While I’ve been around for a little while now, I certainly don’t consider myself an expert. I consult the experts, and research everything I write to ensure I don’t spread inaccurate information.
As a new writer, we don’t always know if what we are reading is fact, fiction, or opinion. We are hungry for information that is going to help us become better writers, and more importantly, that is going to help us become successful and published.
When I began this journey, I was literally starting from scratch. I assumed like many of you, that anybody could write a novel. I had a great idea and put pen to paper, or I guess I should say fingers to keys.
It wasn’t until I submitted it to agents, that I discovered there were rules on POV, writing dialogue, plotting, use of description, setting scenes… I needed information. I needed accurate, easy-to-understand information from someone who knew what they were talking about.
I opened my computer and began typing. If it’s on the internet, it has to be correct, right? That’s what most of us think, at least that’s what I thought. If I was having problems with dialogue, one of my weaknesses, I would type in dialogue and go for it. There were so many articles and blog posts to read. While most offered invaluable information, I would occasionally run into one that lead me astray, or left me more confused than I was before I started my research.
I feel like I’m rambling today, but my aim for this particular blog is to caution new writers. Just because something is written on-line, doesn’t mean it’s correct. Choose your sources wisely. Do your research. There is a lot of useful information out there, but you will occasionally run into something that is inaccurate, or so ambiguous you are left more confused than you were when you started your research.
My husband is always saying technology is wonderful. You have the world at your fingertips, but you can’t check your brain in at the door.
Something to think about.
-Jan R
Writing your first novel-Things you should know 
In the arena of writing instruction, I don’t know that the internet is any worse than any other source since the correct way to go about writing is fairly subjective, at least in the realm of fiction. Yes, you need to know the rules before you can (and maybe sometimes should) intentionally break them, but it’s also good to keep in mind that in a room full of 50 bestselling authors, publishers, and literary agents, you will get 50 different opinions about various aspects of your work. Some of them will be incredibly helpful. Others will strike you as flat-out wrong, because it’s your work and your voice, and only you (and the publisher who is going to give you the contract of your dreams) can decide what is ultimately right and wrong about it. Well, and eventually the readers, but you really can’t please everyone.
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