Writing the Paranormal Novel: Techniques and Exercises for Weaving Supernatural Elements Into Your Story.
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JOIN A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION
A number of professional organizations exist to help writers further their careers. They exchange information about markets, editors, and agents, hold conventions, give awards, help with publicity, or even assist with legal issues. Dues are oft en nominal. Since contact people and addresses change, I don't want to list exact information here, but these organizations are easy to find online. Not all of them require professional sales for membership, either.
The Romance Writers of America accepts writers of all stripes, but mostly exists for writers of romance, including paranormal romance. Those who write paranormal mysteries should look into the Mystery Writers of America. The Horror Writers Association helps writers of horror. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America looks out for writers of any kind of paranormal fiction, and their Writer Beware program has exposed a number of crooked publishers, editors, and agents.
JOIN A WRITERS' GROUP
Writers' groups, or critique groups, exist to help members improve their writing. The basic format is that members usually exchange their work (either by handing copies around or by reading them aloud) and then everyone gives polite comments of the “I liked this” and the “I think this part needs improvement” variety. Some groups take place online, and others meet face-to-face. A good writers' group gives you both an audience and feedback, and can give you a reader's perspective on your writing — very helpful if you've read your own work so many times, it's become difficult to see mistakes. It'll also get you used to accepting criticism.
You can find face-to-face writers' groups by checking out your local community college or university, local bookstores, or even local newspapers that post notices about such things. You can also try starting your own group by posting notices yourself.
The main thing to remember about being in a writers' group is that it needs to help you improve your writing. If your writing isn't getting any better (that is, it isn't getting any closer to publication), look for another group.
KEEP WRITING
It may seem obvious, but some new writers forget it. When Book One is finished, move on to Book Two, and then Book Three.
THE FINAL WORDS
Never give up, never quit.
Persist.
And one day your book will be done. Just like magic.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks must go to the Untitled Writers Group (Christian, Cindy, Mary Beth, Richard, Sarah, and Steve) for reading so many early drafts on such short notice.
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