Just Getting Started

Before you can be an author, you have to write.

Sounds funny, but it's true. It's a little like the lottery; if you don't play, you can't win. I've been writing since I was a little kid, and I would first bang out stories on a manual typewriter. My grandmother upgraded me to an electric typewriter and I was smitten. No more white out for me! Growing up I didn't have a computer, so 'Webster' was always at my side.

To get started, you need to come up with something you would like to write about. Actually several ideas are helpful. It's hard to write about something you're going to lose interest in, or run out of material to finish up a book. Even if you're writing fiction, a lot of times you'll find yourself doing research; so find something you are passionate about.

People ask me how I write. I don't think there is any right or wrong way. Some writers use outlines, others like to write the endings first. Personally, I start typing from beginning to end. I do make little cheat sheets as I go. In the Delivery Girl series I have three books already written. By the time I got to book three I couldn't remember the small details like whether someone has straight or curly hair. I have to laugh!

My cheat sheet is now a piece of paper that has ripped into three pieces and completely worn through. I know how most of my books are going to end, but for me I can't write the ending until I am there. I want all my emotions slam packed into those last few pages, making the reader want more. Or so I hope!

Writing today I obviously use the computer. Spell check was the best thing invented! Just be sure when you are writing that you don't fall asleep on the "E" key. It was quite the pain to go back and delete 45 pages of them!