I started writing fiction in a bubble. I had no author friends, no writing groups, no mentor, no writing festivals. Basically, I just read Stephen King’s book On Writing and gave it a go.
Meaning, I learned things the hard way.
Below are some things I wish someone told me when I first started writing fiction.
Your first draft is shit
FYI: Not all authors go through this. There are talented authors out there who shit great writing. They start typing and perfect prose just pour out of them. We hate these writers (LOL but not really). But just because there are writers like them doesn’t mean you’re one of them. Don’t assume that just because you finished writing the first draft it’s all going to be rainbows and unicorns from here on out.
The first draft of my first ever novel, The Girl Between Two Worlds, will never see the light of day because it is absolutely horrible. The thing is, I was so convinced it was amazing when I finished it that I sent it to publishers! (Oh dear god!) This leads me to my second lesson learned.
Don’t send your first draft to publishers and agents
Do you know when I found out about this handy little nugget of wisdom? AFTER I did exactly that! Many, many times – basically ensuring that those publishers will not look at the more improved version of that book even if I send it to them 5,000 times.
I wanted to strangle myself for making that mistake. Your first draft is shit (see lesson above). You need to go over it many times before it is ready to be shown to others. Don’t believe your mother, or your sister, when they tell you it’s amazing. It’s not. They just love you so they won’t tell you the honest truth. Workshop it with your writing group or get an editor before you send it to anyone in the industry.
It’s either you’re in this for life or you’re not
I love the show Jane The Virgin but when Jane said she was going to give up writing to get a real job if she didn’t get an agent, I wanted to strangle her. Seriously, woman! A day job and writing can co-exist. It has been done before! Don’t be so precious!
Inhale deeply.
Yes, I do have a day job. And no, I’m not going to stop writing books. I find time to do both. It’s called time management – look it up, Jane. You make time for the things you love to do. That’s the bottom line. Don’t be so dramatic Jane.
End of rant.
Right now, we’re on the final stages of publishing my third book with Anvil Publishing (I will announce it soon!). I finished writing the fourth novel two months ago and it’s already with the publisher. So while I’m waiting for those two to be put to bed, I am working on a fifth book. And guess what? I’m already thinking about the sixth book even though I’m still halfway through the fifth!
Needless to say, I am in this for life. You need to make the decision if you are, too.
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