The following excerpt is from 2009 INDIE Finalist, “Success, Your Path to a Successful Book,” by Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
The Hill Team Hints
“Success in your work, the finding a better method, the better understanding that insures the better performing, is hat and coat, is food and wine, is fire and horse and health and holiday. At least, I find that any success in my work has the effect on my spirits of all these.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Maralyn and Brenda Hill have co-authored books and articles together since starting with Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel. Norman Hill is their editor, and represents the third component of the dynamic Hill team.
Our hints include:
- If you are not passionate about writing, pursue another career.
- Decide who your likely audience is.
- Rough out what you want to say in each part. It does not have to be a firm outline, but should have a form.
- Make sure each section of your book fits and progresses logically with all other sections.
- Whether fiction or non-fiction, the ending section should represent a resolution of all previous sections. It’s usually desirable not to leave your readers hanging (unless there is a sequel).
- Dates and years-of-birth should be consistent with the overall theme, and consistent throughout all sections. A reader does not want to see someone go from 10 to 18 in three years.
- Avoid giving to a final editor until complete.
- Spend some time developing or refreshing the right side of your brain – creativity is fun, relaxing, and helps you break out of the box.
Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
