Tips and Tidbits (continued)
By Paula Quinn
De-fleaing the cat one flea at a time with tweezers might become more tempting than simply tossing your manuscript out the window.
But you’ll resist.
In the movie, Quills, after the Marquis de Sade’s parchment is taken from him, he writes on the walls. When his quill is taken, he cuts his fingers and writes with his blood. Determination? Now we’re talking. Take some writing classes, read books in the genre you’re writing about, analyze, study, start from scratch if you have to. If you truly want to write and get published, giving up isn’t an option.
A few quick tips:
Know your characters and what motivates them.
Create a fresh, imaginative story line that will keep your reader interested.
Research, research, research, but don’t let historical facts overshadow your main objective.
The main characters and their developing relationship should be the primary focus of your book.
Keep the action moving at a steady pace.
Give background in small segments.
Prepare your manuscript according to the standard guidelines. Olde English font might look pretty, but editors want 12 point Courier with double-spacing and one-inch margins. Be professional.
Keep emergency pens on hand at all times.
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