Are you of the “Writers are Born”
camp or the “Writers are Made” camp? If it’s possible, I stand firmly in the
middle. It’s my opinion the good Lord gives us the desire to write and the
ability to fashion a story. I also believe it’s up to us to take the germ of
talent He gives us and cultivate and nurture it in order to see it grow.
One key thing I’ve noticed since
becoming a published author is this: the aspiring writers getting published
in Christian fiction these days are the individuals who’ve made themselves
known. How do they do this? If you’re an author hoping to be published, I hope
you might glean something of interest and/ or helpful in your writing journey. But always remember you are a writer, published or not. The following list is comprised of my own
personal observations. Feel free to leave a comment with your own suggestions. I'd love to see a free exchange of ideas.
Here’s some of the things I’ve
noticed pre-pubbed authors doing in order to make themselves known in the industry:
•Make a commitment to writing and
improving their craft—and stick with it (including editing, revising and reworking
as much or as often as necessary).
•Find critique partners.
•Submit queries on a regular
basis (and proposals/manuscripts when requested).
•Join online writing groups and
organizations (including participating in online classes).
•Join a local writing group and
attend meetings.
•Network and form solid
friendships and relationships with fellow writers and others in the publishing
industry via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and other media outlets.
•Visit and make comments on
blogs.
•Maintain a website and/or blog
and post regularly.
•Enter contests.
•Attend at least one conference a
year and meet with editors, agents and/or publishers.
•Volunteer at conferences.
•Read books.
•Review books.
•Offer to be a beta reader or promote an author’s new release.
Do you have anything to add to
this list? Helpful hints or suggestions? I’m not saying you have to do any or
all of these things, but if you can employ one or more of these activities, they
will help you to grow and stretch as a writer, whether you're not yet published or published.
Most published authors are also
more than willing to help aspiring writers achieve their dream. They can give
encouragement, add a new perspective, give you suggestions and answer
questions. Reach out to them. Ask questions on the e-mail loops of the ACFW or
any other online writing group. We’re all in this journey together.
Blessings to you as you write for
His glory.
JoAnn Durgin
Matthew 5:16
JoAnn is the author of The Lewis Legacy Series, contemporary Christian romantic adventures, published by Torn Veil Books. She also published a Christmas 2012 novella, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, with Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing and a short story in I Choose You, a romance anthology from Oak Tara. A full-time estate administration paralegal in Louisville, Kentucky, JoAnn lives with her family in her native southern Indiana. She is a member of the ACFW and its Indiana chapter as well as the Louisville Christian Writers.
Great list, JoAnn. I'm with you in the middle. I do several of these, but I'm still working on the critique partner. And I so enjoy the ACFW e-mail loop. I've only asked a couple of questions, but I received several helpful responses each time.
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