How Writing Pros Do IT

I usually don't post on Sunday because the day is taken up by so many non-writing activities. I actually do have a life, and my family reminds me of that each weekend.

Still, I always have writing on the brain so I thought maybe Sunday would be a good day to do a little sermonizing. Hope you like today's advice from the pros on what they do to write good books.

Be professional. "Fortify yourself within an impregnable structure of writing habits." Leonard Bishop

Don't talk about writing, write. "You must write. You must finish what you write. You must refrain from rewriting except to editorial order. You must put it on the market until sold." Robert A. Heinlein

Improve your skills. "The difference between using the right word and the one that is almost right is like the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." Mark Twain

Get the story told. "Never look at a reference book while doing a first draft." Stephen King

Keep your focus on what you can control - the writing. "It is more profitable to stay aware of trends generally, yet concentrate your energies on simply writing the best novel you know how to write. Don't chase the market. Write the novel that is in you." Jack Bickham

Don't write static copy. "When in doubt, have two guys come through the door with guns." Raymond Chandler

Write for today's reading audience. "I try to leave out the parts that people skip." Elmore Leonard

Sling Words out.