Reader Letter: ‘I’m 54 years old and want to become a full-time writer’

Shannon (who has been listening to the recording of a fiction writing course I taught) writes:

Listening [to your course] makes me sad, excited and scared.

Sad because I recognize how much better my manuscript can become given a lacing through of problem/resolution ties, inciting to cliffhanger incidents in each chapter, three-dimensional character development, and a drawing out of subtle backstory influences.

The task feels daunting – I see myself starting to lace and in the process, discovering rich veins of drama and emotional tension I otherwise would not have found unless these constructs were attempted.

Excited because I hear your voice telling me how long it took you to find your stride from your point of decision at 28. That’s encouraging as I realize it will take time.

Scared because I’m 54. I don’t have that much time. I would love to become a full time writer. I would love to make a living at it. And if I did, I would love to remain humble, approachable, and brilliantly helpful to other people as you are. Your thoughtfulness and analytical prowess in dissecting what is a very nuanced craft demonstrates your love for writing and your heart to serve God in guiding new writers.

So, I am talking myself off the hurry-up ledge and reconsidering my timeframe for the book proposal. Because of your influence, I have completely restructured the book, the tone, the balance between showing and telling, and the pace.

Thank you so much for making yourself available to aspiring Christian writers. I think your teaching is and will remain a foundational component to my newly developing awareness of writing constructs and how to engage readers in a highly entertaining and hopefully thought provoking experience.

Dear Shannon,

If I might offer one additional bit of advice at this point in time, it would be to start another book now.

Too often we writers see the current work in the same light as our profession. But most real progress only comes through first drafts. In other words, to really tackle the issues that need growth and change, you must confront the empty page. Again and again. Redrafting can only take you so far, especially when you are so deeply attached to your current work.

Start the next story. Today.