Writers' Forum

Yesterday I spoke at a Writers' Forum. Here are a few things I included in the PowerPoint--lessons I have learned through the publishing process:

•1) A first draft is a first draft. (Don't consider initial output perfect.)

•2) A revision is a re-vision. (That means look at your draft again.)

•3) Your editor wants you to succeed. (He's not trying to tank your project.)

•4) Consider all suggestions. (Consider. All. Suggestions.)

•5) Collaboration usually makes a better product. (Theatre people know this. Why don't other artists get it?)

•6) Appreciate others’ strengths. (Use other people's talents. Very few people are good at everything.)

•7) Don’t forget your audience. (Unless you're waiting to be discovered posthumously, make your writing something people want to read now.)