Great advice. I think it's important to remember that none of these experiences means that you've "failed." It's all just part of the process and a chance to keep growing as a writer.
I think all of it is pretty good advice. Although, #6.3 has kind of harmed my love of reading. I tend to see technical issues in the writing now.
#1 also applies to self-publishing authors. Indie publishing wasn't really easy when I wrote my very first novel... and I'm glad. It was not ready for publication, and I'm afraid I would've put it out there and cringed later. The first book I self-published was actually the twenty-first novel I wrote.
As far as reading, I definitely let myself abandon books. If I'm not liking it, or if I don't think it's well-written, I just DNF and pick up something else. So many books out there; I don't like to waste my precious time if I'm not enjoying it!
So true - I spent a lot of time tinkering with early pages on my first novel only to cut them all out in my final edit! Love your writers resource list!
Point #1 is crucial! Several years ago I wrote my first novel. I figured I’d give it a couple quick edits, send it off, and I’d be professionally published in no time. Thankfully, some friends who read it suggested some…substantial changes. I eventually realized I needed to put in a lot more work and improve my craft before publishing a book. And now 3 more books later, I think I actually have one that’s good!
Abandon all the should's & shouldn't's: just write. Get going , keep going.
If you're half-arsed about writing, it probably isn't for you.
It's a sacrifice. Your soul & sanity. Your finances & maybe, friends - your relationships.
Keep a note book/phone with you. Write every idea - that's every single idea. Leave nothing out.
When you are writing put everything in - all of it. Don't question your ideas. Let it flow - keep the Tap Open. You'll regulate the stupid from the meaningful naturally.
You're gonna be hard on yourself: get used to it.
Hemingway: all first drafts are shit.
You'll rollercoaster from genius to moron - to why do I bother.
Write as much as you can when you can.
When asked 'what's the hardest thing about writing?' Norman Mailer said: 'the first million words.'
Great advice. I think it's important to remember that none of these experiences means that you've "failed." It's all just part of the process and a chance to keep growing as a writer.
YES!! You only fail when you stop trying. Otherwise, you’re just trucking along on the long and bumpy road to success.
I think all of it is pretty good advice. Although, #6.3 has kind of harmed my love of reading. I tend to see technical issues in the writing now.
#1 also applies to self-publishing authors. Indie publishing wasn't really easy when I wrote my very first novel... and I'm glad. It was not ready for publication, and I'm afraid I would've put it out there and cringed later. The first book I self-published was actually the twenty-first novel I wrote.
As far as reading, I definitely let myself abandon books. If I'm not liking it, or if I don't think it's well-written, I just DNF and pick up something else. So many books out there; I don't like to waste my precious time if I'm not enjoying it!
So true - I spent a lot of time tinkering with early pages on my first novel only to cut them all out in my final edit! Love your writers resource list!
Thanks!!
Words of wisdom, indeed! I'm two years away from even thinking about getting published. sigh...
Wow! Amazing resources here, Eva. Thank you!!! (I'm just discovering your newsletter and it's terrific).
Thank you!!
Point #1 is crucial! Several years ago I wrote my first novel. I figured I’d give it a couple quick edits, send it off, and I’d be professionally published in no time. Thankfully, some friends who read it suggested some…substantial changes. I eventually realized I needed to put in a lot more work and improve my craft before publishing a book. And now 3 more books later, I think I actually have one that’s good!
So much great advice here! Thank you.
So much good advice here!
Thanks!!
Great read! Thanks
Great advice.
Abandon all the should's & shouldn't's: just write. Get going , keep going.
If you're half-arsed about writing, it probably isn't for you.
It's a sacrifice. Your soul & sanity. Your finances & maybe, friends - your relationships.
Keep a note book/phone with you. Write every idea - that's every single idea. Leave nothing out.
When you are writing put everything in - all of it. Don't question your ideas. Let it flow - keep the Tap Open. You'll regulate the stupid from the meaningful naturally.
You're gonna be hard on yourself: get used to it.
Hemingway: all first drafts are shit.
You'll rollercoaster from genius to moron - to why do I bother.
Write as much as you can when you can.
When asked 'what's the hardest thing about writing?' Norman Mailer said: 'the first million words.'
Keep going, because it's going to get harder.
Write without Hope or Fear.
Thank you so much for sharing, Eva!