Being an Author

Why we read:

• It’s fun! (Entertainment)• Learning/Information• Shared experience• To function/Utility• Escapism and reduce stress• Improve focus, memory, and knowledge• Expand vocabulary• Expand experiences• Imagination!• Craft

What does an author do?

• Generate ideas• Write• Edit• Promote and market• Educate• Learn and Research• Support other writers• Publish, design, and run a business

What is the process of writing a novel?• Come up with an idea• Research/Write notes• Write• Edit• Send to beta readers/Take a break• Design the book• Edit and proof• Marketing and publicity• Sales and other boring business stuff• Repeat!

How do you make a book?

• Type the book into the computer• Edit the book over and over• Add design and illustrations• Create paperback version and ebook versions• Send files to printer and distributors• Proof your book• Market your book/get people to buy it

Where do you get ideas?

• Life!• Music• Surroundings• Other writers and stories• Dreams• Conversations• Experiences• Travel• News• Journaling• Writer prompts• Etc.

How do you get your ideas on to the page?• Set aside time• Create a good environment for writing• Brainstorm• Plan/Organize/Research • Write!• Take eye breaks every twenty minutes• Don’t surf the internet• Get back to life• Finish!

What are your writing rituals?

Where do you write?

When do you write?

What tools do you use?

How do you end a story?

How do you revise a story?

What advice do I give other writers?

• Keep going!• Be disciplined and take yourself seriously• Be professional• Do it neat, complete, and your best• Keep learning and getting better at it• Make plans, good goals, and deadlines• Finish what you started