Today’s Workshop Wednesday guest is Marianne de Pierres, sharing her tips on how to have a productive writing career.  Marianne is one of the most productive writers I know.  In the last ten years she has produced 3 Paranormal Crime novels (Sharp Shooter, Sharp Turn, Stage Fright), a teen dark fantasy series called Night Creatures (Burn Bright, Angel Arias, Shine Light), 1 comic (Peacemaker), 7 sci fi novels (the acclaimed Parrish Plessis and award-winning Sentients of Orion series. Note: the Parrish Plessis series has been translated into eight languages and adapted into a roleplaying game) plus 1 science fantasy short story collection (Glitter Rose).  Phew!  I feel exhausted just typing all that!

But before we get to Marianne’s productivity tips, here’s a snippet of info about her: Marianne de Pierres is the author of all the titles mentioned above.  She is also an active supporter of genre fiction and has mentored many writers. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband, three sons and three galahs. Marianne writes award-winning crime under the pseudonym Marianne Delacourt. Visit her websites at www.mariannedepierres.com and www.tarasharp.com  and  www.burnbright.com.au.

Marianne’s upcoming (November) release is Shine Light (Book 3 of the Night Creatures trilogy)

Can Naif Shine Light in the darkness? Read the thrilling conclusion to the Night Creatures trilogy to find out . . .
Ixion. The island of ever-night. 
If she had a choice, Naif wouldn’t go back. But her friends will die if she doesn’t find a cure for the badges that are slowly killing them, and her brother is there, fighting against the Ripers who hold everyone in thrall. And Naif has knowledge that might save them all.
First she must solve the mystery of Ixion’s eternal night. Then she must convince everyone – rebels and revellers alike – to join her cause. And all the while, she must fight the urge to go to Lenoir – her greatest love, her mortal enemy. 
The secrets of Ixion must be revealed. The evils must be stopped. A new dawn will come.

I’ve read and loved Burn Bright and Angel Arias and am thoroughly looking forward to reading Shine Light when it comes out in November!  But without further ado, here are Marianne’s…

Top Tip for Productivity:

There are so many wonderful sites around with detailed, extensive writing tips, so I’ve provided links to some of my favourites. I’ve also listed my simple but *golden* rules for writing. These are the things that have kept me consistently published and productive.

• Finish what you start

There is absolutely no point, that I can think of, having scores of unfinished literary masterpieces in your files. Make a point of finishing what you start. This can be very difficult in the beginning as you learn the technique for seeing a story through to the end. Persevere.

• Put your work away for a while before you send it out

I cannot emphasize enough, how a story can benefit from being left to mature before re-working –  and believe me, I’m the most impatient person in the history of the world.

• Seek professional development

Never cease trying to improve. Search out opportunities.

• Learn how to take constructive criticism

Constructive criticism is your key to success. Surround yourself with people who can give it.

• Be consistent

Novels take time. Develop the habit you need to produce enough words.

Links to Writing Advice Worthy of your Time

• Richard Harland’s Writing Tips – a free 145 page to writing Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.
• ROR blog – Cory Daniells and others make regular posts on writing and the publishing industry
• Stephen J Cannell – free online writing seminars from *The Master*
• Holly Lisle – pretty much everything you’d ever like to know

Resources

If you’re an Australian writer then you NEED a copy of the Australian Writer’s marketplace.

Louise:  Thanks Marianne. Sometimes writers get so caught up they can’t see the forest for the trees, so it’s refreshing to have simple yet profound tips to keep a writing career on track. Many thanks for taking the time to share them. If anyone else has productivity tips they’d like to share, please drop them as comments below and add onto the conversation.  We’d love to hear what you think.

And if you’re interested in other Workshop Wednesday topics, try: Deep Point of View, Writers working with the Media, From Writing Contest to Contract and Characterisation with Dr Kim.