Getting published is a dream for most writers. It’s the dream of putting your work out there and building an audience. But for as many as make it, there are just as many myths working against those who have not.
Here are the top myths about publishing:
In this series, we’ve covered myths about Writing and Writers. But even with the many myths about writing and writers, there are even more about the potential barriers to writing and some commonly held myths that are plain annoying.
Here are some myths that prevent some people from pursuing their writing:
There are as many myths about who writers are as people as there are about the process of writing. It’s sort of amazing the popularly-held beliefs about who writers are. Below are some of the top myths about writers. To read the Myths of Writing, read part 1 of this series. Part III and IV will follow this blog.
Warning: This list may get a bit personal as I’ve had each of these “myths” lobbied at me at some point in my career.
Most writing myths fall into four basic categories: writing, writers, obstacles to writing, and publishing. In this four-part series, I will share the popular myths from each category and debunk them.
Most writers try journaling at some point in their lives. Some keep it up all their lives. Others come and go from the practice. While some flounder at the very idea of keeping a journal. There is no rule that demands writers keep one, but they can prove helpful. The trick is to figure out what kind of journal would benefit you and which you are likely to keep over time.
The best way to begin is to decide what you want to gain from your journal. This will help you figure out the best way to approach journaling. It can take many forms. Here are some ways to journal that go beyond the “Dear Diary” model, although that is a classic:
It’s a new year and the perfect time to start fresh. I like to recommit to my writing and draft an action plan two times a year: in January at the start of a new year and in September when school begins. These seem like good times to reassess my progress and plan my future.
Here are some ways to do that:
Happy New Year! To celebrate the new year, I am reposting an edited list of 12 habits every writer should embrace. It’s a great place to make some resolutions for your writing habit.
There is something about snow that brings out the child in me. It starts to fall and I want to run out, tip my head back and stare up into the infinite flakes falling. And then I want to fling myself down and make snow angels. The urge to act like a child is even stronger at this time of year with the packages and wrappings and toys. Santa. Reindeer and all the trimmings that come with the holidays.
But it shouldn’t take a holiday for us to put aside our adult selves and fall into the freedom of play. As writers it is essential to indulge our imagination and play like a child, to feel that release in letting go of adult responsibilities and worries. Not only is it fun, but it is essential for writers and other creative types to learn to tap into that part of themselves.
There is nothing better in December (for me) than curling up with a good Christmas book or watching a classic movie. It reminds me to be more positive and embrace the joy of the season.
I don’t often make lists of books or movies I recommend, but I have decided to make an exception. Here is my list for the holidays that is sure to make you smile.
What does this have to do with writing? Everything. Stories inspire us—those we read and those we watch. I love classic and modern movies. I am addicted to books. Whenever I can share those passions, I will. This seemed a great opportunity.
’Tis the season to celebrate and to make our list for Santa. I always loved writing to Santa as a child. It was magical that I could write a letter to someone like him and know he received it. I knew that because at least one of my requested gifts always appeared under the tree on Christmas morning, except when it was too large or unrealistic, like the horse I wanted one year or the penguin.
These days my lists go to my husband who tries to offer a combination of items off my list with things he picks out to surprise me.
My list always includes things writers would love. Here are a few items I’ve found and dreamed up this year:
Lately I have moved from writing to research. I am in the process of pitching my novel and using the waiting period between pitching and the inevitable edits to dive into a new story. I have a rough idea of what I want to write, including the prologue and opening scene, but I also have huge, gaping holes in my knowledge. This explains the huge stacks of books lining my desk and the hours I’ve spent learning everything from creation myths to Jungian psychology to black holes. I am diving down rabbit holes in search of my story.
Audience is everything. Readers define how to approach a story and what words to choose. Knowing our readers frames our work as writers. You wouldn’t start a project for children the same way you would for seniors. In my last blog, I wrote about knowing your audience. This blog follows up with some concrete tips to write with your reader in mind.