The process of writing is a bit like going on a journey. You know where you want to go, you need a map and a few signs to get there, and you want to enjoy yourself along the way.
How do you do this?
Start by getting your groove on. Set a routine that will help you sit down and do the work. You must fight resistance in all its forms (distractions, laziness, procrastination, and any acts of self-sabotage) just to get on the road.
Some key habits I use are:
- Get up at the same time every day. Have a routine that works for you and not the other way around.
- Set a timer for use of the internet, social media and email to limit the distractions.
- Use a post-it note for your to-do list. If the list won’t fit on a post-it, it won’t fit into your day.
- Face the blank page everyday. I once wrote, “Facing this blank page is like visiting the hospital and smiling at the sick people.” Some days will be harder than others, but face the blank page anyway and write something.
Once you have a routine, writing regularly is easier. It’s time to start your journey. It’s time to do the work.
Become a ‘Overnight Sensation’. On average, it takes 5-10 years to become a ‘overnight sensation’. Comedians work for at least five years to become as good on stage as they are in their own living rooms. It takes about 10 years to become a good comedian. Not great, just good. The same applies to writers when honing their craft. The more you write, the better you will become.
Cultivate a ‘split personality’. One side of a writer’s personality is the creator. The other side is the editor. The creator must be free of the editor in order to create. Know the rules before you break them. Get a good style guide (Strunk & White: The Elements of Style) and familiarize yourself with it. Once you know the rules, feel free to break them (‘On Writing’ by Stephen King). When you’re finished creating, use your editorial skills to tighten up your work and make it readable.
Practice the art of seduction. A good story is all about the senses. It’s a seduction of sorts. You must draw your reader in using all their senses and make them want to keep reading. This is how you ‘show don’t tell’. Work on your art of seduction. Put yourself in the scene before you write it. What does it look, smell, feel, taste, sound like?
Live to create Feed your inspiration. Hang with creative people. Stretch your boundaries. Experience new things even if you’re uncomfortable. You will draw new inspiration from these experiences, and you can later use them to describe feelings in your characters.
Remember, art is messy. Most of what you write will be crap, but that’s OK. Mine your work for gems, and polish them. Take those gems and string them together to make your story shine.
Monkey see, monkey do. Read good stories twice. Read it once to enjoy it. Read it again to see how they did it. Join a writers group. You’ll learn from other writers, and you’ll have someone to join you in your struggles. Find a mentor. Someone who is better than you, and likes you enough to help you along.
Get ready to be a billionaire. I hate to break it to you, but writing does not equal big bucks. It’s the exception, not the rule. You should love writing, and love what you write about. “I just write what I wanted to write. I write what amuses me. It’s totally for myself.” – J.K.Rowling. Write for yourself.
Don’t give up! Now that you are well on your way, stay on your journey, enjoy it, and don’t give up. Rejection is part of being a writer. Some of the greatest writers were rejected before they were ever published. Rejection comes with the territory. Don’t give up.
Angie Kinsey is a writer, blogger, and public speaker. She currently has a daily inspirational blog, Anji-Kinzy-Whimzy, and a weekly blog devoted to the process of art: Angie Kinsey.
LOVE the overnight sensation point! I always love hearing the stories of people who seem to just show up, when in reality they have been working their butts off for years & years!
I love the quote by James Frey – author of ‘A Million Tiny Pieces’ – about what happened before and after the famous Oprah episode where she raked him over the coals: “Before the interview I sat in a room for about 10 years and wrote and nobody cared until the book came out. After the interview I sat in a room and wrote and nobody cared until another book came out.” Ahhh the glamour…..