Mary Bond - On Writing

What I’ve put together here are a just few thoughts and ideas that might be of use if you are interested in becoming a published author. There are books galore and many articles on the web around the subject of novel writing, plotting and characterisation, and I couldn’t possibly begin to cover the basics, but these might give you some food for thought and perhaps a little encouragement!

You must really want to do it. There is monumental investment necessary in terms of time and energy, patience and motivation. Writing a novel is not for the faint hearted!
Somebody once echoed my sentiments when she said she would gladly put in the effort, if she knew in advance that it was going to pay off in the long run. On the other hand, she was loathe to spend the necessary months sacrificing a social life and putting normal existence on hold if she thought she’d never get there. There is no straight answer to this one. All I can say is, life is short and swift and there are no guarantees. Think how you’d feel in ten years time if you hadn’t given it your very best shot.
Remember it’s a business. It’s not airy-fairy fingers gliding over the keys as you gaze out the window. Publishing, particularly fiction, is a tough, competitive business, employing thousands of people across the globe. You must be professional in your approach.
It is hard work. It must be viewed in the same light as any other exacting career. Monday morning blues can strike at any time, usually when you are sitting in front of an empty page on a Thursday evening and your mind is equally blank. Sometimes it seems far easier to tackle a pile of ironing than face the PC. When it goes right, though, it’s brilliant.
Write, write, write. This speaks for itself. Anytime, anywhere, any place. Don’t wait for the perfect circumstances – they don’t exist. Do it now. Get started. Reserve writing time for yourself, even just an hour every day, or a minimum word target, and stick to it.
Publishers and agents are busy people. Don’t expect an instant reply. But remember, no matter how busy they are, they are always on the lookout for new, fresh writing.
The only way to ensure your writing is new and fresh is to find your own voice.
The only way you will find your voice is by writing.
You wouldn’t expect to be able to play a piano piece, or drive a car, unless you had practised. Why expect to be able to write a novel without practise? The best way to learn anything is by doing it.
Writing a novel comes down to putting sentences together. One at a time. Then they all add up.
Believe in yourself.
Never, ever give up!