Thursday, May 3, 2012
You Really Have to Love Writing To Pursue It
Only a small percenteage of those who desire to write a book will follow through.
And no wonder! The time it takes to write/revise/revise/revise/publish is maddening. My journey has been a long one already and I'm far from finished. I started out by writing screenplays in 2002. In 2005 I stopped trying to force myself into that mold because I simply didn't like the medium.
Then I switched to what I really wanted--writing novels. For six years I wrote sporadically. It has been extremely difficult trying to wedge writing into the rest of my life. Got a little more consistent in 2011, and in 2012, FINALLY, I'm writing consistently.
But it's extremely difficult. Sometimes I want to cry with frustration at all the demands on my time. Now my writing time has a new enemy--my quest for better health and wellness through healthy eating (tedious and time consuming) and more exercise (gobbling up yet more time out of every day).
I understand why some people give up their novel quest. It gets tiresome being run ragged every day of your life.
But I refuse to stop. This is my most consistent writing year ever. And if I can run the race steadily, I will have finished two first draft manuscripts by the end of the year. And next year, in addition to editing those, I want to go through revisions on two more manuscripts.
So I'm going to take a bold step of faith and set my goal as having four manuscripts ready to pitch by September of next year. A lot can happen between now and then. But I need to set a concrete goal to shoot for--to know that the hard slog is well worth it.
Guess we'll find out in September 2013 whether it worked or not!
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4 comments:
Keep working! Publication doesn't make you a writer. Writing does. And you're definitely a writer!
Thanks! And there are so many stories bubbling in my head waiting for a chance to get out!
Pursue!
Thanks, Nicole. Truth is, I don't know how to stop! LOL! Even as frustrating as it gets some time.
I was excited today to finally get a little time to do some research--just a drop in the bucket compared to the hours and hours I need to research this book, but it's a start.
I just have to be careful not to let myself start chasing research rabbit trails or I'll get derailed for sure!
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