I want to share another excerpt from my book, Polish and Publish. It’s about whether or not you have the temperament—and interests—to be a writer.
How many times have you heard someone say, “I’ve always wanted to write?” Maybe you’ve said it yourself. An estimated 80 million Americans want to write a book. But how many actually write anything, let alone a book?
Creative writers must believe in themselves and their dreams. They must be persistent and able to accept rejection and send their work on to the next publisher on their list.
They have to be observant—notice what’s said and happening around them, and be interested in how and why thing happen as they do.
Creative writers have a need to express their ideas and personal point of view. They love words and appreciate the power of language.
They are able to envision an appropriate audience and write for it.
And they develop their writing skills.
Many people believe that since nearly everyone has written a variety of things in their lives, it’s easy to write. It might be, but it isn’t easy to write well, unless you are armed with the right tools and approach.
“Many people believe that … it’s easy to write. It might be, but it isn’t easy to write well, unless you are armed with the right tools and approach.”
Agreed. Nor is it easy to write consistently. There’s more ritual and order to consistent, well-written creative writing than most people know. I’m still finding my process.
Aren’t we all! (Thanks for the comment. What do you write?)
I was pretty shocked when I slowly started telling friends I was writing a book that so many other people out there want to write books or plan to write books or have an idea for a book. You’re right – there are tons of people out there who say they want to do it.
Now that I have written a book (though it’s still in the revision phase), I’ve learned that I love writing fiction and I want to do lots, lots more of it. But if there’s one thing it’s NOT, it’s easy. You’ve got to want it bad.
Stacey, you’re right on target. It IS hard. As a writing instructor and coach, I’m always looking for ways to make it easier for my students to complete their writing.
It helps to have help along the way. I guide my students in shaping their life stories; I’m proofing and helping another organize his excellent poems for a book; and I’m editing of a novel for a client.
For one of my memoirs, I swap chapters with another memoir writer, so that I can see problems that crop up before I write the whole book. ;-)
BTW: A study found that 8 million Americans want to write books! (Very few will even try.)
Now, I’m off to check out your blog.
P.S. I tried to leave a comment on your wonderful blog. Didn’t see it, but I hope it will appear.