Writing

Lots of people asked me “how to write?” At first, I was asking myself why would people ask these questions to me when obviously writing is a hobby and a fun experience. But when I stop writing for six years, (and those years I have never thought of going back in writing.) and then I have to start writing again… I finally understood why people still ask that question to me.

Here are some of the things I have learned for the past two years of writing and how my passion in writing came back.

1. In Writing, it is important to use strategies. (I am talking about music, food, going out, notebook, cell phones and other things you can do) - Once you feel like writing; you sit in front of the computer and just type, right? But sometimes it doesn’t work that way.

So what we need to do then?

a. Music – It helps. Depends on your mood and the story you’re writing. If it’s intense, use some instrumental that creates an intense mood. When you’re writing love story listen to love songs or romantic instrumental music.

b. Food – “Snacks” plus “soda” (for me) it works! But some people eat chocolates or whatever their favorite food.

c. Going Out – You can get a lot of ideas if you go out. Every scene, place, person or any events you can encounter can be a spice for your story.

d. Paper – Even though we are in a technology era today; Pen and Papers still exists. I always have a notebook in my bag when I go out. So if there is an idea that comes in my mind, I can write it down.

e. Cell phones, Laptops or Ipad – Some people don’t use notebook, they use their phones, Ipad or Laptops if ever an idea occurred to them. 

2. Love your Work – Don’t be too humbled. The Number 1 fan of your works should be YOU (the one who wrote the story). Because you will be the first one who will promote your work. You’ll be the one who will tell everyone how good your story was.

3. Always remember the first time you fell in love with writing – Was it from your favorite book or a story from a manga that made you want to write a story? If ever you find hard to write a story, read and recall your favorite stories, writers or Mangaka (for me). I usually store a lot of Mangas, pocket books in my shelves and in my computer. And when I feel I want to write a story but I can’t, I always read these stories and it makes me want to write again.

4. Surround yourself with those people who support Your “writing” – Whenever I want to write, I always talk to those people who loves my stories. Those people who supported my stories for the past 20 years of being a writer. The reviews such as “Please write more or Update more” makes me want to write more and more for them.

I started writing at the age of 10, some people enjoyed what I write on the internet and some of my plots were already being used in big screens (without my permission, and you’ll surely know if you own that plot or not because you were the one who created it.) But I can’t blame them because they too needed something that they could use for their movies, shows, anime etc. At the age of 23 years old I encountered a group of High School students at the café printing my story and it did cost a lot. They mumbled, “If only this is a book”. At the age of 24, my mom encouraged me to publish my own works. And finally, at the year of 2009, one of my stories became a book. It was a dream come true. (Especially if you are a writer)

So here’s my advice for those people who wants to write a Book.

1. Do not be afraid of Publishers.
There are two kinds of Publishers: Those who are approachable and those who are not. Though, publishers are scary (because I’ve been there) there will always be a publisher who will help you to make your dream come true. That’s whatLight Crystal Publishing House (LCPH) is about. It will help you and will never steal your work. Just like what their mission and vision stated.

2. Don’t be afraid to Ask.
Ask what you would like to know. (Though some publishers will never entertain your questions, Light Crystal Publishing House (LCPH) will).

3. be ready to discover how much time, money and effort you have to use. It can be frustrating (that’s why most people are self-publishing instead of going to the publishing house.) Self-publishing maybe cheaper but it doesn’t ensure the safety of your work.

4. Marketing – to ensure that your work to remain alive, you have to market and advertise your book. LCPH will help you market your book but you can as well market your own product.

How to market your book?

a. Websites / Blogs
b. Word of Mouth
c. Business Cards
d. Social sites

5. Be ready to handle Rejection – If you want to sell your work to a publisher be ready to handle rejection and then try again. (Though in Light Crystal Publishing House (LCPH), they don’t do that. They will help but they don’t buy stories).