There's an ocean of difference between people who think about writing and those who actually do it. Myriad numbers of people have a desire to write, but the numbers dwindle when you count those who actually write a story, a poem, an essay or, unbelievably, a book!
Many who want to be a writer start with that desire, but they aren't sure exactly how to begin. Maybe I'd better learn something about this craft, they think. And make no mistake, it IS a craft. So, they start reading books about writing. That's a great way to begin. One book leads to another, from books about general writing to ones that are specifically about one topic of writing, such as editing or dialogue, or using sensory details.
Let's look at an imaginary wannabe writer, Her name is Olivia. She's always had the desire to write, but somehow never got around to it with her full time job, marriage and kids to juggle. One day, she thinks that maybe she could bring in a little extra money by writing and selling what she writes. She knows she can't start cold, she needs to learn a little more about the writing world.
Olivia goes to her local library and checks out a stack of books that will teach her all she needs to know about writing. She reads one after another. Then, she orders some newer books on the topic from her favorite online bookseller. She reads those and then finds articles about writing online that she reads. Wow! There's a lot of information about the writing world.
One day Olivia notes a local writing workshop being presented in her community. She signs up and attends, eager to hear what the presenter has to say and to perhaps meet other writers. She knows that it's good to schmooze with other writers. She goes to the workshop and takes notes. But wait, she isn't a writer yet. Still a wannabe.
A month later, she hears of another writer's workshop in a town not too far way. She signs up and attends, notebook and pen in hand.
A year goes by, and Olivia has not written one word. She tells herself time is a problem. That's why she can't get anything written. She convinces herself she needs to learn more about this writing world before she begins. What it all comes down to is that Olivia's desire is there, but she lacks the drive needed 'to put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, and actually write'.
She's done everything she should except actually write something. She finds excuses--all legitimate in her estimation. Part of her reluctance to actually write is fear. It's Mr. Doubt who visits writers on a regular basis. He'll push back whenever and however he can. She should push him out of the way. Better yet, send him flying out the front door! Another reason Olivia doesn't do the actual writing is that she's become enamored of the idea of being a writer but is reluctant to do the heavy lifting it takes.
If you see yourself in any of the above, it's time to take a hard look at your hope to become a writer. Ask those tough questions of yourself. Am I willing to give up other things in order to write? Am I willing to do writing exercises? Am I willing to write and revise and rewrite? Am I willing to accept rejections and criticism?
You'll never be a published writer if you don't sit down and write. Actually write something. Many somethings! Olivia's first efforts are sure to leave room for improvement. Practice makes perfect is a definite cliche, but believe me, there is merit to it. All I have to do to know that is to go through my files and read some of my earliest efforts. They make me cringe at times. But I know that my writing improved over time, over reading more about the craft, over attending workshops and conferences, and most of all, by writing as often as possible.
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