From my Question & Answer Column: Writers Write
Do you do anything to encourage aspiring authors? What advice do you have for would-be authors?
Stanice: Yes. My website at www.stanice.com, lists online writer resource links, as well as a Q&A column. During book signings and talks, parents introduce me to bring their budding writer children; I take a few minutes to encourage them, as people, through the years, have encouraged me. I also showcase the work of aspiring writers, on my blog, Stanice's Open Mic. For people I know or someon who exhibits writing potential, I try to give them little presents that will encourage them to write and/or acknowledge them as a writer, i.e., pens, journals; books on the craft of writing, writer magazine subscriptions.
Additional advice to would-be authors, "We can talk like we are writers; but we must write to be writers." The Paradigm that I've learn to live by "If the desire to write is not accompanied by the act of writing then the desire is not to write."
"Prayer and hard work. Daily surrender your gift of writing to God and hone your writing skills by learning the craft of writing and exercise what you learn in your writing. I use the words of an old hymn, as my prayer. "Have your own way Lord, Have your own way. You are the potter. I am the clay. Make me and mold me into your will while I am waiting, yielded and still."
Perseverance, honesty, and humility reap rewards.
Subscribe to magazines like, The Writer, Writer's Journal, Writer's Digest, and/or Poets and Writers Magazines. Also, to learn about the business of writing, subscribe or read free publishing industry news like, Publishers Lunch, Publishers Weekly free emails.
To get an insider's view of the wonderful world of publishing, ask a seasoned writer questions and humbly follow the advice given. No one can help you if you act like you know everything --- dummy-up and get all the help that you need.
(c) 2006 Stanice Anderson, www.stanice.com - More than a website, it's an inspirational experience
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