This past week I had the opportunity to sit down and chat about publishing and writing with a budding author who is working on his third novel. I had the privilege of answering questions and sharing my experiences and advice, which is always a lot of fun. In the end, my encouragement to him was to keep on working hard.
Over the years, I’ve met with and spoken to many different aspiring writers. I’ve shared with them my journey to publication, explained how the publishing industry works, and given loads of writing advice. I try to end with a solid piece of wisdom that has held me in good stead: Learn. Practice. Learn. Practice. The process of becoming skillful takes time.
But sadly, I’ve watched as many of those writers eventually give up. I can’t help but wonder why so many of those writers fall away?
Obviously there will be seasons in our lives when we have to put our writing on pause. We go through times when we need to take a break for one reason or another. I’ve been there, done that.
But what about everyone else? Why do so many quit?
There are probably hundreds of reasons why so many start writing, get excited about it, but then fade into oblivion. But what does it take to keep going and to beat the odds?
Here are just a few of my conclusions about how to be a die-hard writer:
1. Write with consistency: I haven’t always had the same weekly schedule, and I haven’t always had the same daily word count goals. In fact, there have been periods in my life when I considered 500 words a day a huge accomplishment. However, no matter my life circumstances, I always set daily goals in one shape or another and then discipline myself to consistently work toward them.
2. But also write with flexibility: While I set daily word count goals, I also set a weekly goal. That way, if I have a bad day or something comes up that prevents me from writing, I can allow myself to make up for the missed words on another day. The daily goals act as guidelines, but ultimately I shoot for a weekly total. I don’t beat myself up with my goals. I show myself grace. And because of that I can keep going even on the days I fail.
3. Write with purpose: I often take time when I’m between writing projects to read a writing craft book. Then when I begin a manuscript, I try to incorporate a new technique or pay particular attention to a poor technique I’ve gotten into the habit of using. I slow down for a little while in my writing to consciously practice and implement what I’m learning.
4. But also write with abandon: While I like to be intentional, eventually those things I’m learning become second nature so that I’m able to write without having to work so hard to remember everything I’m trying to incorporate. Most of the time, I like to lock the internal editor away and give the story permission to take me where it will.
5. Write with your dreams in hand: In all the years I’ve been writing, I’ve never given up on my dreams, whether getting published or making a bestseller list or whatever. I let those dreams motivate me and fill me with determination to keep going. And when I reach one milestone, I set another, continually fueling the drive to become better.
6. But also write with realism: At the same time I hold onto my dreams, I attempt to keep my feet on the ground. The industry today is more competitive than ever before. There are more books being published now than in the history of the world. And it’s tough for any author, no matter how good, to build a readership. We’ll do best if we go into the writing and publishing process with realistic expectations.
7. Write through the pain: Over the years, I’ve learned that writing isn’t always rainbows and roses. I don’t always enjoy the process every time I write. In fact, some days it’s just plain hard work. But the other thing I’ve learned is that I can’t wait to feel in the mood or for inspiration to strike. I just have to sit down, put my fingers on the keyboard, and type through the pain.
8. But don’t write if it doesn’t also bring you joy: Ultimately, even though writing can be hard—really hard—it also brings me incredible joy and satisfaction to weave a story from beginning to end. I’d honestly love to write whether I ever saw the book in published format or not. At heart I’m a story-teller. I love words. And I love putting my stories and words together.
What about you? Have you seen writers or authors stop writing? Why do you think they quit?
Jody Hedlund
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Thank you, Ms. Hedlund! That was really helpful.
Jody, this was one of the best blogs posts I’ve seen on writing! Well done. It’s hard to say why so many give up on writing, but in my conversations with some discouraged writers, it had to do with unmet expectations. For instance, a debut author who didn’t realize how long it would take to earn back the royalty advance, or authors who are fed up with “clamoring for attention” on social media when there are so many other authors and books already out there. Thanks again for offering such great wisdom here.
Like you I operate on both daily and (more importantly) weekly goals. They’re so important to my process! They keep me on track and — when I’ve hit my goals — give me full permission to take time off on the evenings and weekends. 🙂
Thank you, Jody. Excellent piece which I will share at my writing group’s next meeting. The part that spoke to me most at this time in my writing life is “Write through the pain.” As I am in pain. Your advice to “sit down … and type through the pain” encouraged me. Fortunately, I do enjoy writing–weaving those stories and watching my characters come alive, meet their challenges, and find their happy endings. But thanks again, you made a difference in this writer’s life.
This is a great message. Thank you so much. Today, I continue to write my first Christian romance, write my blog, write another story and work on a non-fiction idea. Also, publishing a children’s book with a local company.
Thank you so much for this! I would say, as a rookie, that the encouragement I receive from friends, even those who haven’t read a word, is so important. They trust that I will get this done, and they rejoice in the healing and freedom the journey has given me. Developing discipline is key, but I always feel fulfilled when a new batch of words emerge. I let them marinate, read ’em back the next day, and say, “Ok. We’ve got this.” When I give God the time, he provides the words.
My mother was an aspiring writer. I loved her stories. She belonged to a local writer’s guild that met on a regular basis. It would have been nice to have seen her get one published. I am not sure why she gave it up. Perhaps just circumstances in life got in the way. Thank you for a lovely post. Even though I am not a writer by vocation, I would like to improve my skills.
Thank you for this, Jody. I’m so needing the encouragement. I’m in the midst of my third book. Your advice is timely.