Today I'm taking part in the How I Found The Write Path bloghop, hosted by the awesome Carrie Butler, who is celebrating her third blogiversary! Congratulations, Carrie!!
The idea for this bloghop is to create a free ebook to help new self-publishers on their journey to publication. Which is a fantastic idea, and I'm sure will help not only self-publishers, but those seeking traditional publication, too.
THE PROMPT:
Please write a letter/note to yourself when you first started writing toward publication.
The only thing I ask is that you keep it under 800 words, including as many (or as few) of these elements as you like:
- A lesson you learned the hard way
- Something you didn’t expect about the industry (positive/negative)
- A writing-related resource you could never do without now
- One thing you’d change about your journey
- One thing you’re glad you did
- Your number one tip for pursuing publication
- Anything else you feel is worth passing on
INFORMATION:
- The name you wish to be credited as
- The title (if any) you wish to follow your name, i.e. author of the series
- One major link where people can find you, i.e. website, blog, Twitter, etc.
PLEASE INCLUDE:
- Whether or not you give me permission to use your entry in the e-book compilation. Don’t feel bad if you don’t want in. We’d still love to read what you have to say!
Even though you're still unpublished, you're getting ever closer. But more importantly, you're happy where you are as a writer. So here's my advice to you, gained from the experiences of the last three and a half years, since you moved away from fan-fic and started branching out with your own original stories, and NaNoWriMo.
First and foremost ... don't rush and don't compare yourself to others. This isn't a race to see who in the blogging world can be published first. Just because some of your writing friends publish before you, that doesn't mean you're not as good, or that you're lacking in skills. Your time will come when you and your stories are ready, so don't sweat it.
Accept that your first story will suck. Hell, even your second and third won't be perfect. But no words are wasted words - those shelved manuscripts can be resurrected, and even if you decide not to, every novel is experience. Every MS is another step towards honing your skills. So, keep at it. And if you have to start over a bunch of times, don't worry, eventually all the aspects you're seeking will fall into place.
Never discount an opportunity. If there's a contest, or a blog hop, or a job opening, go for it. Even if you don't think you'll get it. Putting your name out there not only builds confidence, and connects you with awesome writerly people, but the end results might just surprise you.
Just because something worked/ didn't work for someone, doesn't mean it's right or wrong for you. Sure, ask other writers for their opinions based on their experiences, but know everyone's path is different. Seek your own truths by doing your own research and looking deeply at all aspects of something. Couple your own instinct with the advice of trusted friends, and you're sure to find the right way.
Hang in there, and know that in 2014, you're happier with your writing, and closer to publication than ever before.
Love,
2014 Clare
(Carrie, please feel free to include this in your book if you'd like, with a link back to my blog. Thanks. ^_^)
