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I've touched on this before but it deserves repeating, and I can give you a good example of what helpd my writing. Writers are, and have always been, avid READERS. I cannot emphasize this strongly enough. Reading excellent suthorswill inspire your own writing, I promise.
If you have been with me for some time you know that I consider the finest word-smith of the 20th century to be Martin Cruz Smith. He's written a number of books using Investigator Renko, a Russian Investigator. But he has also written period novels like Rose and December 6.
Smith, who unfortunately has a health problem which has curtailed his writing, did extensive research before he started a novel. He went to the actual location his novel would encompass. He took pictures, he did sketches. Made copious notes. All this before he even approached a word processor..
Years ago he wrote a novel entitled Havana Bay. I was so impressed by by the "love of words" which Smith used in that novel I was challenged to write my first published novel, Tropical Knights. Did I copy Smith's novel? No, of course not. The plot is entirely different. The Characters are different. It bears no resemblance to Smith's book. But I tried my best to emulate Smith's "style" and use of words and hooks. It was a labor of love. And that book is maybe seven or eight years old and still holds up and still sells. So READ good books, and then write better books.
Until next week good luck and keep writing.
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