The Rule of 5

by Ron Estrada

As we near year’s end, many of us are setting goals for 2014. You are, aren’t you? Writers should always set goals writing and reading goals. Discipline is a component of our craft that may rank even higher than talent. The world is awash with brilliant writers who have never been published. These are the ones who weren’t disciplined enough follow through with their vision of publication.

This will not be you.

So, one of the goals I like to set is to work on an area of my writing I feel is lacking. This is where those rejection letters come in handy. If you’re not sure where your weaknesses lie, just look at the feedback you’ve gotten over the last year. Crit partners are a valuable source as well. If you are the chosen one who had no weaknesses, then you may skip reading this.

Once you’ve determined your #1 shortcoming (your writing shortcoming…don’t ask for your spouse’s input), you can make plans to attack it. Yes, we all have more than one, but trust me on this, focus on the top one for one year and your writing will improve drastically. For most of you, it will make the difference and get you that first contract (or first 1000 sales as an indie).

The Rule of 5

Which brings us to the Rule of 5. The Rule of 5 states that if you read 5 books on any subject, you will be an expert in that subject. No, reading 5 books on brain surgery will not earn you the right to don the scrubs and start hacking away at what little grey matter I have left, but you will certainly know more that 99% of the population. If you read 5 books on thermodynamics, I promise that you’ll never get ripped off by a furnace salesman guaranteeing 100% efficiency.

So choose your subject, writers. Is it plot structure? That was my choice in 2013 and I now feel confident in my knowledge (no guarantees on the execution). How about dialogue? Character development? Style? Marketing? Self-publication?

Let’s go with my target for 2014, character development. I’d give myself a C- today. Over the course of 2014, I’ll read 5 books on the subject of character development and (this is imporant) apply the principles to my current WIP as I go along. You don’t have to stop writing to learn a new technique any more than our brain surgeon has to take a year off work to get up to speed on the latest medical developments. By the end of 2014, I expect to post a solid A for character development.

Take Notes

Do you know what notes are? They are something you write down but never revisit, because the mere act of writing them down crams the info a little deeper into your memory. Keep a separate notebook on this improvement goal you’ve selected. Those of us who’ve made the fitness journey may recall that tracking your progress was a key element. Same thing here. As you read, take notes. Do the little exercises at the end of each chapter (yes, I see you skipping them). Write down how you can use what you just learned in your current WIP. Or maybe ideas will be sparked for future plots, characters, or even lines of dialogue. Journal those gems!

Gather your Material Now

Don’t wait until January 1st to get started. If you chose plot structure as your weakness, go to Amazon and look for 5 books on the subject to read. I like to download the samples onto my Kindle, then buy them when I’m ready. Or go to Goodreads and add them to your “Want to Read” list. Download or order the first book now. Yes, they cost money. This is a business. You have to invest in your career. By the way, this is where that Amazon wish list comes in handy. Yes, your family can order a Kindle copy for you now and have it delivered to your mailbox on Christmas Day.

Note: If you’re attending a writer’s conference this year (and I recommend at least one, even if it’s small), keep your goal in mind as you select your sessions. The lessons will sink deeper if you’ve already been boning up on the subject.

Not all at once!

Now don’t read 5 books on character development in January and call it good. Our minds simply don’t respond well to that kind of bombardment. How much do you remember from your 15 week college Psychology 101 class? Enough said. Spread ’em out over the course of the year.

Read the Best Fiction

One more thing: look for authors who are noted for whatever it is you are lacking. In my case of character development, I’d look for some books by authors like Jan Karon and Brandilyn Collins, who are noted for excellent character development (Brandilyn Collins even wrote a book on Character Development, I highly recommend it). If you read any of the writing instructional books by Donald Maass, he gives great examples for each of his chapters, all aptly named “Plot,” “Character,” or something equally brilliant. Go get those books and study them. Don’t just read them. STUDY them.

Okay! Got your goal in mind? Let’s hear it. Confession lightens the soul. And go find your books. If you need recommendations, feel free to ask in the comments. One of us (or all of us) will be glad to help.