| Since every literate person can write, most people | | | | there. Here's the hard truth. Some bad books (poor |
| think they can be writers. Interestingly enough, we all | | | | grammar, poor structure and poor execution of a |
| can speak quite well, but few of us would deem | | | | plot simpler than a fairy tale) get published. I have |
| ourselves 'speakers.' However, this prevalent belief | | | | plenty of dents in my wall from an effective toss. |
| encourages beginners to say the oddest things that | | | | However, these books are probably 'placement' |
| make professional writers want to cringe (or | | | | books to fill a hole in a publishing list. Usually, these |
| preferably strangle them with a thin wire). If you find | | | | books sink and their authors are rarely heard from |
| yourself saying the following, please stop: 1. "I can | | | | again. Unfortunately, the existence of these books |
| write a book in a weekend." I'm certain you can | | | | convinces people that getting their book published |
| mutilate a couple hundred pages with words; | | | | should be a breeze. Sure, and every person with a |
| however, that doesn't mean that anyone will want to | | | | dream to sing will become the next International Idol. |
| read them. Yes, I know there are prolific writers who | | | | Is it fair? No. Do they care? No. 4. "I can write better |
| can write a book in two weeks (Voltaire supposedly | | | | than that." If you can, shut up and write. Nobody |
| wrote Candide in three days). Usually they are | | | | wants to hear about it. It's as annoying as listening to |
| professionals who have mastered a style and | | | | someone explain what they would do if they ruled |
| understand the craft of writing. Have you? 2. "I can | | | | the world-well you don't. Next! 5. "I'd write, if I had |
| write those 'trashy' books and make tons of money." | | | | more time." You'll never get more time; steal it. That's |
| Bwahaha! I love this one. Many new writers see a | | | | what the rest of us do. 6. "I have the perfect book |
| 200-page romance or mystery and scoff. These | | | | already written in my head." Sure, and I have the |
| things are so easy, they tell themselves. I can write | | | | secrets to the universe taped to the bottom of my |
| this in a day. I doubt it, but maybe you can. If you | | | | shoe. People who say this remind me of the naked |
| do, will anyone pay you to read it? That is the | | | | emperor walking down the street trying to convince |
| difference. Those who sell in these genres usually | | | | his kingdom that he's clothed. You're fooling no one |
| have a passion for the craft that translates onto the | | | | except yourself and you look ridiculous. Writing is |
| page. Hate romance? Think mysteries are ridiculous? | | | | work. Writers make it look effortless because that's |
| Believe sci-fi is for loonies? Then don't write it, editors | | | | our job (imagine the disappointment you would feel |
| and especially readers can tell. 3. "If this crap gets | | | | seeing a dancer straining to leap off the ground). I |
| published, I bet I could get a contract in six months." | | | | encourage anyone with a desire and passion to write |
| Define crap. One man's trash is another man's | | | | fiction to do so. Write with meaning; write with truth |
| treasure. Don't be arrogant and think the world | | | | and skill. Write because you must, not as a path to |
| should concede to your every taste (that's what | | | | riches and stardom. It may come; it may not. The |
| critics are for). Every writer is not meant for every | | | | real writers (beginner and pro) don't talk about it; |
| reader. Just because you don't like a book doesn't | | | | they do it. Be one of those. |
| mean it's not good. It's just not good for you. I don't | | | | Dara Girard is an award-winning author of romance |
| like okra; however, that doesn't mean I need to start | | | | and nonfiction who provides support and information |
| an anti-okra campaign. Diversity is what makes life | | | | for beginning and experienced writers, to help them |
| interesting. Okay, okay you're not talking about taste. | | | | keep going when things get tough, or when nothing |
| You're talking about horrible, poorly written books. | | | | seems to be happening. |
| Yes, I know there are some truly bad books out | | | | |