So you've decided to write a novel. Congratulations! You have more guts than you've ever imagined. Oh, you don't know it yet, which is why I'm informing you of this.
If you're going to be vocal about you writing aspirations, you're going to meet with people (who I will be writing about later if my Internet holds) who are going to tell you that it isn't a big deal.
They're wrong.
It's a very big deal.
Huge.
Because the one thing that characterizes those vocal masses is that they've probably never even written anything themselves. And therefore, they have NO clue about what it takes to actually write anything.
They don't understand the fear of failure, the insecurities, the doubts, the wondering if your idea actually sucks and no one's telling you, the feeling that you *might* be a fraud and everyone but you is sure of it.
When it comes to the trials and triumphs of being a writer, they don't know jack squat.
So just ignore them and write that dang thing. And know right now that it's a great thing that you have guts enough to start, because it's going to take guts to keep writing.
You've (hopefully) written my other posts. You know by now that writing isn't a cake-walk. So you'll probably have figured out that writing takes guts. Lots and lots of guts.
And for some of us, there will be glory. Lots of it. But you need guts to get there.
Do you have it?
Awesome encouragement! And yes, finishing a manuscript is a huge deal. I know so many people that never finish one.
ReplyDeleteMost people only think they could write a book. Few of us actually do it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, lots of folks feel like they could write a book, but only the brave, determined, maybe a bit mad, endure it! I am about 3/4 through my WIP and it is so hard finding time to finish it! But I will.
ReplyDeleteI've lost count of the amount of people that have told me over the past few years that they'd like to write a novel 'someday'. As far as I'm aware, none of them have yet. It does indeed take a lot of guts to start, and even more to keep going.
ReplyDeleteI tried writing a few decades ago - pre-Internet. I didn't know any other writers so my only feedback came from those who had never tried it. Not surprisingly, I quit. Not we have the Internet, social media, and unlimited sources of support from other writers. And I'm writing again.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect G word for writers!
ReplyDeleteChristine, that's so true. Many people start but don't finish. And then, many people finish but give up on writing.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Alex.
Best of luck, Catherine!
Rachel, "someday" is never a good day to write a book.
LD, access to other writers does make a HUGE difference to the process.
Thanks, Lee!