Life is
full of regrets and the writer's life is no different. But since I'm a few years
further down the path than a lot of you, I thought I'd share some things I wish
I'd done differently. These are some regrets you don't have to have if you pay
attention now.
1.
Following the trends instead of writing what’s on your heart. It’s tempting to think this or
that is hot right now and an easy sell. The truth is, nothing is an easy sell.
It all takes work. And more than that, it takes time. Chasing a trend will doom
you to always being behind.
2.
Not investing more time in your dream. All around you are opportunities to grow as a writer.
Whether it’s local writing groups, online classes or chats, or conferences.
Making your dream a priority is important.
3.
Letting others define success. Success is different for each of us. If we let someone else’s
definition guide us, we’ve lost our way.
4.
Not saying yes to stretching your writing muscles. Courage is essential in this
business. It’s what so often separates success from failure. If I only did what
I knew I could, I’d never grow as a writer.
5.
Listening to the negative voices in your head. We all have them, no matter
where we are in the writing journey. The only difference is whether or not we
choose to believe them.
6.
Not networking more.
In this business, as much or more than any other, it’s who you know. Building
relationships can keep you sane, give you valuable leads, and open the doors to
publication.
7.
Submitting stuff too early in the editing process. It’s tempting to get frustrated
with the process and think something is good enough. Every single time I tried
that short cut it ended in failure.
8.
Not writing more. Isaac
Asimov was once asked what he’d do if he found out he only had six months to
live. His answer haunts me. “Write faster.”
9.
Letting the jealousy and pettiness of others derail your progress. It’s a competitive field and for
some, winning is everything. These few can beat you down to build themselves
up, if you let them. Don’t.
This
is what’s on my list. What’s on yours?
Good post, Edie. I'd add to that with don't be afraid of the plans you make. Set them in motion and don't look back. It's amazing what you can acomplish when you don't give yourself a choice.
ReplyDeleteRon, excellent addition! Thanks for stopping by, Blessings, E
DeleteGood things to avoid, Edie. I'd add hanging your feelings on your pen. When you get rejected or a tough critique, remember it's the writing not you. And though your writing seems like you, it isn't and it can always get better. Even multi-published writers continue to grow.
ReplyDeleteAne, another good one to add to the list. It's so hard not to take manuscript rejection personally - no matter where you are in your writing journey! Thanks!
DeleteThere are so many things ... I'll be we could each add at least one or two things to this list (And all of yours are good!)
ReplyDeleteMe? I'd add, "Don't let one person's opinion of your work, offered on what must have been a bad day for them (that's my generous assessment), impact how you view yourSELF and your writing ability."
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ReplyDeleteGreat post! Two phrases I like to use when I speak, 'Commit to the journey' and 'Write, or your creative ink will dry up'. Distractions abound, but discipline and focus are key....
ReplyDeleteWonderful list, Edie! You blessed my soul today.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Edie. I especially found #4 encouraging. It's nice to be reminded that we need to try something in order to learn how to do it... I learn by doing--not by thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings ~ Wendy ❀
Great advice. The only thing I'm not so sure about #1 because I have seen someone write to trends and the book leaped to the best seller lists and continues to sell with very little promotion.
ReplyDeleteOnce your manuscript is finished, select 5-10 beta readers -- not relatives or close friends. Wait to hear everyone's responses before making any changes to the story.
ReplyDeleteNice! #5, I try not to listen to those voices, but it's hard at times.
ReplyDeleteWhat excellent advice! Write more and not listening to those negative voices in my head are two pieces of advice that hit home to me.
ReplyDeleteNumber 3 definitely. And number 5. And 8... though I'd change that to "not writing more of what I feel happiest writing" since I've wasted a lot of time over the years writing what publishers said they wanted (and then decided they didn't).
ReplyDelete