When it comes to writing, there are a lot of things to consider. Do you want to use a pen name? According to BookBaby Blog, you may want to consider using a pen name to stand out (if say you have a very common/popular name), or for privacy reasons. It can also help for branding purposes.
You could also choose the ghostwriting path. According to Publisher’s Weekly, ghostwriting is an art form, and like any other type of writing, takes a lot of practice. If you take over a well known series, you’ll want to take time to absorb all the previous stories and mimic the style. There are a lot of considerations when it comes to ghostwriting, as ALLi writes. The main thing to keep in mind is it should be a collaborative experience, and should capture the client’s experience and essence, especially when it comes to non-fiction.
Whether you are writing for yourself or for someone else, there will probably be times when you need to learn about a new topic, well enough to convey it in a story. Nir and Far shares steps on how to get up to speed on any subject, which includes searching online, talking to people, and then teaching about it (even informally).
As you’re writing, there are aspects to consider. For example, your writing rhythm. According to ALLi, writing rhythm is important across all types of writing (poetry, essays, etc.), and can help convey a certain tone. Also think about things like how to write your secondary characters. The Writer’s Cookbook breaks down why secondary characters are important and how to write them. Tips include getting to know these characters as well as your protagonist and keeping their role in the story in mind.
Though there are rules around writing, there are also times when it makes sense to break those rules. According to ALLi, it all just depends.
Last, don’t stress too much. The important thing when it comes to writing is to write, and to give yourself time to think, write drafts, and edit. According to Live Write Thrive, ways to make sure you have a productive writing career, other than making sure you write, is to go to conferences and have a community, never stop learning, and prioritize (but don’t sacrifice your family for your career).
