The Writer’s Life with Author Dorit Sasson of Pebbles in the Pond

Hello everyone!

My name is Dorit Sasson, and I’m a contributing author of the book, Pebbles in the Pond: Transforming the World One Person at a Time.

I’ve been asked to share my publishing and writing experiences. So whether you’ve been struggled to get published or are a veteran of the trade, here are a few tips that have worked for me:

Struggle is really a natural part of the writing life. The most important thing I wish I did more while struggling as a writer and during the earlier years of raising my son (who is now seven years old) is to enjoy life. I know it sounds a bit crazy to some, but it IS possible to enjoy life and struggle at the same time. (Meditation really helped with that…)

1. Make sure you have an A+ writing group of writers who have been PUBLISHED and not just any writer who enjoys hearing him/herself read.

2. Hire a professional editor.

3. Read and read a lot.

4. Know the difference between online and “traditional book” writing – many people don’t read these days and as a result, have the eye concentration of a flea. (Write shorter books than longer ones) For writers however, this means not rushing the writing process. Sometimes the learning curve can be very high, and it’s important to account for this time when planning a writing schedule for example.

5. It’s also important to be aware of the amount of promoting and marketing one must do as a writer. Publishing houses with the exceptions of the big names ones, expect a writer to do all the work these days. So set aside time for these tasks as they are important, but first and foremost, remember to WRITE!

6. The publishing world moves like an elephant, and there are many things you won’t be able to understand at first – i.e. the pace. So it’s up to you to promote yourself and don’t be afraid to toot your own horn.

7. Get busy studying the market and don’t worry too much about what sells (that will inform your path) but also allow yourself to truly explore what it is that makes your soul sing. What is your passion? What will bring you the greatest joy?

8. If you worry too much about money, you will loose the spark of creativity, (easier said than done, I know) so don’t worry about “giving up” the part time paying job to be a full-time freelance writer, unless you have no time to write. (It pays the bills)

9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and above all, be persistent and don’t be afraid to send work out. (Remember the writing rule – always have 13 pieces circulating at all times…)

10 Oh, and do create and stick to a writing schedule – create a writing schedule that fits into your life – not the other way around.

11. And here’s a bonus tip – Try to not be overwhelmed (easier said than done).. there will always be pressing life issues, but be sure to give writing the TLC and attention it needs and don’t be easily overwhelmed. You owe it to yourself to get the stories you want out to the people who need to read them.