Debut

Welcome to the first post of Writing Panes. As a published writer, I hope to help you reach your writing goals. So for starters here's a few writing tips.

Stay focused. Jumping from one writing project to another without completing any is...Well, it's trashy. If you can multitask and get published, kudos. Most writers, especially newbies, can't. Now pick out your favorite and put aside the rest. Stay with it until it's done. Too many unfinished stories leaves Jack/Jill unpublished.

Set goals. If you're new at goal setting, the goals have to be attainable. "I will write my novel in 7 days" is best reserved for the Stephen Kings and Dean Koontzes of the world. 350 words a day is a better goal for beginners.

Study the craft. There are great free sites online for learning the craft of writing. Nicholas Sparks offers Writer's Corner. And check out Peder Hill and learn about the Elements of a Novel. Build a small library of books on writing. Practice the techniques. Don't be in such a rush to crank out your first book that you ignore the art, craft, and skill of writing.

Focus, set goals, and study. Any questions?