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.
you know what, I took up running relatively late in life and it's taught me a lot about writing. When it gets really tough and you don't think you could possibly go any further, you can. The trick is to keep moving even if you think what you are doing is awful, just keep on going until you have a finished product you can begin to tidy up. That is what I find the most difficult, keeping going. I have a lot of unfinished novels.....but one step at a time....
I learnt that for me there was a difference between wanting to be a writer and discovering that what I really wanted was a voice... I found this to be different in that I don't feel compelled to write fiction, although I do sometimes; what I really feel compelled to do it react to things and voice my opinion in, for example, articles. This might sound a bit strange, but I personally, feel there is a difference, for me anyway... :)
The commas thing for me too...
When I did my first edit I stupidly added more. This has since been corrected in subsequent edits.
I have always had a plan, since I was around a third through my first book. I have found it to be essential to keep me focused.
One thing I would say I have learned is my own weaknesses in grammar and spelling, there is only so much that Microsoft Word can do...