Words of Encouragement

Writing, at times, can be difficult. I’ll admit it. Like any relationship, it has its ups and downs. Actually, writing a book is, in itself, a relationship. You pour your love and care into the pages, watching the manuscript grow day by day into something beautiful. And through this relationship, you learn lessons. Some come from the good times. Others come from the bad times.

Looking back over the years brainstorming, researching writing, querying, and placing my heart into Death’s Island, I find I have learned a lot from this relationship. Now, I hope to pass on some of the tidbits I have learned to you – other authors (new and old). So, here we go:

1. Write What You Love: I know this is pretty obvious, but I find it so true! I have a notebook full of ideas which I would love to see completed one day. However, some of them I’m just not in love with. This makes the relationship very difficult. To the point where I can’t move past the concept (a permanent writer’s block you may say).  Then there are manuscripts, like Death’s Island and the one I’m currently working on, that engulf me. The words just flow onto the page. And some days, the world I create is even more inviting than the real world, but that’s what makes it worth writing about.
2. Don’t Worry About Time: That was one mistake that I continue even today. Worry, worry, worry. *Aaugh!* The truth is worrying about “having the time to writing” takes up more time in which I could actually write. I know what it’s like living in a world on deadlines, chores, school, and work. It’s hard on the imagination. But, writing is my escape from this world. It’s a passion of mine. Therefore, I know I will find the time to write. Whether it’s just writing a sentence in the corner of the notebook or taking some time to type while I cook dinner. I will find the time. So, why worry about it?
3. Get Out And Meet People: We all need someone to anchor us to the real world (though, like I said, there are day you just want to slip into the book). Friends are wonderful to have and with new technology it’s amazing how many new people you can meet through blogging, twitter, and facebook. People with similar interests – authors, readers, and some other pretty cool people. They support you. They support you when you reach your writing goals or send you best wishes when you’re down. I love all my friends and I’m grateful each one.
4. Keep On Reading: Reading is my alone time. Time to myself in which I find my imagination refreshed. And when my mind is refreshed, concepts and ideas for my own manuscripts blossom. It’s like reading opens a gateway into my mind’s eye.
5. Never Give Up: I think that it pretty much says it all. Never give up on your dreams, no matter how many deadlines, queries, rejections, failures, or bad days come your way. It’s well worth it in the end.

Wondering what others thought – I asked other authors’ thoughts on what advice they would pass to aspiring authors out there:

Inky’s advises, “If you find yourself going crazy – give yourself a well deserved break. Do as much as you can without breaking yourself, your book will be better for it.”

Actually, I can really relate to this advice. I had a moment during my querying where I thought my manuscript was about to crack me and my friend had to literately pull me away from the computer. She suggested that I take a breather for a few weeks. Totally worth it! It gave me time to rest and to rethink my strategy.

And, Magan Vernon advises, “Listen to Kelsey Ketch and then plan dress up book tours with her. YARRRRRRRRRGH.”

This one makes me smile, but it also makes a great point. You should look towards the future and always have a positive perspective. Picture your novel’s future cover, your future book tours, and possible future movies – reach for the stars!

Thank you so much for your thoughts Inky and Magan!