Don’t Listen to the Naysayers

If you want to write then don’t ever let someone talk you out of it – not even yourself. Just write.


There are many reasons to write – personal pleasure, creating family histories to pass down the generations, a memoir of your own life, or as a career. There are few, almost no reasons not to write. Don’t use time as an excuse, if it is really something you want to do, then you can and will find time. Don’t use criticism as an excuse, not everyone will like your writing so don’t get discouraged if you receive a rejection slip. And don’t let lack of knowledge stymie you – there are any fantastic online writing communities where you can get advice and guidance towards becoming a professional writer.

Often a new wannabee writer will want publication, fame and fortune. It can happen, but most likely won’t. Writing is hard work, it takes dedication to your craft, it’s a solitary life, and often it is not financially prudent. However the first time you see your name as a byline in a magazine or on the spine of a book, all the hard work pays off.

Being a writer involves getting your name and words out there. Take the time to build your resume with related work. There are many writing jobs out there, go after them. Check out your local newspapers, both dailies and weekends and learn about working as a stringer. Look for schools, clubs and other businesses that are in need of a newsletter editor. Write greeting cards or catchy signs for a retail storefront.

Look at your local newspaper or grocery stand magazine. Get familiar with the columns, the style of writing and most importantly WHO the articles are written for. It’s a fairly safe bet that a weekly paper that speaks to a professional community might not be interested in your articles on rug hooking. Either market your articles elsewhere or target the specific audience with a new subject. Submit a list of story suggestions and if the editor expresses an interest, be prompt in your reply or with the entire submission. Most publications take submissions electronically and while an editor will usually read it through, make sure you have self-edited your own work to minimize errors and save everyone from embarrassment.

Fiction isn’t much different. Find a magazine or book publisher that produces books for the audience you are writing for. Don’t try to convince a children’s book publisher to accept your erotic romance novel. Again, follow the submission directions no matter how mundane they may seem to you. You want to make a good first and lasting impression on your editor, don’t turn them off by being uncooperative. And NEVER tell your publisher that you demand a hefty advance because your book is the best thing to come out!


Writing exercise: (1) Write a love letter to an inanimate object that you feel “connected” to either for sentimental reasons or for your daily use. Pour out your feelings. (2) Fire something (inanimate object) from your life. Give specific reasons for the dismissal.



Writing prompt: List the five most controversial topics you can think of – then (1) list five words for each topic that you believe strongly relates to the topic. (2) Now list the “color” of each topic – what color do you most closely associate with the subject? (3) Finally list one pro and one con about each topic.