Is this true or is this true! All the books (and I have a ton of them!) and writing tips in the world will not get me published unless I learn the craft and implement everything I learn. But there is so much out there, it feels daunting, and at times, confusing. Especially when sometimes those tips contradict other instruction, tips and techniques. Not to mention all the technological advances in the publishing industry. So, instead of ripping my hair out, I'm taking every resource I have, books, web links, author and blogger friends, writing buddies, critique partners and writing conferences and I'm starting at the beginning. I am going to build my foundations first. Get the craft, write, write, write, read, read, read, revise, revise, revise and write some. And one day, I will turn those sticks of resources into a strong and sturdy ladder that will get me over the hurdles and into the world of publishing AND keep my sanity and sense of humor. :D
How about you writer friends, how do you make your resources work for you, not overwhelm you?
8 comments:
good post! thank you! and yes it's true, but, sadly, even if you are the greatest writer ever, you still might not get published! It all depends on the editor reading it... if you can get him or her to read it! I think it also takes a lot of LUCK! So do what you love and hope for the best!
This is a great question and honestly, I focus on the writing. I try to absorb information as best I can, but if I'm not actually writing, none of the research will make a smidgen of a difference.
Very true! Great little quote.And yes you must have a sense of humor ;)
i take it one step at a time and lots of prayer, that's also how i got my college degree :) great post! it's important not to get overwhelmed in anything worth doing and the sense of humor is a necessity :)
That is the key, and it's oh so hard to do! Time limits is one way I don't allow things to overwhelm me. :)
Juliana said it: if you're not writing, none of the craft books or research will make a difference. So much of your learning takes place just by writing - and a good critique partner or group doesn't hurt :) But I totally get it - I feel the same as you all the time! :)
I have one main resource -- I studied with Emma Walton Hamilton and learned directly from this author, editor and teacher. I keep a notebook of all of my lessons and worksheets nearby as I work. I have many other resources too, but her material is my companion. And, I have a critique partner who is always there.
I got sucked into the vortex of writing books for a long time until I finally realized it would never do me any good unless I actually tried to WRITE.
Now I can be more specific with the type of book I need depending on what I am struggling with. But it took me a long time to get there...
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