The Real Secret to Good Writing: It's Not What You Think

As writers, we can never give up, no matter how disappointed you are. But keep putting your best work forward. Learn all you can about good writing. And then find someone to represent you that you trust.

Pick two of your favorite authors and pay attention to how they write. Don't just enjoy their stories, but figure out how they make their stories work. Don't steal from them, nor imitate them--write your own stories.

There's a boatload of books out there about writing . Almost every writer has a book or some notes on writing. However, the best book on writing is about revising, editing, and rewriting. That's the real meat of writing.

Many writers, when they finish composing a story or novel, will go through it and fix the spelling and the grammar, maybe even the punctuation and think they are done.

But that's just the beginning. You have to make your story work.

Twenty years ago, after finishing my first novel, I began work on a new novel. I created characters, their failings and strengths, their histories, everything needed. I even wrote about their favorite foods.

I wrote the first chapter. It was good. Then I wrote the second chapter. Or at least tried to. You see, I had a story. I knew where it was going and how it was going to end. But I didn't know what it was about.

It's like a road trip. You make certain your car is in shape. You make certain your wheels work and are in good shape. You have enough gas and enough money to buy more. And you have plenty of money for food. You know where to spend the night, what friends you want to visit, even where your destination is.

But why are you going on that road trip? Why aren't you flying? Why aren't you taking a bus? Why aren't you taking a train?

For that matter, why are you even going? Isn't your home the best place to be? And if home is the best place, why are you leaving?

So, now I know. And it isn't my second novel, but my sixth.

And what helped me get there? A book titled "Getting the Words Right" by Theodore A. Rees Cheney. This book was published in 1983. The title comes from a comment made by Ernest Hemmingway when a reporter asked him why he rewrote the ending to "A Farewell to Arms" thirty-nine times? Hemingway's response? "To get the words right."

Cheney mentions in his book that the secret to good writing is revision. And I fully agree.

Good luck.