James Rollins’ 3 Writing Tips Every Writer Should Know

Discover James Rollins’ 3 writing tips for aspiring authors, from reading and writing to staying persistent and getting your work noticed.

James Rollins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers. Born on 20 August 1961, the American author has sold more than 20 million books, which have been translated into more than 40 languages.

He is best known for his 18-book Sigma Force series, but his work also includes standalone adventure thrillers, the Tucker Wayne series, the Order of the Sanguines series, and the Jake Ransom middle-grade series. He also wrote the novelisation of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. His latest Sigma Force adventure is Arkangel.

A vet turned author, Rollins draws on his experience as an amateur spelunker and certified scuba diver. His novels often take readers into underground and underwater worlds.

Visit his website to learn more about his work. We found these three tips on his Tips For Writers page and wanted to share them with you.

James Rollins’ 3 Writing Tips Every Writer Should Know

The author says: ‘Many of my readers also are writers who aspire to become published authors. These are the basics in a nutshell.

Becoming a published author basically boils down to a few key actions: Read, Write, Persist.

1. Read. Read everything in the genre in which you want to write, but don’t limit yourself. Read broadly. The best teacher of writing is a good book.
2. Write Every Day. Even if it’s only a few paragraphs, set aside some cracks in time to spoil yourself with the luxury of writing. If you write every day and read every day, your own skills will improve constantly. As you write and stumble on a scene or ponder some technique to develop character, you’ll find the answer in the next book you pick up and read. You’ll hear yourself constantly saying, “Oh, that’s how you do that!” So let me repeat: The best way to learn to write is simply to read.
3. Be Persistent. Once you’re happy with your project, chuck that baby out and keep sending it out there until someone notices. Also, allow the power of networking to help you: go to conventions, writing conferences, book signings. Talk to authors, agents, publishers. Sometimes this can be the back door into getting your own work noticed.

So there you have it: read every day, write every day, and persist in your dream.’

Source for image.

by Amanda Patterson

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