Learning Your Writing Craft
For me, I mostly learnt from books. I lived in New York for several years, and one of my favourite haunts was Barnes and Nobles in Manhattan and Flushing (via subway). Oh I so loved those shops, every week I would go and every week I would have to choose between getting a book to read, or one to hone my craft, depending on how much moula I had I might have even gotten both.
I still buy books on the craft of writing, I buy them because I still haven't learnt everything there is to learn about writing. I think if you believe there is nothing left to learn then you need to give it up. There is always something new, that's one of the reasons I love it so much.
Books of course are only one way to hone your craft, another is to attend workshops, conferences, signings, courses, festivals...do your best to talk to other novelists, hopefully they don't bite, and hopefully they might be nice enough to chat to you. Now days though it's mostly about money and time being worth cash, so it could be difficult to learn anything from them unless you are paying for their time and knowledge.
I've been lucky, I've met a few wonderful writers at workshops that were free to attend, and one or two that weren't so nice, and still aren't. I think if I ever get that well known, I would like to offer money off for disabled and unwaged, why keep the gates closed against those who could write like nothing you've ever seen, or create a world like the discworld, or the cross time saloon, or the otherworld, places that could rescue someone like me from the black pit of pointlessness.
I digress...
If you can afford courses, or classes, then go to them, make the contacts and be open minded, everyone has something to teach, even if it is patience.
Legal and Administrative Aspects of being an Author:
Register your business (if applicable), check to see if it's necessary for your country.
Understand tax obligations, copyright, and contracts make sure that you learn all that you can about these, and always, always read the small print.
Keep records of contracts, agreements, and correspondence so that if ever a problem crops up you can find them with ease.
Remember, your writing career is not just about writing—it’s also about managing your business effectively.
Learning The Craft of Writing
Legal
Terry Gorry and Co. Solicitors
For anything else, or laws pertaining to your country, look it up online, or go see your solicitor.
I agree, I've learned a lot from books.
ReplyDeleteMy two great writing teachers over the years have been books I've read (not many craft of writing books though), and feedback, including personalized rejection letters. I do a lot of gleaning in order to improve myself as a writer. Good reminder about the business side of the business too. Not fun, but necessary.
ReplyDeletehttps://dacairns.com.au/blog/f/a-to-z-blogging-challenge-l
I belong to writing groups in two different towns. One meets twice a month, the other meets once a month. Years back, I was also an active member of an online critique group. I have always read a lot of books on the craft of writing, and I study the books I read for enjoyment. I can't really say one way is better than another. As far as the book on the craft of writing, some of them aren't so great. But I figure if I even get one suggestion that I can utilize in my work, the book has more than paid for itself. I've also been to quite a few conferences over the years, but in the last five years I've studied more for the craft of copy editing and content editing. I enjoy both editing and writing. I also enjoy painting, but that's besides the point. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks!