So, I was sitting here reading a book (The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Companion) and playing “Chess with Friends” with my mom when all of a sudden, an idea for a book popped into my head. I promptly stopped what I was doing and wrote said idea down. I have never taken a creative writing class nor did I major in English in college, yet I still have the grand delusion that I can someday publish a book. A book that, in fact, does not suck. Is this true for many book lovers and book bloggers? Do avid readers become the best writers? I’m not sure if either of these questions can actually be answered in the affirmative, but I tend to think so.
My friend Becky and I even have an idea for a series of books that we would write together. We even went as far as creating Twitter accounts and Polyvore inspiration boards for the characters from these books. We talk about the days where we can head to one of my family’s vacation homes and have a writing retreat. Our lives will be consumed with the waves from the lake, writing non-stop, and the best cheese-sticks we have ever eaten. Seriously. They melt in your mouth.
The problem I seem to have is actually sitting down to write. I find that I have all of these ideas swirling in my head and it is actually hard to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). I have so many distractions (Twitter being a main one). There is also the fear of rejection and/or people actually reading my writing. There will always be people that don’t like what you write. That’s why there are so many genres and types of books. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t scary. I just think that we have to remember to not let fear hinder our potential. Like Babe Ruth said,
“Never let the fear of
striking out get in your way.”
Or, like the adaptation of this quote from “A Cinderella Story,”
“Never let the fear of striking out
keep you from playing the game.”
So, I’m going to try to remember this. My semester ends soon and then I have a break until the end of August. Who is with me in giving this writing thing the old college try? Lets give each other some motivation!
Post of positivity:
ReplyDeleteFirstly, you have the ability to write. Your posts show you can get a message out without sounding like an idiot. So, no, you don't need to take any creative writing to be a writer. I think to hone your craft, or depending on the types of books you want to write, you might want to learn different ways to express yourself. They have great short term courses at schools across the country if you wanted a quick 6-week writing program.
But I believe some of the best writers are readers. Unless you're completely illiterate or really can't communicate in writing, which CLEARLY you can, if you have the ideas then you're way ahead of the game. That's the hardest part.
For the tough stuff, you hopefully get signed, get an amazing editor who can guide you in the right way, and you're set!
Writing takes a lot of time. It requires you to ignore friends and family, get stuck in your head all the time, so it's a huge commitment. But when you're ready to do it I think you'll do great.
(I spent the years from 8 to 16 writing constantly. Then I fell in love. No more writing for me, lol.)
But collaborative efforts can be a lot of fun. Maybe that's the best place to start!
(If this is too long, feel free to delete my comment!)
@Fiktshun
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me? I would NEVER delete one of your comments! I adore the long ones you leave. :)
Thank you so much for your kind words. That's a great tip about the quick writing programs. I'll have to look into that.
You're right--I don't think people realize how much time writing takes. I think that, especially as huge fans of books, sometimes we can get impatient. We're just so excited to read the next books from our favorite authors that we forget that it takes the author quite a bit of time to actually write this fantastic book we're waiting for. Now, it seems, like we feel a year between books is a long (and sometimes tortuous) wait. If you look back to Harry Potter, there were two years between each OotP, HBP and DH. Now, that would probably be outrageous.
I would love to read your writing should you ever find the time again. I think it would be amazing!
As for the collaborative effort, we're really excited.. its just hard to find the time. Even more so because she lives 2 hours away. Although, this is where email comes in handy! Again, thanks for the thoughtful and insightful comment! :)
Hi Kaitlyn,
ReplyDeleteI was surfing the net and came across your blog. Happy to see someone following their passion. There is so much pressure to accept and follow society's dictates and do what you should do instead of what you want to do so good for you!
By the way, publishing a book 'someday' is not a grand delusion. Anyone that wishes to write a book and has the passion for it can! You obviously have a passion for writing so it is quite achievable.
If you'd like some help in getting started on your first book, you can get a free tool at my new website for new writers. It's called www.HowYouCanWriteABook.com I look forward to seeing you and Becky at the finish line!
All the best Kaitlyn!
Coach Cat