The Pitfalls of Being A Writer
I love writing. Even if I'm not the best writer in the world (ha ha, not even close), I'm convinced that I was born with a pen in my hand. There is a need within to express myself and explore the world around me through writing. However, ever since I began to write seriously, I've discovered some pitfalls of being a writer along the way. Here they are in no particular order:
1. I don't have much time to read for pleasure. In the past year, I've taken a business-like approach to writing, feeling driven to put out more content while still making sure the quality was there. In the past four months, I've written and published three books including two full-length novels and one novella. Whew! My brain is tired! But the sweet reward is that now I have time to catch up on my TBR list. I've made some good headway on books by Heather B. Moore, Victorine Lieske, Jewel Allen, and a few Christian standbys like Karen Witemeyer and Mary Connealy. I've also discovered some authors like Julie Less man, Olivia Rian, Sarah Creviston Lee, and Michelle Pennington. Great stuff!
2. As you may have gleaned from reading #1, writing is exhausting. You might not think so, having the mental image of a writer sitting at his/her desk, hands flying across the keyboard. Sure, there are times when I get in "the zone" and the words just seem to flow. That sweet spot is a reward all on its own. But most of the time, I'm plunking one key after another, then hitting delete because the dialogue seems too stilted or the action beats just don't make sense. During these times I remind myself that writing is a marathon, not a race. Which is good to know because...
3. No matter how hard I try, there's always someone out there who's better and faster, and their books are so stinking cute that EVERYBODY is buying them. Some authors, it seems, are an overnight success while I'm still plodding along on a half-dead horse. BUT this is a marathon, and the things I'm learning today will help me tomorrow. Also, as the scripture says, it isn't wise to run faster than I have strength. During the Christmas holiday, I was putting in 12-hour writing days because I had signed up for a promotional event on a book that I hadn't finished writing. Wise? No! Have I learned my lesson? If not, then surely my sore arms will remind me.
4. Writing is sedentary and solitary. I'll be honest: I've gained weight since writing full-time, and I'm not happy about it. Also, I have at times turned down play dates for my kids because I was too busy writing. I've become somewhat of a recluse. So now I've decided to do something about that. I started a walking group in my church group. Our mid-morning walks help me to get out of the house and make some new friends. It's been great! I'm really enjoying the sunshine and sisterhood.
Speaking of which, it's time for me to head out and meet these awesome ladies. Thanks for reflecting with me. Catch you later!
1. I don't have much time to read for pleasure. In the past year, I've taken a business-like approach to writing, feeling driven to put out more content while still making sure the quality was there. In the past four months, I've written and published three books including two full-length novels and one novella. Whew! My brain is tired! But the sweet reward is that now I have time to catch up on my TBR list. I've made some good headway on books by Heather B. Moore, Victorine Lieske, Jewel Allen, and a few Christian standbys like Karen Witemeyer and Mary Connealy. I've also discovered some authors like Julie Less man, Olivia Rian, Sarah Creviston Lee, and Michelle Pennington. Great stuff!
2. As you may have gleaned from reading #1, writing is exhausting. You might not think so, having the mental image of a writer sitting at his/her desk, hands flying across the keyboard. Sure, there are times when I get in "the zone" and the words just seem to flow. That sweet spot is a reward all on its own. But most of the time, I'm plunking one key after another, then hitting delete because the dialogue seems too stilted or the action beats just don't make sense. During these times I remind myself that writing is a marathon, not a race. Which is good to know because...
3. No matter how hard I try, there's always someone out there who's better and faster, and their books are so stinking cute that EVERYBODY is buying them. Some authors, it seems, are an overnight success while I'm still plodding along on a half-dead horse. BUT this is a marathon, and the things I'm learning today will help me tomorrow. Also, as the scripture says, it isn't wise to run faster than I have strength. During the Christmas holiday, I was putting in 12-hour writing days because I had signed up for a promotional event on a book that I hadn't finished writing. Wise? No! Have I learned my lesson? If not, then surely my sore arms will remind me.
4. Writing is sedentary and solitary. I'll be honest: I've gained weight since writing full-time, and I'm not happy about it. Also, I have at times turned down play dates for my kids because I was too busy writing. I've become somewhat of a recluse. So now I've decided to do something about that. I started a walking group in my church group. Our mid-morning walks help me to get out of the house and make some new friends. It's been great! I'm really enjoying the sunshine and sisterhood.
Speaking of which, it's time for me to head out and meet these awesome ladies. Thanks for reflecting with me. Catch you later!
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Read It, Write It, Create It
When you can't get enough of the written word, when you finish one story and sigh happily just before reaching for the next, when you put one book down only to think that you could write a better one
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