Words of Wisdom for the Younger Generation
As an author, I draw attention. This is usually a good thing, that’s what we want, right? Over the last couple of years, I’ve picked up what I would consider “writing groupies.” They see I’ve had some success, and hover over me like young hawks hoping I’ll provide them with enlightenment and the magical words they need to strike it big. Something irks me about this younger generation of writers: lack of discipline and professionalism.
I spent 20 years in the military. Yeah, if you don’t have discipline, they will shove it down your throat for you. What I see from young writers is laziness. You must work on your craft every day, rain or shine, responsibilities or not. If you are serious about writing, you must buckle down and make the time. Do the research, understand the principles of publishing, and don’t think you can rush a book into print. I may publish 2-3 books a year, but those books were probably written 1-2+ years ago. I research, write, let it marinate, edit/re-read, and make any research changes all before it even gets to my editor. This stuff takes time! You will not be a millionaire overnight. — I’m still waiting…
And then there is professionalism. If you aspire to being a writer, then you of all people are held in higher esteem of the English language. No, we’re not absolutely perfect in our poetry or prose, but if you’re a wanna-be writer contacting me for help, and the best you can manage is something that’s mostly a text message; do not expect me to help you! I am NOT impressed by textspeak, lack of spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. If you want help, at least have the courtesy to show me you have some command of the English language. If you’re from a foreign country, and English is not your primary language, that’s cool, I’ll give you a break. If, however, your primary language is English, then there is no excuse for laziness. It’s sad to say, some folks in foreign countries have a better knowledge of English then we do. And this is OUR language! So much has already happened to adulterate our language, let’s not mess it up more by being sloppy with words.
Lastly, if you’re fortunate enough to receive mentoring from an established author, don’t go overboard in bothering them. Authors are busy people too. Most have jobs besides writing, and they have bills to pay. Be polite and don’t bomb them with: “Can you read this and tell me what you think?” This is the fastest way to have them disassociate your friendship. It’s okay once in a while to ask for feedback; in fact it’s a necessary part of writing. When you present something to them, you better have edited the daylights out of it! Check spelling, grammar, plot arc, consistency of characters, and anything that would detract from your story. They are doing you a favor by reading it; don’t give them a headache because of errors. Show them you are a professional.
Following the rules and learning the etiquette of writers will go a long way in creating a lasting friendship with an established author. I have some “groupies” that I’ve mentored for a few years now, and we stay in contact. I enjoy reading their work because I know they’ve done what was necessary to present me with a readable manuscript. It’s just the same as turning in sub-par homework to your teacher, you’re gonna hear about it. Don’t sell yourself short; you’ll only end up with a story no one wants to read. Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither is a good book.
