There
is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as
vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between
light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit
of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of
imagination. It is an area which we call THE WRITING ZONE.
Okay,
I confess. I borrowed the intro from a television cult classic. But truthfully,
have you ever read a better explanation of what it means to be a writer?
Today
I’m offering some tips to help you find your way to the writing zone.
1. Be Willing to Call
Yourself a Writer: Yes, this one is controversial. There are many who argue that
we must do much more than just call ourselves a writer to become a writer. I
would only say this, I believe that calling yourself a writer is the first step
on becoming a writer. Without that step, it’s hard to move forward.
2. Spend time Writing: This may seem like a no-brainer,
but spending time talking about writing—as opposed to actually writing is
fairly common. Don’t be one of those who only dream, be ready to walk through
to The Writing Zone by spending time writing.
3. Invest Financially in
Your Writing:
Take classes, attend conferences, buy books, join organizations. Do your
homework first, but be ready to put your money where your pen is. Here’s a
series of posts I wrote about Dollars & Sense for Writers.
4. Develop the Art of
Patience & Enjoy the Journey: Finding success in publishing rarely happens overnight.
Realize that you’re in it for the long hall and do the next thing. Relax and
enjoy the journey, but keep moving forward.
5. Make Writing a Priority: In the beginning, it’s hard
for some friends and family to understand the commitment it takes to become a
writer. Beginning writers don’t often get paid for writing and it’s easy to
assume it’s a hobby. For some writing is a hobby, and that’s fine. But if
you’re serious, then act like it. If you don’t take writing seriously, then no
one else will.
6. Realize that Failure is
an Option—a Good One: We often learn more when we fail. If we never experience
failure, it’s a sign that we’ve never tried anything difficult.
7. Talent is a Very Small
Part of the Equation: Talent won’t take you far. Diligence and perseverance are where
you find the strength for The Writing Zone.
8. Don’t Try to Go It Alone: While writing is a mainly
solitary pursuit, we still need others to help us. We need to be a part of a
writing community so we can give and receive encouragement and get perspective
on what we write.
9. Don’t Kill Your
Creativity with Negative Self-Talk: We all do it. But talking down to ourselves will have a
negative impact.
10. Comparison is a Death
Trap for Writes: It’s easy to look at others and think we’re gaining perspective. The
truth is, we aren’t. Everyone’s writing journey looks different. This isn’t a
one-size-fits-all endeavor.
11. Keep the Faith: There is a reason you started on this journey. Write it down and put it where you can see it. I believe God made me as a person who processes life through words. If I tried to give up writing, I truly think I’d die.
11. Keep the Faith: There is a reason you started on this journey. Write it down and put it where you can see it. I believe God made me as a person who processes life through words. If I tried to give up writing, I truly think I’d die.
These are the things that have helped me find my way to The Writing Zone. What would you add to the list? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
TWEETABLE
Such good reminders. Thanks, Edie.
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