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Criticism and rejection are inevitable parts of a writer's journey. Whether it’s a critique from a beta reader, a less-than-glowing review, or a rejection from a publisher, every author encounters moments of doubt and discouragement. While these experiences can sting, they also provide valuable opportunities for growth. This guide will help you navigate criticism and rejection with resilience and use them to become a stronger, more confident writer.
1. Understand That Rejection Is Normal
Rejection doesn’t define your talent or potential—it’s a universal experience among writers.
- Even the Best Are Rejected: Famous authors like Anne Rice and Stephen King (Carrie) faced multiple rejections before achieving success. - Understand that these are also the success stories. There are authors out there that you do not hear about that were rejected 500+ times, and they are still not published to spite their perseverance. I was one such case. Rejected 350+ times. I finally said – F this poo and published myself. Sometimes you have to throw out all the naysayers and do it yourself.
- It’s Part of the Process: Not every agent, editor, or reader will connect with your work, and that’s okay. The book publishing industry is subjective, not objective. They’re also looking for the next billion-dollar hit so that they can cha-ching all the way to the bank and then go on vacation for the rest of their lives. Rarely are they interested in developing your author career, like they were when Stephen King and Anne Rice were first publishing.
- Reframe Rejection: Instead of viewing it as failure, see it as a step closer to finding the right audience or publisher. It’s not your fault they don’t like your book. Keep trying and start making alternate plans.
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Read more: How to Deal with Criticism and Rejection as an Author
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Writing a first draft is an accomplishment, but the real magic happens during editing. For new authors, editing may seem daunting, but it’s a critical step in transforming a raw draft into a polished story. Editing isn’t just about fixing typos—it’s about refining your narrative, enhancing your characters, and ensuring your story resonates with readers. Here’s a guide to help new authors navigate the editing process effectively.
Read more: How Authors Edit Their Work: A Guide for New Writers
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Story structure is the framework that holds your narrative together, giving it shape and flow while guiding readers through the journey you’re crafting. A well-structured story captivates readers, maintains their interest, and delivers a satisfying conclusion. For new authors, understanding story structure can feel like learning a new language—but it’s a skill worth mastering. This guide will break down the basics of story structure to help you start writing compelling narratives.
Read more: The Basics of Story Structure: A Guide for New Authors
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Characters are the heart of any story, and the more real and relatable they feel to readers, the stronger your story will be. Crafting believable characters means building individuals who think, feel, and act in ways that resonate with readers. Here’s how you can create compelling, multidimensional characters that feel as genuine as people you know.
1. Start with a Character Concept
Creating a believable character begins with an initial concept, a general idea of who this person is. Think about their main role in your story, whether they’re the hero, the antagonist, or a supporting character. Then start defining traits that make them unique.
- Ask Fundamental Questions: Who is this character? What’s their role in the story? How old are they? What are their passions and fears?
- Give Them a Goal: Every character needs a purpose or goal, something they want to achieve, avoid, or protect. Goals give characters motivation, which drives action and shapes their decisions.
- Imagine Their Backstory: Even if not all of it makes it into the story, consider your character’s past. What life experiences shaped their beliefs, desires, and fears?
Read more: How to Create Believable Characters: A Guide for Fiction Writers
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One of the most exciting yet challenging aspects of becoming a writer is discovering and developing your own unique writing style. Your style is what makes your work uniquely you, shaping how you express ideas, create atmosphere, and connect with readers. But for many new authors, developing a style can feel mysterious. Fortunately, there are specific strategies to help you identify, shape, and refine your writing voice. Here’s a guide to getting started.
1. Read Widely and Mindfully
One of the best ways to develop your style is to read a variety of authors across genres, styles, and time periods. This approach can expose you to a range of voices and techniques, giving you ideas and inspiration.
- Notice What You Admire: As you read, pay attention to passages that resonate with you. Look closely at how the author uses language, sets the mood, or describes characters.
- Analyze the Techniques: Try to pinpoint specific elements in these passages, like sentence structure, word choice, or pacing. Ask yourself why they work and how they make you feel.
- Read Outside Your Comfort Zone: Pick up books in genres you wouldn’t typically read. This helps you understand different writing styles and may spark new ideas for your own.
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Read more: How Can I Develop My Writing Style? A Guide for New Authors