Writing Advice From... Queen

I'm a shooting star leaping through the skies

Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity

("Don't Stop Me Now" from Jazz)

A writer needs to have confidence. You don't have to be extroverted or comfortable with being the center of attention. However, you do have to be confident in your work. You need to love your story in order for other people to love your story.

I've been with you such a long time

You're my sunshine

And I want you to know

My feelings are true

I really love you

("You're My Best Friend" from A Night at the Opera)

If this is how you feel about your book, then take a step back. Not because you're crazy, but because you need to be able to edit those words you love so much. You need to make cuts. You need to tear it apart. And also, you're probably crazy.

Is this the real life?

Is this just fantasy?

("Bohemian Rhapsody" from A Night at the Opera)

You need to absolutely know your genre. If you think you're writing a fantasy novel, then make sure it really is a fantasy novel. The best way to know your genre? Read other books in that genre. Not only will knowing your genre help tremendously when you're ready to submit your novel to agents and/or publishers, but it will also help you decide what is really important to your story. 

Each morning I get up

I die a little

Can barely stand on my feet

("Somebody to Love" from A Day at the Races)

Writing takes a lot of dedication. You'll be tired. You'll want to give up. Be prepared for your social life to disappear (especially when you put yourself on a deadline) and be prepared to make very little money as you spend countless hours in a coffee shop trying to write that one perfect sentence. Hemingway lived off of a diet of wine, so you'll probably want to stock up on ramen noodles. 

We are the champions, my friend

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end

("We Are the Champions" from News of the World)

Remember that you can't give up. As difficult as things may be (see the previous lyrics), there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your book. Even though people like to think differently, not everyone can write a book. If you've written a sentence a chapter, or - go you - an entire novel, you have so much to be proud of. 

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Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.