“Say It Again” Saturday was created because…Sometimes when I’m reading a book there are lines that just jump out at me. They make me want to laugh, cry, or just sit and think for a minute. Sometimes the lines are just beautifully written. They are the kind of lines that you want to stop reading, find someone close by, and read the line or passage aloud to them so they can share it with you.

This week I’m doing something a little unconventional. Instead of focusing on a young adult novel, I’m going to highlight a professional book that I’ve been looking at lately. As a part of my dissertation I’m going to be writing a young adult novel so naturally I’m curious about the advice that other authors have to give. Since I bought Janet Evanovich’s series yesterday at a garage sale I was curious to see what she had to say about the process of writing.

HOW I WRITE:
SECRETS OF A BESTSELLING AUTHOR

by Janet Evanovich with Ina Yalof

RULES FOR SUCCESSFUL WRITING

Don’t fall into the trap of rewriting chapter one until it’s perfect. And don’t discard everything you write halfway through because you’re sure it sucks. Writing stuff that sucks is part of the learning process!

When people ask what you do, tell them you’re a writer. Put yourself on the line. make a commitment.

Make writing a responsibility. Think of it like a job and show up on time.

Never hold anything back for the next book. Always go for it. Be brave.

Respect and love your audience. Write for the reader.

I felt that these rules were so important and since I’ve been having trouble focusing on my writing when I’m at home, I think I need to pay special attention to number three.