AuthorHouse UK 10 Tips for Christian Writers

Have you written a Christian book, or are you interested in doing so? Whether you’ve just typed “Chapter One” or are polishing your epilogue, AuthorHouse UK would like to present ten tips to improve your skills!

1. Read every day. Reading every day is like a daily writing class. It teaches you story structure, what works (and what doesn’t), and improves your vocabulary.
2. Read Christian literature as much as possible. You’ll learn the conventions of the genre, as well as familiarize yourself with what’s already been done by other writers.
3. Write every day. Create a schedule for yourself that includes writing each day, even if you have no idea what to write. Just show up at the keyboard and see what happens!
4. Carry a notebook at all times. You never know when you’ll have an idea for a story, character, or plot element.
5. Disconnect the internet during your writing time. It’s too easy to get distracted with email or web surfing. If you have online research to do, wait until you’re done writing.
6. Don’t throw anything away. Do you have a character or plot idea that just didn’t work out? Save it! You never know if it will fit in a future project.
7. Change locations. If you find yourself in a rut, try writing in a different location. Sometimes a change of scenery can stir your imagination.
8. Get feedback. Find a trusted group of readers to read your draft, and listen to their opinions.
9. Don’t skimp on your cover. People WILL judge your book by its cover. Make sure yours looks as professional as possible.
10. Let some time pass before proofreading your work. You’re more likely to find errors if you approach your draft with a fresh mind.

AuthorHouse UK hopes you’ve found this useful. Contact us if you’re ready to self-publish your own Christian book!

Tips on how not to write Children’s Books

Many, many authors love to write stories for children; across different genre and age ranges. Of course, they write stories they believe will catch children’s attention. But before you grab for your pen and paper, we suggest you take a look at our list of key don’ts when writing kids stories.

• Don’t preach or lecture.
• Don’t talk down to children; as if they are small and/or stupid.
• Don’t write books without any real story.
• Don’t write books with a too complicated plot.
• Don’t use images that are inappropriate or too violent.
• Don’t use too much text and too few images, these two should be balanced- fitted to the particular storyline.
• Don’t create characters that are boring or unnecessary.
• Don’t be too literal, say using real people, instead try to use imaginative characters, maybe animals, items or even super heroes.

These are just some of the don’ts in writing for children, but if you can add to these tips, please don’t hesitate to share them with us.

If you want to know more on how write children’s books or you need help with illustrations, please click here and a consultant will contact you immediately to help meet your needs.

AuthorHouse UK | Never mind Grisham, King and Patterson, listen to Stocks

AuthorHouse UK reviews in our previous conversation with prolific author, Bernard Stocks, we talked about the initial inspiration that got him started on the road to being a many times self-published author , who his influences were and how he keeps coming up with new and fresh story lines. In this second part we learn his writing disciplines, what he likes about self-publishing and, more importantly he offers free advice to all you aspiring authors out there.

Shades of Grisham, King and Patterson

AuthorHouse UK refers to the notable authors above because when Bernard laid out how he is inspired to write and the processes he goes through in his book development , it became apparent to us that he is most definitely on a par with these .

“I suppose that my main inspiration after the first book was that I had more stories in the back of my mind and as I enjoyed the escapism of writing so much I wanted to get them down on paper. I tend to live my stories and identify with the main character in each, so much so that when I’m at the computer my mind is deeply in the story and I feel as if I’m there, wherever the action is. In effect I feel more like a reporter than an author as I’m just describing the scenes that I’m visualising. It takes me around a year to complete a book. I don’t set myself a routine – I write when I have the time and am in the right mood. I also spend five to six weeks after the book is finished revising and editing the text.

AuthorHouse UK Cara IV by author Bernard Stocks

“I never send a book for publication until I’m completely satisfied with it!

Overall I try to write in a style that’s easy to read and understand and make sure the stories aren’t too complicated. I suppose in a way I write the kind of books that I’ve always enjoyed reading myself. “

Even more sound advice for authors

“There are several ways I’d advise an aspiring author.  Firstly, keep at it even when things don’t seem to be clicking into place.  Secondly, and particularly if you’re writing in the first person, try and get inside your character.  Get a clear picture of what he or she looks like, the way they dress and the way they speak.  Try to live the scenes in your mind as you’re writing them.  Thirdly, remember that the real hard work begins AFTER you’ve written those magic words ‘The End’.  Do your revision thoroughly.  If you plan to do it yourself go through the book slowly, word by word, line by line, paragraph by paragraph, checking spelling and punctuation every step of the way.  My system is to first do a quick read through to make sure the whole thing makes sense and there are no contradictions or glaring errors, then I run through another four or five times doing the word by word checking.” 

Best part of self-publishing

AuthorHouse UK reviews in thanking Bernard for his time, advice and candidness, we thought we would leave the last words to him when he summed up self-publishing by saying that the best part is:

“Undoubtedly receiving the advance copy! Even after ten books I still get a huge thrill from holding that first copy in my hand.”

See more at: http://authorhouseauthors.co.uk/authorhouse-authors/authorhouse-uk-established-authors/listen-to-stocks

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Rewriting Makes Great Writing

We at AuthorHouse UK believe that one of the most common failings in writing is to try and edit your work as you go. So instead of getting your great masterpiece out and on paper you tend to get bogged down in the minutiae of editing. The general consensus amongst published authors is to write your book then edit your book.

Let’s say you wrote half a chapter yesterday. Do not today spend most of your time editing those pages line by line as you will not get any new writing done. Just spend a few minutes cleaning up the obvious typos etc. the obvious stuff. This has the dual advantages of quickly getting the initial general edit done without limiting your creative juices in getting the next part of your manuscript down on paper.
Leave space and time for editing

Once you have finished your manuscript leave it alone for a time. Many great writers (e.g. Stephen King) swear by this tactic. The temptation is to dive straight in; however giving the edit space should allow you a fresh, more objective approach when you start your edit.
The Edit Itself!

There are two distinct elements to book editing. The first is to checking the fundamental structure of your book. How it shapes, its pacing and rhythm, the characterisation and the narrative elements. This is particularly important for you fiction writers out there. Also please take note that for this part of the edit you need to be brutally honest and chop out the chaff and leave in the good stuff, then rewrite where you need to. I promise that you will have a better book afterwards.

The second is looking at your writing style, making it say what you want it to, making it readable, accurate, effective and interesting.

Original article via http://www.authorhouseselfpublishing.co.uk/authorhouse/editing-tips/rewriting-makes-great-writing