If writing is your passion, never give up! So many things may get in the way — time or the lack of it, discouragement, the need to earn a living, life …. The list goes on and on, especially if your goal is to be published by a traditional publisher. Your support group can provide you with the extra push you may need for Tip #2 — Never give up!
Candee Fick talked about the time issue in her article, So Little Time to Conquer this Mountain where she shares her tips and strategies in her busy life and offers a very helpful tool, The Author Toolbox. This article is about perseverance, keeping that goal in sight so that we never give up.
As writers, we all deal with discouragement whether we are trying to get published, or are already successfully published. Our journeys may be different, but the difficulties are similar if not the same. In today’s publishing industry, the age of the ebook and ease at which someone can get published independently has changed the course of the industry.
Why do we write? For me, it’s a passion for story. There is a story I can’t get out of my mind until I put it on paper. That’s how Hidden Bloodlines started — it was a story that perpetuated itself for two years before I attended my first writers conference in Estes Park, Colorado. As an attorney and dietitian with multiple articles and one published nonfiction book, writing was my life, but my passion was fiction — a story to share. However, I quickly learned that writing fiction is a totally different “animal” than nonfiction. It is a different art and it was important that I learn the craft. Future articles in the Publish Don’t Perish Series will talk about this craft and how to achieve the necessary skills for success.
For those interested in becoming published by a traditional publishing house, the road may be long and bumpy with uncertain forks. For those who don’t want to wait the years most likely involved with a traditional publisher, you may want to go the Indy way. Regardless of which avenue you choose, when you reach that publication goal , it doesn’t end. There are millions of books out there and you may ask, “How will anyone find me? Can I make a living writing? How successful can I be? Is it even worth it?” The Publish Don’t Perish Series in Thyme for Writers will help you discern the path that’s right for you. It will hopefully answer your many questions and help you avoid time consuming mistakes. I for one made mistakes that cost me years. Keep your eyes open for future posts that will steer you clear of these mistakes and make your road smoother. Remember, Tip #2 is critical — NEVER GIVE UP!
What is getting in your way of writing?
(c) 2019 Karen Van Den Heuvel Fischer
Thanks Karen and Candee, thanks for the encouragement. I’m about to sit down to an edit, making sure my English is “English.” Cheers
I agree that the key to success is persistence. If you don’t believe in your story, who will?