by Tonya R. Moore
There’s all this hubbub floating around out there lately, conflicting theories of all the DOs and DON’Ts of what it takes to be or become a successful author.
Some time ago, I saw some Perpetual Writing Advice Giver actually tweet that if you’re a writer promoting your work and you don’t have this many (double digit) thousand followers on Twitter, you’re simply not trying hard enough. To add insult to offense, said party didn’t even have a half of that “strongly suggested” following.
This kind of attitude is merely evident of a growing trend. There seems to be no short supply of soothsayers proclaiming that you should write, write, write till you’ve either churned out some semblance of a book or your fingers fall off. If that story seems to be taking its sweet time congealing, then by god–you’d better choke that baby out or burnout trying. You really also ought to spend endless hours whoring it out like crazy, lest you get left behind in the dust of this supposed digital gold rush.
Of course, it’s true that productivity and ingenuity both fuel success. A web presence is certainly essential to a writer, in this day and age. To be quite honest, there’s nothing fundamentally indefensible about writing merely for the sake of earning a few dollars. The economy being what it is–these days, we’re all doing what we can. I guess.
Who wants to hear that Writing isn’t really a craft that can be forced, rushed or faked? That a good story happens in its own time?
Whether that time happens to be one day or a thousand days will vary depending on the writer and the particular story. Make no mistake, I don’t suggest that a writer be lackadaisical in his or her efforts.
Just remember one thing. Writers are always working and growing, whether we’re scribbling or not. Whether we’re aware of it, or not.
So maybe, don’t stress out over it so much, lest you sell both yourself and your craft short. I know that the world can be a harsh environment for a fertile mind but you can spare a moment to pause, take a step back and look. Look at where you started and where you are now. Be proud of the distance you’ve traveled and how much you’ve accomplished, so far.
Just think, there’s a lot more where that came from.
Alternately titled “Owning Your Craft.”
Guest post contributed by Tonya R. Moore. Tonya is a Jamaican born, science fiction, horror, and urban fantasy writer from Bradenton, Florida.
Reblogged this on A Writing Life and commented:
Food for thought.
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Great post. Wise words.
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Wise words for all of us. Its important to recognize that there is more to being a writer than just the act of writing. Writers need to focus on the aspects of their person.
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Reblogged this on Pearls Before Swine and commented:
Like I always say, take some time to enjoy the journey. Post quote: “Look at where you started and where you are now. Be proud of the distance you’ve traveled and how much you’ve accomplished, so far.”
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Well said! Just raising my coffee cup to you
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“Who wants to hear that Writing isn’t really a craft that can be forced, rushed or faked?”
I guess it can be, but I don’t think it would be any good. 🙂 Any time I’ve tried forcing or rushing a story, it was awful. After having to rewrite them, I learned not to do that anymore.
Great post!
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Love this!
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Thanks for this- I needed to read it. I can sometimes get down on myself for not “trying hard enough.” And then some random idea will come to me while I’m chopping potatoes. I guess a writer’s work comes in all forms and all we can do is continue to grow and improve.
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I think this is a superb article and so very true. Every one who writes should have this pinned above their work space and have about their person copies (with your permission), to give any aspiring wordsmith who asks ‘how do I become a writer?’ I fell into the trap of ‘I must write something every day’ and churned out a load of words that didn’t really impact and I spent a lot of time rewriting it anyway.
Quality not Quantity! Thanks for reminding us that our work is not ‘forced, rushed or faked.’ Norma
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This was perfectly timed for me, thank you. I’ve been battling with the pressure of all the advice I’ve been reading. Time to relax a little I think!
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very helpful and motivational as a writer with mental health issues I never feel good enough so thank you for helping me
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Thank you for reading.
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Reblogged this on The Owl Lady.
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
Here is a great post from Ryan Lanz on owning your writing craft.
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Reblogged this on Books and More.
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Uplifting, encouraging, and thank you for sharing.
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Reblogged this on When Angels Fly and commented:
Own your works…
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Thank you. I might be late commenting, but like your advice what is the rush? Beautiful words simmer slowly.
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