Ready, Set, Write!

 

Neil Gaiman gives two opinions on how to write. Just sit down and put one word after another until it's done. Then he qualifies it by saying 'It's that easy, and that hard.' Anyone who's tried it will nod their head in agreement. 

What do you need to do to put that great idea that's been swirling in your head into the printed word on your computer or by hand in a notebook?

You need to stop merely thinking about writing and actually engage your mind and fingers to putting words, one after the other in a printed form. We all procrastinate now and then. Partly because we worry that if we actually write something, it might be a bunch of drivel. Your subconscious tells you that you needn't be concerned if you don't actually write. A cop-out? Yep!

You should set aside time to write. If you're a professional writer, you have a set amount of time to write almost every day. If you're a hobbyist writer, or a part-time scribe, you need to work out a schedule so that each day includes some writing time. 30 minutes, an hour, 2 hours--whatever you can manage in your life. The key is to be consistent as much as you can. There are always going to be interferences, but if you promise yourself to write a certain amount each day, stick to it as much as possible. If you do, you'll create a habit. 

There will always going to be little problems with whatever you write. This part of the story didn't work out like you planned. Another part ended up too sappy. Yet another lacked life. Don't worry about that when you start a new writing project. Keep writing--putting one word after another--until you complete a first draft. Finishing a first draft gives you a sense of accomplishment, even though you know you have more to do.

That 'more' includes setting the first draft aside for several days, then bringing it out and starting the editing and revision process. You might need to continue this process two or three times until you feel satisfied. 

Next, it's time to look for a market that your story might fit. Matching story to markets is not an easy task. It can sometimes become a guessing game. Some are obviously not the correct market for your story, so are easily eliminated. Others are definte while still more are 'maybe' kind of markets. That easy and that hard? Yes!

Submitting what you have written is a part of the writing life, too. An important part if you want to be published. Sometimes you're successful and many times, you aren't. All part of the process.

It appears writing is a mixed bag of easy and hard. If you have a passion for putting words together that people will want to read, it's a little easier. That passion can drive you to keep writing. If you're so-so about wanting to be a writer, you're probably going to find lots of excuses why you aren't going to actually string words together but only think about them. 

Once again, it's up to you!