What I Wish I’d Known
I visited my old high school this past week and had the pleasure of talking with a creative writing class about things I’ve learned on my writing and publishing journey. The experience made me reflect on where I am and how I got here, and I decided to post in this month’s blog some of the things I wish I had known early on in my journey.
Your Journey is Your Own. Everyone will have different opinions on how to write, when to write, when not to write, and how to publish. I’ve found it best not to listen to a single one. No, that’s not fair. Listen, but listen wisely. There are, of course, pieces of advice and resources that I will always be grateful for. However, at the end of the day, you are on your own journey, and it will look differently for you than for any other writer out there. Trust yourself. Trust your journey.
Don’t Rush Anything. It’s tempting to make a mad dash for the end product in writing - a finished novel, a completed story - but be careful. Rushed projects can lack inspiration and clarity, and without those two powerful aspects of creation, your story will not inspire others. Be patient with and enjoy the process. Wait for your writing to improve and your story to solidify. Your readers will wait, too.
Master The Basics. Show don’t tell. Avoid adverbs. Be cautious and sparing with exposition. All these fiction writing basics are not suggestions. They do make writing more efficient and effective, and to be a successful writer in fiction, learning and mastering these basics is non-negotiable. Even great writers can make mistakes in these areas. Take the time necessary to learn and practice these foundational skills now so you can minimize the mistakes later.
Be Practical. If writing is your dream, then don’t give up on it. But be practical about it. Devote at least a little time to pursuing other goals and interests that can support you and help fund your writing aspirations. You may not want to, but you’ll thank yourself for going about this the smart way.
Let It Be Important to You. Even if your writing journey seems trivial or uninteresting to others, as I writer I know that at times it can be your whole world. Don’t let others diminish what’s important to you. If you love it, be proud of it. Be confident. The only thing you’ll regret is not giving your all when you could have.
There you have it. Some things I wish I had known. Use them if you find them helpful. If not, use them anyway.