If a Writer Waits Too Long...

 

Today's photo poster is one that's pleasing to the eye. It also has a valuable piece of advice. It could be used in many parts of our lives, but since this is a blog for writers, I'm going to narrow it down to that group.

Writers often have good intentions as to what they plan to do while on their writing journey. Special stories that are swirling in their heads that they want to write. Conferences they want to attend. A poem about a sight they witnessed--they are going to write it. Soon. Maybe. Someday. 

We plan to write our goals for 2023. We want to finish some stories that only need a bit of polishing before submitting for publication. We are going to clean out our files. And the top of our desk. This is the year we will write those family stories told around the holiday dinner table.

Yes, we all have plans for our writing life. Too often, they get put on hold. The intention is good, but the action might not be. Why? 

Some writers, like some non-writers, are career procrastinators. If a writer starts putting things off, it becomes easier and easier to continue in the same vein. The longer we avoid some action on our intentions, they begin to fade until suddenly we don't even think about them anymore. That is a sad state of affairs.

The list of things writers have not gotten around to grows and grows. When that happens, the writer truly feels defeated. She/he might even give up. A good story idea might float away, never to be found again.

Lists are good aids. Make a list of what you want to get done in your writing life. Go through it agan and put a star by the most important ones. Those are the tasks you should work on first. When you complete one, draw a line through it, or put DONE n caps next to it. Seeing those stars or DONE should give you a sense of accomplishment and spur you onward. 

I'm well aware, and you are, too, that other parts of our life often throw a monkey wrench into our writing plans. Deal with what you must, then get back to your writing world.

What about the writer who writes short stories, personal essays, and a few poems, but he/she has a deep desire to write a full-length novel? Someday. The longer you wait, the older you'll be. Just like our poste says. Why wait?

Fear that you might not be able to accomplish writing an entire book is one reason that writers hold off. You'll never know unless you try. You don't have to write an entire book in a week or a month. Give yourself time. You've waited this long, you have no real deadline, so take it slowly. 

There are writers who have files filled with stories, essays, articles or poems they've written but never had the courage to submit to an editor. Why wait? You'll never know what response you might get unless you start submitting. It doesn't have to be scary. Either it works or it doesn't, and if it doesn't, you keep trying. 

If you're a writer who waits on many parts of your craft, heed what the poster says:  If you wait, all that happens is you get older.  

Are Trees and Writers Alike?

 As we were driving to church this morning, I noticed the vast number of different trees we passed. Big ones, small ones, Tall ones, short ones. Trees that were full and those a bit sparse. Some had leaves, while others were dressed in needles. Go farther south, and some of the trees would have fronds. All are classified as trees, but each one is different from the others. 

Most everyone has seen or memorized the famous poem by Joyce Kilmer titled 'Trees.' It seems worth putting it in this post.

Trees

BY JOYCE KILMER

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Writers are like trees. Writers may be our group name, but each one looks and writes in a different way. No two are exactly alike. Nor should they be. Each writer uses his/her own voice, his/her own style. All trees should not look alike, and all writers should not write alike. 

Finding your voice, or the style in which you write, does not happen as soon as you begin writing. It evolves as you pursue your craft. The more you write, the more evident your particular way of writing becomes. You are an individual that fits under the group heading of Writers. 

Have you ever heard a reader say something like "Oh, I love the way he writes." Readers are aware of the differences in writers. They know the ones they like best, just as botanists have favorite trees. 

I am reading a book that is written in present tense. It's driving me crazy. I like the story but not the way the writer tells it. Even so, it's his style, his way of telling a story. Many readers might like reading the entire book in present tense. Is he wrong for writing in this manner? Not at all. Different readers appreciate different writers. That's the way it should be, I think. 

Some writers try to copy or imitate the style of a writer they admire. Go ahead and admire that other writer, but develop your own voice, your own style of writing. Each tree is individual, Writers should be, as well. Be yourself. You will still fit into the glorious group known as Writers.