When you want advice on how to write, it’s hard to filter through the dross. Everyone’s suddenly an expert on the internet, even if all they’ve ever written is a shopping list.
If you want to learn well, learn from those who have done what you want to do.
I’d never heard of Scott Sigler.
He’s not world-famous. His name doesn’t drop off your lips when you talk about contemporary writers. But he’s written ten books, five of which were published by Random House. So I’ll take my hat off, pull up a chair and listen to what he has to say.
Even better, he’s not selling anything! Isn’t that refreshing?
Here are his steps:
- Write every day (everyone who’s anyone says the same thing, but are you doing it?)
- Learn to finish a novel by writing your first book – it’ll be very ordinary but get it done
- Put that book away for six months – let it percolate in your desk drawer uninterrupted
- Start writing your next book – it’ll already be better than the first attempt
- When your six months are up, pull out that first book and read it – where is it weak? fix those weaknesses
Watch the full 11:55 minutes for the details. He presents well – an easy listen but keep your pen and paper handy.