You know, none of us ever knows what's in our future. There are no guarantees. However, I am a very strong believer that if you keep writing, if you push through those doubts, that you'll make it. Because there actually is one guarantee: if you quit writing, you will never have a chance at reaching your goals. There is one thing that all published writers have in common: they kept writing. Even when it was hard. Even when the doubts crowded in. Even when they were sure they'd never make it.Dunno... I guess before it didn't occur to me that I couldn't do it - write and publish a novel. Now it occurs to me that I might not be able to. That maybe I'm one of those people who constantly dreams about it and thinks about it but never gets there...
Happy writing, everyone!
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6 comments:
Wow, what a tough(good) snippet to read.
For me, I haven't got to the point where I don't think I could do it, but it wavers back and forth.
Originally, I considered writing to be the perfect retirement hobby. Somewhere along the line I got it into my head to try and make it a career path. For me, I think making that transition in career path is difficult. It IS a second job.
Anyway, it must feel good reading that snippet now. :)
I'm reluctant to talk about my progress because when it is going bad, talking about it seems to make it worse to me. Though I generally track word count totals privately.
Thanks Patrick -- it was a really interesting snippet to stumble across and I'm really glad I found it. It's def. difficult to make writing a career path because it *is* a second job and there aren't guarantees (frex, in law I pretty much know that if I work hard for the next 7 years, I'll make partner; with writing who knows if I'll even sell a third book?).
I was thinking about this last night -- JP and I don't have kids or any other obligations. For us, it's a good time to have two jobs -- all we really have to sacrifice is TV and a little extra time every day. I think it gets harder and harder the more "outside" obligations you have on your life (and it def. helps that writing is something we both love).
Carrie three years ago I was a teacher. Two years ago I entered a Doctoral program. I moved from career to career my whole life. It's only now as a writer with my first book published that I know I am where I belong. It took me 50 years to discover this!!
I started my blog for the same reason and it was the best idea I ever got! I can look back over the last year and see the path clearly.
I'll come and visit! Link me if you want!
Oh, Orion -- I've been reading your blog for a long while now, ever since I found it through Aprilynne's (way before your book came out!) :)
Funny, I don't see anything in here about the wonderful words of encouragement your boyfriend gave you in that time of darkness... ;)
bwa ha haa, jp.
fwiw, I *never* thought you couldn't do it! when I read fht, I was full of, "omg, this rocks!" In fact, iirc, I even made many allusions to your rockitude over on my blog.
Which just goes to show. JP & I are smarter than you. (j/k!!!)
I don't doubt for a second you are on your way to a great writing career!!!
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