| Writing is truly a unique art form. A good author | | | | read, the more information you have, and the better, |
| must be part psychologist, part poet, part | | | | more believable writer you will become. |
| conversationalist, a powerful observer, and a talented | | | | Secret # 5: Know Your Market |
| story weaver--all rolled into one person. While writing | | | | Like the idea of knowing your audience (yes, the |
| may come in many different genres and styles, the | | | | market is different than the audience), the ability to |
| general practice of writing can be divided into seven | | | | know your market is often overlooked by some |
| secrets. Once you know how to make use of these | | | | authors. This is an extremely bad mistake to make, |
| ideas, your writing will greatly improve. | | | | and very few, if any successful authors make it. You |
| Secret # 1: Know Your Audience | | | | may have a unique and promising idea, but if it is |
| Believe it or not, one of the most overlooked ideas in | | | | written and released during a slow time in the market |
| today's writing world is the audience itself. As an | | | | for that subject, your sales will suffer. Also, it is |
| author, you must ask yourself, whom exactly are | | | | important to be aware of backlashes in the market, |
| you writing for? Is your book directed at teenagers, | | | | or times when markets have been saturated and |
| or a senior citizen? Is it for people who love to | | | | readership become hostile to certain subject areas. |
| puzzle things out for themselves, or for those out | | | | For example, Chick Lit has run its course. The market |
| there who needed detailed instruction to boil water? | | | | got so saturated that readers stopped buying Chick |
| Whatever the case, learn as much as you can about | | | | Lit books. Vampire books are quickly spiraling in the |
| your potential audience. After all, the inspiration may | | | | same direction. Please don't misunderstand though; |
| come from inside you, but the eventual goal is to | | | | there will always be a time for your subject matter. |
| write for the enjoyment of others. And don't say | | | | Just as one market turns down, another raises up. |
| your audience is, "everybody." Every book's audience | | | | Watch the trends and plan accordingly. The trick is |
| can be narrowed down. The narrower it is, the more | | | | determining when the right time to release your book |
| successful the book can be. | | | | would be. |
| Secret # 2: Know Your Competition | | | | Secret # 6: Don't Be Afraid of What You Don't |
| Believe it or not, the idea that you want to write | | | | Know |
| about is probably not unique. There will be other | | | | From day one, most writers are told to "write what |
| books, articles or essays out there on your subject. | | | | you know." Unfortunately this advice, although well |
| The trick is to make sure that you can present it in a | | | | meaning, has led to countless boring books or articles. |
| way that is relatable, understandable, and somewhat | | | | Many times if a writer focuses on only what he or |
| unique. If you can accomplish all that, any subject is | | | | she knows, the end product will be lacking in detail |
| within your grasp. So do some research and see | | | | and vision. Simply put, since they are so familiar with |
| what else is already out there. Then figure out how | | | | the subject, they unconsciously assume that people |
| you can make it different--a different perspective, | | | | around them know the same things, even if the |
| spin, voice, etc. | | | | audience might not. Instead, try to choose subject |
| Secret # 3: Remember Real Life | | | | areas that are slightly outside your comfort zone. For |
| For a reader to want to buy a book or read an | | | | example, if you're confidant writing a classic |
| article, the material inside must be relatable. That | | | | whodunit, consider working on a police procedure |
| means the reader has to either use the book to | | | | manual instead. This will allow you to look at the |
| escape from their reality, or be able to empathize | | | | subject with new eyes, and be reminded of what |
| with the character (or you, the author) because of | | | | the reader needs to understand to get the full |
| the realism presented. In either case, it is imperative | | | | picture. Plus, you get to do the proper research and |
| that the material written has some aspect of the real | | | | learn more. |
| world in it. Even if your setting is filled with dragons | | | | Secret # 7: Humor is Your Best Friend |
| and elves, something about your writing should speak | | | | Without a doubt, humor is perhaps one of the |
| to the reader on a fundamental, personal level. | | | | easiest ways to relate to your audience. Even if you |
| Remember your real life, and write accordingly. That | | | | are writing a suspenseful horror novel, interjecting a |
| way, when someone picks up your book, they'll be | | | | little comic relief is a great idea. It relieves tension, |
| more inclined to read it. | | | | offers a bit of levity, and allows the reader to |
| Secret # 4: Read More than You Write | | | | occasionally breathe a sigh of relief. What could be a |
| Some authors feel that they have found their voice, | | | | better way to win over the hearts and minds of |
| so there is no real need to listen anymore. | | | | your potential audience? |
| Unfortunately for them, nothing further could be | | | | If you make use of these seven secrets in your |
| from the truth. As any successful writer will testify | | | | writing, there is little doubt that your prose will get |
| to, one of the most important things an author can | | | | noticed a lot sooner. Keep them in mind, and the |
| do is read. Read to do research, read to find out | | | | people taking notice will begin paying attention for a |
| about your competition, or even read to find | | | | prolonged period of time. |
| inspiration. The bottom line is that the more you | | | | |