Oliver reads widely.

I’ve written books for more than a decade and have taught writing for longer still. Yet here I am, just now joining the 21st century with this cool new website and soon, even more new stuff, like a newsletter, freebie writing instruction pdfs and even updated author photos.

Writing Tip for Today: If you think you don’t need to be on Facebook & Twitter or have a website and blog, think again! It’s never too late to jump into the deep end of writing–that is to become a PRO. Even if you just can’t swing a website as cool as mine is (it’s pretty darned cool!), here are three things EVERY writer can do TODAY:

• Write. Start setting either a word count goal for every writing session or a time goal, say of thirty minutes to an hour. The physical act of showing up and writing (not producing perfect prose, just writing) will hone your skills. Even if the prose you write sucks, you are practicing. The more you fail, the more you learn. Write often. Write fast. Edit on a different session than the drafting session–this way you you can get word count without that internal editor telling you that your writing is bad.
• Read. When you aren’t writing, read the best books you can. Don’t only read writing how-to books. Read current books in the genre in which you aspire to publish. Know what’s popular now. It’s great to be familiar with great writers of yesterday, but remember that you are mostly competing with great writers of TODAY and Tomorrow.
• Promote. You don’t need a published book to start building a readership. In fact, if you wait until then you’re way behind. Don’t fall for the myth that social media is only about boring people posting about their boring breakfast. Yes there are inane posts, but your posts will be genuine, caring and interesting. You will care about what concerns others and respond with compassion and kindness. When you DO have a book to promote, readers will be more likely to remember you as a kind, sincere person instead of another writer hawking her wares. And when you are able, get a website. I sure hope you like mine!