When I felt a calling to be a writer in October of 2004, I was completely unqualified. I had no formal education in the field. My Bachelor's degree was in Biology, which is about as helpful for breaking into the writing world as a degree in knitting, and I tested out of all college-level English courses except one in Civil War Literature. Additionally, I had no experience. I had never published a piece anywhere, I hadn't an inkling about how the industry worked, and I didn't even know where to get started.
But here I am, six years later, with close to 200 published pieces in national newspapers and magazines, and I am working on my second book with a major publisher.
I don't want to give the impression that I've figured it all out, andI am not playing a triumphant hymn with my own horn. Quite the opposite, actually. If I can become a writer, anyone can.
Maybe you are like me. You feel an inexplicable inner-compulsion to write, but you don't feel qualified or up to the task. You've always loved to write and you'd like to give it shot, but you don't know where to begin. If that's you, I'd like to help, and I have decided to embark on a series of blogs targeted to the aspiring writer. Over the next few weeks (or months), I am going to post some tips and random thoughts that have been helpful to me. I'll be pulling from my own experiences and the wisdom of more experienced writers. If they work for you, file them away or put them to practice. If they aren't helpful, toss them in your mental trashcan. At the very least, they should get you to start thinking about what you you've been gifted with and called to do.
TIP #1: PREPARE YOURSELF
Over the last few years, I've had many aspiring writers come to me for advice. I've gotten pretty good at spotting them. They are usually tapping their foot or bobbing back and forth from nervousness, and they almost always have a very serious look on their face.
"I think I am ready to be a writer, but I don't know where to get started," they say. "Can you tell me what you've done, so I can do it."
I usually smile, knowing what is coming next.
"Sure," I say. "Are you ready to work really, really hard for almost no money and no recognition? Are you ready to work your way up in the business, producing page upon page of material that will never publish anywhere? Are you ready to never make enough money doing this to quit your job? Are you ready to write for years about things that you couldn't care less about as you work your way up the ladder? Because if you don't excitedly answer 'yes' to every one of those questions, you aren't ready to be a writer."
The look on their face turns from determination to frustration and they shoot me a dirty look as they leave.
I've met many people over the years who have a book or an article inside of them, but I meet very few who want to do what it takes to get that book or article out of them and on paper. Many people want to be a writer, but most don't want to do the hard work of preparation required to make it happen. (Think "rich, young ruler.")
Most people think that being a writer is a life of champagne-filled hotel rooms and packed-out arenas and huge royalty checks. Unfortunately, that vision of the writing life isn't even in the literary ballpark! Writing is gut-wrenching. It is a life that often yields products that no one will read. It is a life of underpayment, and a life of rejection. It is a life filled with hard work and underpayment (or often, no payment at all).
IF you are ready to embrace all the frustrations of the writing life, let me let you in on a little secret: writing is also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Writing is cathartic and rich. It is exciting and constantly changing. Writing has brought me into relationship with some of the most amazing and Godly people I know.
The writing life is both a burden and a blessing. If I could do anything in the world, I would do exactly what I am doing. Despite the frustrations, writing is a dream job. If you think it could be your dream job too, then let's get started. Take it from me: when it comes to writing, getting started is the hardest part.
Tell me about your calling, dreams, gifts, desires . . .
Check out other thoughts on writing in this series.
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Albert Grassia said:
looking forward to part two
Posted: June 23, 2010
mandie said:
writing is one of those things that forces you to dig deep even when you think you have nothing left to give. to say that writing is hard would be a gross understatement...but, man, is it rewarding in ways you could never imagine (unless you are a writer).
thank you for the tips.
my desire is to make a living as a writer.
i am not talking about swimming in boatloads of money. i want it to be my career.
i can't *not* write, i do know that.
Posted: June 23, 2010
Jonathan Merritt said:
That's the spirit, Mandie. Sounds like you've heard all this before . . . ;)
Jm
Posted: June 23, 2010
mandie said:
maybe once or twice... ;)
Posted: June 24, 2010
Jill said:
I actually started working on something myself...it is something I have wanted to do for years...and it is a lot harder than I anticipated.
I will be checking back for additional tips.
Posted: June 24, 2010
Erik said:
Great insights, Jonathan. Looking forward to reading further thoughts from you on this topic. Loved this line: "Many people want to be a writer, but most don't want to do the hard work of preparation required to make it happen." Boy, that's exactly right. I think publishing is one big lesson in delayed gratification...
Posted: June 24, 2010
Justin said:
I love writing, thought it is not what I wish to do for a living. My real interest is painting. (Self promotion alert) Here are two links to the paintings I've done in the last year and a half: http://americancrackpot.blogspot.com/search/
http://americancrackpot.blogspot.com/search/
I would say, as an amateur writer and painter, that the critical thing is to give up on the dream in order to pursue it. In other words, if, as Jonathan says, you want to write because you have visions of glory, or extrinsic validation, then you are going to be burdened by disappointment when that doesn't materialize. Instead, do it because you love doing it, because you have something to express, and follow those impulses. Accept that it may never bring you wealth and fame, but at the same time don't give up on trying to get your work out there.
I'd offer the same counsel for other things too, for example if you are trying to lose weight or get in better shape - don't fuel your motivation by imagining how great you are going to look at the beach, or how others are going to perceive you, focus on the benefits of feeling better about yourself and health. The extrinsic validation may or may not come, but you will do much better for yourself if that is not your focus.
Posted: June 24, 2010