Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Three P's of Writing



copyright 2011 Ron Adams

I have had an occasion to witness the turmoil of some writers and publishers when things don’t go according to plan. It was a sad thing to watch, and I am grateful to have maintained good working relationships with all the parties involved. I offer, therefore, some assistance for the new, budding, aspiring, frustrated writer still working on getting their masterpiece into the hands of the readers. Please take it for what it is, and I hope these tips can be of some help. I call these the three P’s of writing.

PROFESSIONAL – First and foremost, writing and writing well is an art form, one which most of us have invested our hearts and souls in. But publishing is a business. It is a for profit enterprise where the writer must learn to become the best business person they can be, and be willing to approach it in a professional manner. Life is not fair, and the business world is not fair, either. Approach every interaction with your agent and editors in a straightforward, respectful, and professional manner, and most of the time it will be returned in kind. Not always, mind you, but you will be better served in that approach in the long run.


POSITIVE- Remain as positive as possible in all your dealings with your agent, editor and publisher. Adopt a can-do/will-do attitude towards all interactions. Be willing to listen to those that may have more expertise, and offer what expertise you can bring in a positive, constructive manner. A problem solver is easier to work with than a problem bringer.


PHILOSOPHICAL – A while back, a friend of mine got me and my wife involved in a network marketing business. Yeah, I know, but I did learn a valuable lesson. They have a philosophy of some-will-some-won’t-so-what in regards to their business. Not the worst approach to take to this business. When going through the process of promotion and building your writing career, listen to those you believe in and trust, listen to the experts, and remember some things will work, some things won’t. So what. Doing is better than not doing, trying is more productive than not trying.

And if I have to add a fourth, it would be PERSEVERANCE. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing in yourself and your goals. I can’t promise that any of these will get you on the best-seller list. But I do believe that a positive, professional writer with a philosophical approach, who perseveres in the face of adversity, will be one that agents, editors and publishers will want to work with.



4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Ron, for another great post! A classic example of why I like this blog. Each of you have so much inspirational advice to offer. Really helps keep the motor churning for this writer.
On that note, would like to commend Aaron for his contribution in the "How I wrote my first novel" anthology. Talk about overcoming adversity! Wow.

Thanks again to each of the contributors. Great posts, great blog, great people.

Aaron Paul Lazar said...

Ron, super work, as always! Thank you for sharing this with our readers. Hope all is well in Buffalo. ;o)

Bryce, how very kind of you to mention the anthology. It was fun to contribute to the Twilight Times Authors edition of "How I Wrote My First Novel." ;o) And you know what they say... what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger! Have a wonderful day and thank you for your compliment to the blog. It's readers like you we have in mind when we toil over our articles each week!

Sheila Deeth said...

Sounds an invaluable and timely list. Thank you.

Marta Stephens said...

"...writing and writing well is an art form, one which most of us have invested our hearts and souls in. But publishing is a business."

Amen.