As promised
So, yesterday I promised an introspective post, and after doing the blog rounds this morning, it becomes even more relevant.
First, go read Kacey’s post on Writing as a Career (go on, I’ll wait, just make sure you come back).
I consider myself having been writing seriously for about a year and a half. I use my “serious writing” barometer as when I joined eHQ, and that was about Jan 2004. I’d been writing before that, but I was a hobby writer.
Now, I’m a professional writer. I’ve been writing full time for 6 months now. In that time I’ve written 2 300+ pages ms (revising now), revised a 200 pg ms, written 1 novella and 1 short story. I’ve sold the revised ms and the novella. The short story is out. One of the ms will go off to the Blaze contest (hopefully before Nationals) and the other will be pitched at Nationals.
I need to have something out at all times or I get really nervous.
But here’s my thing. I don’t know how to relate to people who aren’t as serious as I am anymore.
I used to love to read the Introduce Yourself thread over at eHQ. Over the past little while I’ve found myself not knowing what to say to people.
Questions like: I want to be a writer, but I don’t know how to start, can someone help?
Huh? Well, you start by sitting down and writing.
Or: I’m stuck. How do I get unstuck?
Well, you just do.
Also: I don’t have time to write because of my kids.
Do you think you’re the only writer with kids? Didn’t Nora start writing because she was stuck inside with her kids? Suzanne McMinn has kids, doesn’t stop her from writing. Jill Shalvis has kids, plus a broken leg and a bear problem - she still writes!
I’m losing my newbie sensitivity and it kind of bugs me. I want to be the kind of writer who helps new people, but all I can think of to say is “Stop complaining and start writing” and I’m not sure how inspirational that is.
It’s not easy, but the only way you’re going to be a writer is if you write.
June 29th, 2005 at 2:09 pm
Even though I’m feeling today like one of those hobby writers Kacey mentioned, I’m so with you newbie questions and how to respond to them. So you are not alone. :smile:
June 29th, 2005 at 4:47 pm
LOL - that’s why I’m not on any loops regularly…too many, could be answered with common-sense, questions.:razz:
June 29th, 2005 at 7:59 pm
That’s the best thing you can tell a new writer–to sit down and write! Really!!!
June 29th, 2005 at 8:10 pm
So true. The only way to learn is by doing. The only way to become a better writer is to write.
Everyone has to start somewhere. I try to remind myself of that when people ask those questions. :cool:
June 29th, 2005 at 9:15 pm
Well, I have to say I’ve always wanted to write. Emily, you started exactly one month after you. It’s making it a priority. I know this opinion might not be a populat one, but tough, I guess.
Here’s what was going on when I started writing. I taught Spec. Ed. full time, had 12 piano students, attending master’s classes and MY hubby was stationed away and I saw him 2 days a week sometimes and every nine days the other.
I wrote two books.
The end. Priorities.
June 29th, 2005 at 9:19 pm
I could’ve been a little more articulate and spell checked–but I ran out of time:wink:
June 29th, 2005 at 9:28 pm
Yep, treating writing as a career. Someone should blog about that :roll: I do find it hard to help some people–you know the ones–with all the excuses why they can’t, what they’re stuck on, why they are so much busier, day job, kids, sports, hurt more, writing doesn’t come easy for them…etc, etc.
I do help new writers with questions though and point them in the right direction for answers. Unless it’s questions that can be answered with…just do it :mrgreen:
(thanks for mentioning my blog)
June 29th, 2005 at 10:32 pm
YOu know I forgot to mention I have 3 kids. Hell, that was the most important part of my point. Clearly, I need to go to bed.:shock:
June 30th, 2005 at 10:35 am
There is no sweet way to say it. To be a writer you put your butt in the chair and write, write, write. That’s always been my motto and still is. (broken foot, children, and bears notwithstanding, LOL)