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Getting noticed ahead of others requires talent, discipline, and a love of words; following the oft-hated publishing rules, and the obsession that compels a writer to write. Despite criticism, rejection, and what other people say. But first and foremost, one needs a good story. A story that will get noticed, and admired.

Without a unique twist of idea for a story, the writer takes him/herself out of the race instantly. Think about it a minute: what makes a good story? Is it the hero or heroine? Monster or alien? Gunslinger, or school marm? None: what works is a plot ploy no one has ever tried before.

If one thinks of stories s/he loves, there is found an unusual tweak - like the girl in "Carrie" with paranormal powers, or "Christine" about a killer car in love with her human owner: Stephen King, who wrote both, put amazing twists on mundane subjects.

Being able to come up with a twist is paramount to success. Without it, one won't get read, encouraged, or feel the need to proceed further.

Which brings up another step on the road to success: being able to persevere, and write through the middle of story, despite the perils of Writer's Block, and self-doubt. It is working one's way through the middle that is hardest for a novelist.

The middle is a sort of sink-or-swim, where new novelists wish there was a road map to follow - something encouraging, to let them know they are on the right path. Such a "map" is impossible because every writer is unique, and strict 1-2-3 rules could become confusing.

Therefore, as one moves through the mid-section of his/her book, focus must be kept distinctly on the story, its characters, and whatever it is that makes it unique.

As far as twists, maybe the female romantic interest in a drama tale is really a spy, or perhaps out for revenge on the part of her twin sister; maybe the hero in a detective novel understands enough about the missing jewels that he becomes a suspect; maybe a kidnapper is really an undercover cop. The "maybes" are endless. And those "maybes" are the essence of a writer's tale. Having unexpected twists keeps everyone reading.

Yet another important step is having the will and discipline to edit and revise the manuscript [ms.] once it is finished. This is as difficult as the actual writing, because the ms. needs a cooling-off period, where the writer is vulnerable. S/he must leave the ms. in a drawer or file-cabinet long enough to allow the story to cool. Even professional writers can fall prey to wanting

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