The most important lesson I learned is to thoroughly plan from the outset. I would have saved myself considerable effort and time.
The most important lesson I learned is to thoroughly plan from the outset. I would have saved myself considerable effort and time.
@ Simon - I think telling family & friends is also a great way to pressure yourself to get the job done.
Be willing to celebrate. Tell friends and family about milestones - finishing a book, for example - and damn well celebrate
Yes, I must agree with you- Planning is amazingly helpful; and that I discovered only recently.
In the novel I'm working on, I did a plot outline, as well as a full character sketch. You've no idea how much it helps. It's like a constant support saying "You can do it; Don't give up!"
A lesson I probably haven't learnt yet is: Don't abandon one book for another- I've millions of unfinished scripts lying around. I'm trying to apply rule number one to them, but... well, I don't wanna abandon the one I'm working on right now...