Taking the First Step
Today is the day to make it happen!
If you’re reading this, you’re one of those people who know you want to write. Some unidentifiable force is compelling you to share the thoughts bombarding your brain. But at some point you’ve gotten stalled. Or maybe you were afflicted with an indefinable paralysis before you even began. What do you do next?
You may have promised yourself that “someday” you’ll actually become an author. Or maybe you’ve already had a piece or two published and you’re ready to take it to the next level. Success in the publishing industry doesn’t happen by accident. You need to make it happen. And in order for that to take place you have to get started. Or get back on track.
So where exactly does one start the writer’s journey?
You don’t need a fancy office or a high end computer. You don’t need all the latest equipment and supplies. You don’t need a publicist or an agent—at least, not yet.
All you need is a pencil and paper, some time to yourself, and your fertile imagination.
The obvious first step is to start writing. If your goal is to produce a print or digital copy of your work for the world to see, it all begins by getting it down in a concrete form. That can be on paper or on one of your electronic devices. The important thing is to create it in a retrievable, and editable, format. With a backup copy!
The next step is finishing what you start. One revised and polished, formatted document is better than 50 partial drafts gathering dust somewhere.
In addition to writing—a lot—you need to devote ample time to reading. Most successful writers are also avid readers. It was probably the joy of reading that attracted you to writing in the first place. If you read the kind of writing you plan to do yourself, you’re building a solid foundation for your own writing. Many studies have been done on the reading/writing connection. To sum it up: Reading makes you a better writer; writing makes you a better reader.
Some of that reading needs to be in your chosen genre, the craft of writing, and the inner workings of the publishing industry.
In the articles to follow, you’ll receive more insights into the world of the published author. Be sure to sign up to receive updates and you’ll be notified when a new article or post becomes available.
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