Aspiring novelists are always looking for good advice to help guide them on the journey towards publication. I’ve read more books on the craft than I can count, but I’ve seldom read anything quite as succinct and astute as the words of author Richard L. Mabry in his recent interview with Jennifer AlLee.
When asked about the most important piece of advice he could give to a fledgling writer he replied,
“Every day, ask yourself, “Who am I writing this for?” If you’re doing it because you feel God’s leadership in that direction, that’s wonderful. If you’re doing it because you have a message, and the printed word is your pulpit, write on. If you’re doing it because you want to see your name in print, get a copy of the phone book.”
I chuckled and then read on to find just about everything else a writer needs to know neatly summarized in his next paragraph:
“Seriously, if you’re writing for the right reasons, then learn the craft. Attend conferences if you can afford them. Study good books on writing craft. Read the work of excellent writers, so you’ll recognize good writing when you see it. And then write, write, write. Have one book going all the time. Keep querying, so when one book garners nothing but rejections, you’ll have another option ready.”
He ended with a sentence that every Christian writer needs to remember:
“One final thought. God will change people with your writing, even if it only changes one person—because writing will change you.”
This is one savvy writer! He writes “medical suspense with heart” and his first novel, CODE BLUE, has just been released. Do I need to say how much I’m looking forward to reading it?
MUSINGS 
I like this guy. Guess I better find a copy of his book. Thanks, Carol.
I LOVE that last quote! Wow.
And thanks, Carol, for your comment on my post about The Marriage Project. You said some really important things, and I took it to heart.
Great advice! Thanks for sharing this, Mom. I don’t read a lot of fiction for “grown-ups”, but medical suspense with heart sounds like something I might really enjoy. Adding CODE BLUE to my TBR…. 🙂
I’m glad you all found value in Richard’s comments. I discovered a couple more quotations that I’ve put into Thursday’s post. I love these bits of other writers’ wisdom!