"As for discipline -- it's important, but sort of overrated. The more important virtue for a writer, I believe, is self-forgiveness. Because your writing will always disappoint you. Your laziness will always disappoint you." Elizabeth Gilbert
A Writing Tool
Last week the Tip section of the newsletter focused on the importance of a good blurb/pitch. Even before you begin writing, this "promise" to the reader should guide your words. Once a book is published, these blurbs, along with the cover, are powerful marketing tools. Understanding how blurbs and covers differ by genre is also important. Visit the Next Step Book Coach website for examples of blurbs and covers from the 2020 and 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards in fiction, historical fiction, romance, young adult fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery and thriller, and science fiction.
Mindset Tip
Celebrate your wins - even if they're not the wins you wanted. Maybe you're rewriting your opening scene for what feels like the fiftieth time. You are that much closer to getting it right. Perhaps you are deep in the query trenches trying to find an agent. Agents often get hundreds of queries every week and only bring on a few new clients each year. If you're still trying, congratulate yourself, you're in the game, striving to make your dreams come true. In On Writing, Stephen King tells how he replaced the nail holding his rejection letters with a stake because there were so many. He used it as motivation to keep working. You can too.
Photo Inspiration - There's a Story Here: Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, 1994
What story would you write about this photo? My parents always inspire me.
Next Step Book Coach - If you're ready to start your novel, are stuck in the middle, or have finished and need to know what to do next - we can help.
