What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?
The first pitfall that came to mind is an internal one and one that ALL writers - even the A-listers - will say they've gone through: CONFIDENCE.
Writers write because they like it. And most start out with a similar mindset that they're going to write the most amazingly fantastical tale EV-ER! Not because they're more talented than the next writer. No. But because they just need to write - It's an inner knowing, a desire to tell the story that's been gnawing away at them for a while; sometimes, for years. It's a wonderful place. The trick is to not let the few (and eventual many) stopping points get to you.
That. Is. Hard.
So if you feel like this know you are not alone.
*Notice my phrasing - stopping points. I did not call them failures or roadblocks or even pink slips. These stopping points aka refusals from agents & publishers, tough critiques, family, daily job, school, and life issues happen to help you grow. DO NOT TAKE THEM PERSONALLY. Use them as fuel to improve your craft and grow in both skill and confidence.
Writing is a fourth of the battle. Marketing/Promoting is another fourth. And I believe that Belief-In-Oneself makes up the other half of the full circle.
Just Believe in You. What do you have to lose?
Thank you to this month's co-hosts: Erika Beebe, Sandra Hoover,Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery!
Interested in finding out more about the IWSG? Want to join in to participate? We'd love to have you.
We'll get stuck sometimes, but only we can decide if it's permanent or temporary.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about how important this is. I am the queen of taking everything personally! But I'm working on getting better with that. A constant battle.
ReplyDeleteHope you are well! :)
Believe in me. I'll work on that, but I have a long way to go. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Those stopping points are just little distractions.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to stay confident as a writer with so many no's even if you are published. Great advice.
ReplyDeleteConfidence is a tough one. I'm always chasing the little doubt monster away, but he keeps sneaking back in. Crafty little guy.
ReplyDeleteThis group gives us confidence. Each month we read about others' successes and difficulties. We can sympathize and empathize. We've been there, we are not alone. If they can do it, I can, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. I like your play on words. Nice way to help the subconscious get over it too wording it that way. Happy belated IWSG.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. Confidence. Writing takes a lot of it. When I start a new story, I'm so excited. But as I go along and problems arise, I lose some of that earlier confidence and wonder if I can finish what I started. That's when I get tough on myself. No one ever said it would be easy. What in life is? Thanks for a great post.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! here are definitely a lot of stopping points on every writing journey. It's important to not let them get us down for too long. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Excellent points. There will definitely be enough people nay-saying that we have to counteract it or die. Career wise.
ReplyDeleteFinding confidence after rejection is crucial for a writer to keep going!! Even after securing an agent or publishing contracts.
ReplyDelete