5 Hard Truths All Aspiring Writers Need To Hear
Start writing a post

5 Hard Truths All Aspiring Writers Need To Hear

Writing isn't easy.

7
5 Hard Truths All Aspiring Writers Need To Hear

Ever since I was a little kid, I've known that I wanted to be a writer. And over the years, I've met many people around my age who share my goals, who love to read and write, some of us with the hope of one day being published. However, over the last few months, I have been more focused on my writing than before and it's forced me to accept certain realities, particularly in regards to my expectations of myself and my writing.

If you're also an aspiring writer, I hope you find something useful to help you achieve your goals.

If you're not reading, you're not a writer

Giphy

This is probably the most important point that every aspiring writer needs to know. If you get only one point from this entire article, let it be this. And I've realized that as a writer, especially in the beginning, reading is even more important than writing. You can't write if you aren't constantly consuming and exposing yourself to writing. Think of it like this: would you expect someone to be able to become a songwriter or music producer if they hardly ever listened to music? They would have no source material, no guides for how to construct their work. They'd have no idea of what kind of music they do and don't like- which would let them know what kind of music they want to create themselves. This same logic applies to writing.

Nothing is going to happen right away - be patient

Giphy

I used to think I was going to be one of those Young Adult authors who got a book deal in their early 20s, and was a full time author by the time they were 25 - like Veronica Roth and Tomi Adeyemi. But now, I have realized while that would be amazing to be published in my 20's, it's not something I should expect, because that's not what happens for most writers. One of my favorite writers, Nicola Yoon, didn't publish her first book until 2012 at the age of 43- after working as a programmer for 20 years. I would advise any other aspiring writers to do the same - focus on reading and developing your writing skills. The more time you devote to this, the sooner you'll be able to write a book that has a good chance of being published.

Just writing isn't enough

Giphy

Although your first priority as a writer should be developing your writing skills, marketing and business skills are also important for writers, as they are for any creative. It's important to be able to market your work, as well as market yourself as a writer. If people get to know you as a person they're more likely to buy anything you write, regardless of whether or not it's in the genre they'd usually read. If your readers like you, and they like your writing, they'll buy your books. That's where social media comes in. Many of my favorite writers utilize social media to connect with their readers, sharing their writing process, and personal lives. A perfect example of this is Sabaa Tahir, author of The Ember Quartet.

Your stories aren't going to write themselves

Giphy

YES, SHOCKING RIGHT? WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? You know the first draft of that story that you started two years ago? Until you go back to that word document and finish the first draft, the story is always going to stay just that - a first draft.

You're never going to have as much time to write as you do now

Giphy

Making time to write is difficult. But here's the thing- it always will be. And the older you get, the more responsibilities you'll have- and the less free time you'll have to write. If you're reading this- you're likely in college. Like me, you likely have to deal with classes, work, social life, family, all while to keep yourself functioning by getting a (somewhat) reasonable amount of sleep. But once you graduate college, you'll be heading to either the workforce or to graduate school, both of which will demand more of your time and effort than your undergraduate degree. And expecting yourself to write every day isn't realistic, but just try to be as consistent as you can. Even if you write only 20 minutes one day, 1 hour the next, it's still better than nothing and it's still getting you one step closer to your ultimate goal.

If you're still reading, you know that writing isn't easy. It's only fun when you have random bursts of inspiration - but those are far and few between. Most of writing is just sitting down and forcing yourself to do it, and then scrapping and rewriting, deleting and changing scenes and characters and chapters, each revision taking you one step closer to a (somewhat) cohesive story. I'm still working on applying all of the points mentioned here - so just remember that you're not alone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener

Ever wanted to check out EDM music, but didn't know where to start? Look no further! Start here.

2392
21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener
www.wallpapersafari.com

If you have been following me for a long time, then you know I write about two main things: relateable articles and communication media based articles. Now, it is time for me to combine the two. For those of you that don't know, I am a radio DJ at IUP, and I DJ for a show called BPM (Beats Per Minute). It is an EDM, or electronic dance music, based show and I absolutely love it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

100 Reasons to Choose Happiness

Happy Moments to Brighten Your Day!

22199
A man with a white beard and mustache wearing a hat

As any other person on this planet, it sometimes can be hard to find the good in things. However, as I have always tried my hardest to find happiness in any and every moment and just generally always try to find the best in every situation, I have realized that your own happiness is much more important than people often think. Finding the good in any situation can help you to find happiness in some of the simplest and unexpected places.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

8458
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

9339
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

27438
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments