I'm not saying that you can't call yourself a writer if you do nothing more than toil away on your manuscripts for hours, days, even years. However, at some point, most people want others to see their work. Though the joy of writing is what keeps us going, behind it is the hope that others will find joy in our work through reading it. Whether you're writing a family genealogy meant only for close relatives, or you're writing a commercial novel for the masses, at some point, writing means putting your work out there...which can be scary.
It's much safer to keep your writing tucked away on your hard drive, or in a trunk under the bed, because exposing it to daylight invites possible judgment and criticism. Some writers are sensitive by nature, but writing is not for the skin-thinned, so where should you start? I started with a critique group, and think a good critique group (consisting of fellow writers) is worth its weight in gold. Other writers are the best resource (IMHO) for pointing out your own strengths and areas for growth as a writer.You can find them through professional writers groups, conferences, and online message boards or blogs. Use the feedback to make your work the best it can be. But you can't stop there.
At some point, you have to bite the bullet and put your work out there. Whether it's querying agents and editors if you aspire to a traditional book deal, or hiring an editor and then self-publishing, no one can read your book if it's not available. This doesn't mean rushing things. Take your time to write, revise, edit, and polish your book to a high gloss. But if writing and all that goes into making a complete novel is Step #1, make sure you eventually push yourself to do Step 2). Put it out there.
Which step are you on? Any tips for those struggling with Step 2?
The only struggle I have with step 2 has been learning the ins and outs of publishing, learning to craft a query that will get attention from agents, and polishing my novel until it shines. Knowing when it's ready is the hardest part.
ReplyDeleteI put it out into the world too soon, before I sought out the advice of other writers. I only have one more chance (eight months after my initial foray into agentland, and after numerous edits and rewrites), to get it right. Eventually I'll have to stop obsessing and send my baby out into the world again. Hopefully this time it will find an agent who loves it as much as I do. :)
Sending it out too soon is a common mistake (and the flip side of never sending it out), but I think you can learn more from that than by not putting it out there at all. At least that way you get feedback you can use to make it better. Good luck with putting it out there, and you always have more chances!
DeleteI need to take a leap of faith and give my work to someone to read with a critical eye. I haven't done enough of that.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Jack. It's a big leap but you'll get invaluable feedback out of it! :)
DeleteA quibble: I have all sorts of shy, sensitive friends who write. They pour out their heart into notebooks and word files and (private) blogs, and then they NEVER, EVER let anybody else read it.
ReplyDeleteWriting is absolutely for the thin-skinned. Showing other people your writing is not. Showing other people your writing and asking what they think about it is for those with ogre-like epidermal fortitude.
I agree that many writers are skin-thinned, but I don't agree that only those with "ogre-like epidermal fortitude" show their work to others. I was flat-out terrified the first time I asked other people what they thought of my writing. Then I was mildly terrified the second time, and it kept getting better. I'm not saying it's easy to show your work to others, I'm saying that if you want to be a writer, at some point, you have to make yourself very uncomfortable. BTW, I appreciate quibbles, so thanks for commenting! :)
DeleteYou're also right that some people write as a hobby and don't necessarily care if it ever sees the light of day. I was referring to those who aspire to write as a career...which always involves criticism by others.
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