Top 10 Writing Tips by author Kathryn Haydon @HaydonKathryn #Top10WritingTips

Welcome to week 16 of our Top 10 Writing Tips by… feature. If you’ve missed any of the other top tip posts you can find them all HERE. Please feel free to pop over and connect with the wonderful authors who have taken part.

Learning from mentors helps us to improve and evolve in our chosen field, and I still recall the top tips given to me at the start of my writing journey. In honour of that, and to help the next generation of writers’ young and old, I started a feature whereby established authors impart their words of wisdom and share their top ten writing tips.

Next up for the challenge is author Kathryn Haydon.

Kathryn’s Top Ten Tips:

1. So, you want to be a writer – then write! Every day, if possible.
2. Finish your story and edit, edit, edit. Be ruthless. Anything superfluous that doesn’t move the story along – cut! And remember the golden rule ‘show, don’t tell.’
3. Listen to feedback. Remember, you don’t have to act on it – just listen and reflect.
4. Seek support from other, writerly folk. Writing is a lonely business.
5. Discipline is the key to success. Write, even when the muse has deserted you; don’t wait to feel inspired.
6. Know your market and pick which genre your writing best fits. Have a wander around your local bookstore to get a feel for what’s selling.
7. Keep an eye on the notice board at your local library. They may run useful, not too expensive creative writing courses that will help hone your craft. Attend any visiting author events. It’s good to hear other peoples’ journey to publication.
8. Interact with the world around you and be a people watcher. A snatched conversation here, a stolen glance there – all grist to the mill for writers! From such beginnings, stories are woven.
9. Carry a notebook with you. Jot down ideas as they strike. You think you’ll hold the memory – – – but often you won’t.
10. Take regular computer breaks and you’ll come back refreshed. If possible, end each writing session on a cliff-hanger. The thread will be easier to pick up next time.

Remember, I believe in you! Good luck and happy writing.

Huge thanks to Kathryn for sharing her top tips with us. To find out more about Kathryn’s book, Prognosis Guarded, take a look at her page on Amazon, or follow her on Twitter.