“I’ve always wanted to write a book” or some derivative comes my way about once a month and my advice remains the same: Do it. And forget advice—yes, forget advice.
There’s nothing wrong with seeking a community and people who can help you hone your craft. Even Stephen King needs editors and critiques. You will need feedback for the rest of your life, but you don’t have to rush in.
When I was first starting out, I was pretty much isolated from the writing community. That was a good thing. Once I joined, I met some amazing people, but if I hadn’t already been so committed, the other kind would have scared me off.
For reasons beyond me, a lot of veteran writers (other artists, too) treat it as their personal responsibility to decide who “should” be in their field. There’s this unspoken loathing for the newcomers who “think it’s easy” (though I’m guessing you already know better). But who cares how many typos there are? If you get to those magical words—The End—you’ve already surpassed most the world and deserve a round of applause.
Don’t waste your time with bridge trolls who attack newcomers. Find some helpful fairy who points you in the right direction. Or just become a hermit for a few years like I did.
Ultimately, you are an individual, original human being and no one else can tell the story in your heart. I’ve seen far too many people with genuine talent give up. This is a high investment, often low return business and it’s easy to get discouraged. So keep your chin up, work on that thick skin, and remember you are the only person in existence who can write that book.
But above all else, keep writing, keep writing, KEEP WRITING.
Melissa Morr (@eskiemama2) said:
Loved the post. Dipping my toes into the writing world, & scared sh*tless, I will fail.
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Elisabeth said:
What does success mean to you?
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Claire B. said:
I think I’m really glad that I started out alone and “isolated from the writing community”. Otherwise I think I would have overwhelmed with the hordes of “do’s and dont’s to write a ‘real’ book”.
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Elisabeth said:
EXACTLY. I really think you need to sprout a bit before you take the plunge into that dimension.
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Claire B. said:
Yep!! I still don’t even take hard core writing advice seriously. I haven’t read a book on writing yet, which I probably actually should. lol! But I’m kinda like “I do what I want” 😛
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Elisabeth said:
Some of them are very useful, but the most helpful ones I’ve read really push the writing and writing exercises. Gail Carson Levine has a little book (less than 150 pages, I think) that is excellent.
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Claire B. said:
I’ll have to check hers out. I’ve heard good things about it.
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sherry fundin (@sherryfundin) said:
Some great advice. 🙂 The more I review, the more I am able to appreciate authors. Of course, I dabble in writing, other than reviews, and realize how hard it really is. Will mine ever see the light of day…who knows, but I love doing it anyway. Keep up the great work Elisabeth!
sherry @ fundinmental
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Elisabeth said:
Hey, if it brings you enjoyment and enriches your life, it’s already served a great purpose, no?
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emaginette said:
I wonder if they were threatened by the newbie’s talent. Now I’m sighing. No one has been that way with me. I’ll take it as a good sign. I get support. No one’s threatened here. hehehe
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emaginette said:
So Sorry. I’ve left a trail of where I’ve been instead of a link back. I’m blushing as I go back to correct it. Here’s what I meant to leave.
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Elisabeth said:
Haha! It happens. 😛
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Elisabeth said:
I think it is possible. No one has been outright “mean” to me, but meeting authors who didn’t know how far in I am has led me to realize how negative they like to be.
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