Write Good or Die

“lost books,” “hidden library.” You get the idea. I waded through thousands of mentions, most of them irrelevant. Still, there were perhaps twenty pieces I printed out, read, and filed. I also needed to understand the environment in which the library had been assembled in Constantinople , how and why it had ended up in primitive Old Moscow, what it had looked like, where it had been located there, and why it had disappeared at Ivan’s death. More Googling.
    Meanwhile, I was buying books on such subjects as Ivan the Terrible, burned books, lost libraries, and the art of collecting books. In my reading, I discovered gems– Sigmund Freud once wrote he found book collecting an addiction second only to nicotine. That’s quite an admission from the world’s most famous shrink.
    Of course I investigated the calligraphy, inks, paints, and book binding of illuminated manuscripts through the ages, too. As you can imagine one question led to another, and then to a third, and then to a fortieth. I was cutting out articles from newspapers and magazines on almost a daily basis.
    Are you getting tired? I wasn’t. The secret to research is to be fascinated by your subject, and I was truly fascinated. And if the writer is fascinated, chances are good he or she will be able to pass that compelling feeling on to readers.
    I’ve always looked upon research as an opportunity to satisfy my curiosity. But the other side of the coin is one must not be so caught up in it that one never gets the book written. What happens to me is I finally feel immersed—and overwhelmed. That’s when I began writing The Book of Spies , never particularly certain what I would need. But because I had kept my files orderly and my research books stacked close to me, on the floor around my desk, I was able to work well. And yes, I still had to stop now and then to do more research, but nothing on the scale as before, and I enjoyed every moment of it.

    Gayle Lynds—http://www.gaylelynds.com
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13. A WRITER'S MANTRA
    By J.A. Konrath
    http://www.jakonrath.com

    1. It is inevitable, if I keep trying, that someday I'll be published. A professional is an amateur who didn’t quit.
    2. I won't take rejection personally. Each rejection is one step closer to publication. Most rejections have nothing to do with how good the writing is.
    3. I will have faith in my work, but always remain open to suggestion and change.
    4. I will keep writing, keep submitting, keep marketing, and never surrender. Ultimately, getting published rests squarely on one person’s shoulders–mine.
    SEVEN TIPS FOR GETTING INTO PRINT
    1. Always listen to industry pros; even if they wind up being wrong, you’ll learn from the experience.
    2. Seek criticism, not praise. Knowing what’s wrong will help you improve.
    3. Be ready and willing to rewrite and edit, a lot.
    4. Read what’s currently selling.
    5. Don’t take rejection personally. This is a business, so be businesslike.
    6. Make sure the Work is free from typos, spelling errors, and formatting problems.
    7. Never give up..
    FIVE WAYS TO LOOK LIKE A PRO
    1. Have your own website. The publishing business is becoming increasingly internet dependant. Editors spend a lot of time online. A good looking homepage, with a bio, writing samples, and contact information, is a cheap and easy way to get noticed.
    2. Roll with the punches. If an editor suggests changing something, go with it. Always. This is a business, and should be treated like one. Pros don’t let their egos interfere with their work.
    3. Be personable. Editors and agents don’t want to work with someone who isn’t enjoyable to be around. Writers who are easily upset, depressed, anxious, or overly enthusiastic don’t last very long in this business.
    4. Make deadlines. Always. No excuses. If you’re always early, you’ll be loved for it.
    5. Act professional. Make sure you have business cards and letterhead, a fax machine, an email address, and an office phone. I answer my phone, “J.A. Konrath.” It’s much more effective than “Hello?”
    STAYING ON TRACK
    1. Develop a routine. Writing every day isn't necessary, but you should regularly schedule time to write, and stick to that schedule.
    2. Set writing goals. Daily. Weekly. Monthly. Yearly. Reward yourself when you reach these goals.
    3. Unplug the internet while you're writing.
    4. Spend an equal amount of time on self-promotion as you do on writing. This means making contacts, creating a website,