Our Writing: Reflections of Us

For a writer, there’s nothing more exhilarating than the telling of the story.

Beautiful, well-crafted prose is a by-product of that process, but that’s a skill that’s acquired over time.

We master our craft while attending The School of Hard Knocks. There are no shortcuts, no easier route, and no fake-outs.

When we hear of those authors who are “overnight successes,” that’s actually a misguided fallacy. Rarely does that ever happen.

What we’re not told is what it took to get there: sleepless nights, muscle cramps, eye strain, meltdowns, countless hours editing and dozens more revising.

It’s the same for all writers (whether “successful” yet or not), albeit to varying degrees.

The story behind the story is only one aspect of what goes into penning our tales. Another consideration is the various hats we must juggle once we put ourselves out there.

If you’re new to the world of writing, let me give you a brief overview of what to expect:

• The stories we create, just like the ordinary, everyday lives we lead, are reflections of us. We may pen fiction, but there are bits and pieces of us, our life philosophies, our moral codes, etc. that are inevitably woven throughout our work. It’s bound to happen; it’s what makes us unique.

• Transparency will become our “new normal.” No longer can we linger in the shadows and hope to make it in the world of writing. Writers are encouraged (and expected) to be active career partners, planners, and party-goers. Translation: We don’t just write the book; we are the book. Completing our novel is only part of the equation. “Follow through” is a key component in its success and, ultimately, in our own success as well. We have to be willing to talk about ourselves and our work with equal portions of pride and humility.

• Social media will be both help and hindrance. Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and all the other forms of media have great influence. It’s not necessary that we fully embrace it all, but we must choose something that we’re comfortable with and use it wisely. In other words, we shouldn’t underwhelm or over-share. Striking the right balance with our cyber presence is an art and one that takes time to hone.

• We’ll have new demands on our time. Things we once enjoyed will be relegated to the back burner in favor of time frames, deadlines, and story-crafting.  “No, thank you” and “I’ll have to pass” will become our mantra. Tactful, but intentional is a good way to think of it. There are some who will try to be Superman or Superwoman, but I’ve discovered I’m just not one of them.

• We’ll love what we do. We’ll realize that God has equipped us with what we need to succeed. When we look in the mirror at the end of the day, we won’t see just another writer. We’ll see a masterpiece-in-the-making!

Check out these excellent thoughts:

• Michael Hyatt’s advice to authors
• Beth Vogt on the dreaded self-comparison
• Jody Hedlund’s tips about writers’ contests
• Mary Keeley and story fodder
• Wendy Lawton on finding an agent
• Jeff Goins and his take on ideas

Last, but not least…the countdown to my next blog giveaway has begun! Leave a comment and SUBSCRIBE to my blog to be entered. The prize is yet-to-be-determined, but last month’s giveaway included gift cards to Starbucks and Bath and Body Works. (See the complete set of RULES here. Scroll down to the end of the post, please.)

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 What’s something you’ve learned during your writing journey?

Photo Credit: Carlos Porto/FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Blessings Always,