This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
1. Do it! You don’t need a desk or an agent or a publisher. Once you start putting words down on paper you become a writer. And the more you do it, the better you’ll become.
2. Read. This might seem obvious, but if you want to be published in women’s fiction, then read women’s fiction, everything you can get your hands on. Not only will you get a good handle on where the genre is at, but you’ll learn plenty about your craft from reading other writers.
3. Join a writers’ group. You can do this online if you’re still a little nervous about meeting other writers face-to-face. It’s a great way of getting some support and feedback from people who might be at the same stage as you. They’ll help out if you’re stuck, just need a moan, and they’ll celebrate your successes with you.
4. Be prepared to discard your early writings. It’s really about learning your craft, and sometimes it’s best to move on from that first book that you agonised over, but which was really just a first step. Don’t get hung up on spending ages trying to get it published; sometimes it’s wise to move on. Your second book will be much better because you’ve learned so much.
5. Consider non-traditional ways of getting your writing out there. Writers now have so many opportunities to get their writing read – there’s a vast appetite for blogs and articles so do dip your toe.A Special Delivery by Clare Dowling is out now.