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Penelope Redmont writes fun traditional historical romance, romantic mysteries, and other fiction

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June 8, 2016 By penny Leave a Comment

How To Write Your Book: 5 Tips

How To Write Your Book: 5 Tips

You’ve been putting it off, but now you’re determined. It’s finally time to write your book. When I started out writing, I had a lot of romantic ideas about what it would be like. I had to let go of lots of expectations, and now I think I’ve got a handle on it.

If you’re just starting out, maybe one of these tips will help you.

Write your book: you can do it (yes you can!)

Someone once told me that if you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right. You can write a book — all you need to do is get started, and keep going.

1. You’ll write when you’re ready: be patient with yourself

I started writing around 15 years ago, very much the dilettante. Writing a book would be fun, I thought. When it stopped being fun, and turned out to be hard, I quit.

Of course, I started writing again a month, or a year or two later. I was happier writing than not-writing.

Whenever I stopped writing, I was very down on myself. That was a mistake. I stopped writing because I wasn’t ready. When I was finally ready, I knew it. All my previous bad experiences had become lessons — there were things I needed to learn, both about myself, and about writing.

So if you’re in a write-quit-and-write-again cycle, chances are that sooner or later you’ll be READY. Keep trying, and one day you’ll settle down and will find that writing is just something you do.

2. Keep a book journal: it’s your friend, companion and guide

Here’s my post on book journaling, BOOK JOURNALING TIPS: MAKE WRITING EASIER AND MORE FUN:

I’ve been journaling each book, and not only do I finish the books, the writing goes more smoothly too.

Journaling helps.

3. Outline, if you want to finish your book

I hate outlining. I do it as little as possible, but I do do it. Here’s a secret — I usually outline after I write. I’ll write a scene, then I’ll outline what leads up to the scene, the scene itself, and what I imagine will follow the scene.

My outlines are a kind of listing/ journaling process. In a real sense, they’re dreaming on paper.

You may need to unlearn everything you thought you knew about outlining to make it work for you. Tell yourself that you’ll outline, and do it, because outlining prevents writer’s block. But outline your way.

4. Lower your expectations, and then lower them again

We’ve all got an inner editor/ censor. Your censor tells you that everything you’ve written is trash. A child of five could do better, and who are you to think that you’re a writer?

Tell yourself that yes, your writing is garbage, and you’re happy with that. All you need to do is get some words onto the computer screen. Any words. Keep your expectations low. The lower the better.

You’ll be amazed — this “I write trash, and I don’t like it, but that’s OK” process not only makes writing easier, but your writing will improve too. You’re more creative, because your low expectations have stifled your inner editor.

5. Schedule your writing, and guard your writing time

No one cares about your writing as much as you do. It’s your book, and only you can write it. Writing your book will take time. Give yourself the gift of time.

Open your calendar app, and block out time for your writing. If you’ve only got 15 minutes a day, that’s fine. No matter how short your writing time is, those minutes and words add up. Before too many months have passed, you’ll have developed a writing habit.

Sadly, our nearest and dearest can sabotage our best intentions. They mean well. They want to spend time with you. Be firm, and gentle, but do guard your writing time.

The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall
The Lady And The Rake: A Scandalous Arrangement

The Lady And The Rake: A Scandalous Arrangement

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 1
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: regency

Melisande Eardley has a temper, and that temper gets the better of her.

More info →
Various Retailers
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The Lady And The Duke: A Dangerous Season

The Lady And The Duke: A Dangerous Season

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 2
Genre: Regency Romance
Tags: Recommended Books, regency

Her sister Catherine believes that Elaine's hair tells you everything that you need to know about her. It's flame-red. When Sir Oliver Destry trifles with Elaine, she decides on revenge. Elaine soon discovers the truth of the old saying that if you want to make the gods laugh, just tell them your plans.

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The Lady And The Man Of Fortune: A Wicked Secret

The Lady And The Man Of Fortune: A Wicked Secret

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 3
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: romance

Although he's a prize on the Marriage Mart, wealthy and twice-widowed Lord Delmere thinks that nothing could ever tempt him to marry again. Until he meets the lovely Lady Kingston.

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The Lady And The Military Man: Conquer My Heart

The Lady And The Military Man: Conquer My Heart

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 4
Genre: Regency Romance
Tags: regency, romance

What happens when two people who won't consider marriage can't live without each other?

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The Lady And The Adventurer: Win My Heart

The Lady And The Adventurer: Win My Heart

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 5
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: regency

Henry (Henrietta) Eardley makes a huge mistake. Then she makes it worse. She's never known a man like Lord Devernwood, and he's never met a woman like her.

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The Lady And The Devil: If You Knew Me

The Lady And The Devil: If You Knew Me

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 6
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: regency romance

When Cerise and her sister are in danger, she relies on herself. There's no one else. Then she meets Lord Grayhurst.

 

 

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Lady Julia’s Destiny: A Love To Treasure

Lady Julia’s Destiny: A Love To Treasure

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 7
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: regency romance

Julia doesn't know whether to be amused or angry when Lord Lyneham decides to find her a husband. He and Julia's cousin take charge of Julia's fortunes. Suddenly, Julia's an heiress and her life changes.

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