plenty of ways to get your book published these days and plenty of people to help you do that.  At the moment there are 1400 books about the subject on Amazon. You don’t need me to help you with the act of publishing.

Many people also want to know the nuts and bolts of how to write a book. You don’t need my help with that either. A search of “how to write a book” on Amazon, will net you over 25,000 results! I’ve heard bushels of advice in my day. I’ve tried plenty of ways to organize and plot, nifty new techniques for creating characters and spiffy checklists for romance writing. Oodles of people are peddling their “fool proof methods” for writing that great American novel, believe me.  Look around. You’ll find the one that works for you.

The question to ask isn’t how to get a book published, or what techniques to use to write one. The most meaningful question for those who really want to pursue writing professionally is, “What’s the best way to approach the business of writing?” The best writing advice I ever got had nothing to do with any of the above. It was some sage wisdom from my agent, Chip MacGregor. He said, “Be generous.” What? That’s it? That’s the best way to be a professional writer? I believe it is.

Be generous with your books. Give them away to people who need them, not just the people who can help you market and publicize.

Be generous with your talent, especially when it comes to encouraging other writers, and helping out a noble cause.

Be generous with your praise, about other books that you loved and authors/bloggers whom you admire.

Be generous. It will bless others and, without a doubt, it will bless you, too.

Who has been generous with their time and talent in your life? Let’s hear all about it! Giving away a Starbuck’s card and signed book this month.