For those of you interested in fiction writing and searching for some direction, I hope you will find the following helpful.

 Tip 1: Read fiction– that’s the #1 way to learn how to write fiction. Read often and read inside and outside your chosen genre. Study the writer’s techniques and make notes of what works for you in their style of writing and what doesn’t.

Tip 2: Familiarize yourself with published author's road-to-publication stories. Their experiences and struggles provide wonderful insight into how to grow as a writer and divulge much about the publication journey and process. There is a wealth of author interviews on the web. For starters, you may want to take a look at my Authors-Helping-Writers Interviews that I've posted on my blog.

 Tip 3: Visit the Writing and Publishing section of your local library and bookstores. There is an abundance of self-help books out there for fiction writers.

          My personal library has the following books and more that I reference often:

   The NIV Study Bible By Zondervan – For a Christian Inspirational writer, a bible with a concordance is a must.

   God’s Promises For Your Every Need by Living Scriptures, Inc.

   Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King. This book is the one I recommend for all beginning writers. Very informative and helpful.

   Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin. An excellent source for the romance writer. For a quick overview of this resource you can check out my study notes on my writer’s blog by clicking here. 

   Scene & Structure by Jack M. Bickham. A logical approach to writing. For some study notes on the highlights of this resource, check out my writer’s blog by clicking here. 
 

 Tip 5: With prayer preceding your words, asking for guidance, write each and every day. Even if you only write for a few minutes, be sure to do it.

 Tip 6: Join writing groups for the invaluable learning experience, support, and guidance they offer. Many have complimentary on-line courses to participate in, too.         
            A couple of groups I can recommend are:

                   American Christian Fiction Writers 

                   The Word Guild

Tip 7: Once you know that writing is definitely your thing—that you’re in it for the long haul—there are many benefits to getting involved in the following:

          Writer’s Conferences –a great way to network, learn, share, and meet authors, editors and agents. If you can’t attend, then take a look at purchasing CDs of the various classes that are offered. Many Writing Groups organize yearly conferences. You don’t always have to be a member to attend, so ask around, and check out their agenda. If there are classes or workshops that appeal to your needs, consider registering.

          Critique group—Critique groups offer you hands-on experience critiquing other writer’s work and receiving constructive criticism and guidance with your own work. This is invaluable to an author-in-training if you find the right group of writers to work with. Be selective, try them out, and sooner or later you’ll find the right fit for you.
          Personally, I believe critique groups to be the very best way to learn and contribute to the writing world. I'm a member of the Pearl Girls, a group of four writers that includes two published authors. With easy access to the internet, there is no limitation to who can be in your critique group. The members of the Pearl Girls reside in the USA, Australia and Canada. And we manage to go through our rounds of critiques without a hitch. With each return of my submission I gain invaluable guidance, direction and help with fine-tuning my manuscript. 
         I can't express enough how important it is to find honest, fair, and tough critique partners. That's the best way to learn hands-on, chapter by chapter, from beginning to end of each of your manuscripts how to improve your writing. You also make amazing friends by joining a critique group. So don't delay, pray for direction to the right group, and seek one out either by joining an existing one or by forming one yourself. I pray you will discover one as wonderful as mine!       

          Publishing small articles and/or book reviews to get your name out there as you learn the craft.

          Entering writing contests. This is not for the weak! Enter them for the guidance they can give, not for winning. Writing is a subjective business, so even if you’re a multi-published author you could receive low scores on a contest entry. Use the comments and suggestions to help you fine-tune your work, open your eyes to problem areas of your work. Don’t take the scores personally. Take the comments as possible nuggets of help to bring your manuscript up yet another level to a greater quality of writing.                       

 Tip 8: Stepping it up a notch, the serious author-in-training will:

          Begin networking: You can do this a number of ways. Some of the most common are: Create a website, blog, teach courses, host seminars. Simply put, get involved in any way that you can.

           Hire a professional editor. When your critique partners have gone through your work and have shared their wisdom and you’ve edited accordingly, then it may be time to hire a professional editor to help you polish your work. If you can’t afford to have your whole manuscript edited, then have the initial chapters done and use the notes made from those to polish the remainder of your manuscript.

           Create a winning proposal, pray lots, and then send it out. Remember to customize each proposal according to the agents’ or editors’ individual guidelines. Check their websites and/or call them, if the number is provided, to verify that you are submitting to the right person.

          As you wait for replies from your sent submissions, start a new writing project, and always keep studying the craft and praying. 

          Never underestimate the power of prayer!