In my long career of non-writer I have started and not finished many books. Many I have even forgotten. But, I am anything if not perseverant, so, here we go again!
I am starting yet another book. It is a book that I have started and dropped a few times in the past, but, now, it is time for a new beginning.
How will this time be different than all the others?
Well, for one, I will divide the work in small, manageable tasks I will perform each day. I have a full time brain consuming job, so I often find my mind just freezes when I want to write. I also lack self-confidence, and every little thing becomes a distraction just so I avoid facing my perceived inability.
Plus I find it difficult to start things so they need to be so easy to start that it is impossible for me to find any excuse to not do them.
So, my master plan is to have a task to do every day linked to the book, of course, structured and organized, not chaotic, so it all makes sense in the end when I finish my first draft.
What have I learnt in my long career of non-writer:
every little bit helps
if you think it is bad it does not mean others will think the same
although you complain so much, actually writing brings you joy and a singular feeling of fulfillment
books, stories, are not born perfect, you work at them after the first draft
you need to find something that works for you
there will always be people that do not like what you write and that is ok
most people won’t care about what you write and that is fine also
you find your voice by writing and not by trying to please others
be true to yourself because fashions come and go but you are the constant in your life
do things that make you happy (and don’t hurt others of course)
read what you like
don’t let other people tell you who you are or how you should be
time passes no matter what you do so best do what makes you happy
your attention is priceless so use it wisely
This list is already too long! I had not realized I had learned so much!
I don’t know if this book will happen but what I do know is that now, right now, I am willing to put in the work, in my style, to make it happen.
And if I manage you will be the first to know! Till then I will continue to write my little stories and I will keep you updated on how I get on!
Now, for those of you who have already written a book, what were the things that most supported you during the process? Any tips and tricks to an old beginner?
Here I go again!