With the upcoming release of my debut novel lots of people have told me about their love of writing and desire to be a published author. It’s been quite the adventure. I didn’t decide to write a novel one day then get it published the next. It took years of writing, failing, and learning.
Writing always came natural to me. I was upset when my high school English teacher kept cutting down the pages required for our research project until it went from thirty pages to three. In college, essay tests were my favorite. Along with a love for the written word, I’ve had an active imagination since childhood.
When I was pregnant with my oldest, I decided to write a novel. My husband read part of it and told me I had a gift, confirming what I already thought. You can imagine my shock when the publishing company I sent my beloved novel to rejected it. After fifteen more years and two more rejections, I learned the secret to getting published…hard work.
I learned that…just because I liked to write didn’t mean I was good at it. Since the first rejection I began taking classes and reading books on writing books. Even now I’m in the middle of two books on writing a novel. You can never learn too much about the craft you love.
I learned that…I need to ask for help from other writers. I love being a part of an online critique group of ladies who have given their honest and skilled critiques of my work. While I value the opinions of my family and friends, I needed the advice of fellow writers in order to sharpen my skills. I joined social media groups specifically for authors with thousands of other writers. They post book recommendations, other internet resources, answer questions, and post a ton of valuable advice. Also, I started a writer’s group where we encourage each other and offer advice when needed.
I learned that…I needed to step out of my comfort zone and attend a writers’ conference. This is by far the most important step I’ve ever taken on the road to becoming published. They are packed full of learning and networking opportunities. I’ve met with agents, successful authors, editors, and publishers on a one on one basis and attended classes with amazing teachers speaking on essential topics. Then in between classes and appointments, I met other aspiring authors who were full of encouragement.
If writing has always been your dream, but you feel discouraged, don’t give up. All it takes is hard work….lots of it.
