Me and a writer friend were hanging out yesterday and we started talking about our writing journeys. We have both have hit a few road blocks and gotten lost but we’re still on the path.
Then she asked me a question: “When did it happen for you?”
I got confused. What was she talking about it? Then she clarified it for me: “When did you decide you were going to get serious about being a writer?”
A lot of us started writing at young age. I know I did. But there is a specific moment in time when I decided that I was going to take writing seriously. I don’t remember the exact day, but it was February 2006.
Before then, I was only dabbling in writing — not visiting my novel for weeks or several months at a time. I saw it more as a hobby than something that I could really do successfully.
But I remember thinking that maybe if I could just finish my MG novel that I could actually *gasp* submit it and see what happens.
This is when I put on the big girl pants and started to take writing seriously. I read more craft books. I dissected novels to figure out how they work. I didn’t take my writing time for granted. I joined writing groups and online communities. I sought out critique groups and partners. Most of all, I finished my MG novel.
It’s been a really wild ride so far — with lots of great moments and surprises with some setbacks and detours. But I can’t wait to see where the writing journey will lead me next.
How about you? Do you remember when it happened? When you decided that you would take writing seriously? When you decided that your writing is worth the time and effort?
When Did It Happen?
August 23, 2010 Read Comments
I decided late to get serious, after I retired from teaching. Up until then I never had time, I told myself, mostly it was motivation. I wish I had gotten serious years before but I’m enjoying myself now and have a had a tiny bit of success. I just keep telling young writers not to wait too long like I did!
Good question. My moment happened fairly recently – less than 2 years ago. I stumbled across Agent Query & found their forum site Agent Query Connect. I realized all kinds of regular folks were working at getting published. I’d recently completed a novel (written only for me) and thought it was worth sticking around the site. I learned SO MUCH – and am still learning more :)
It happened for me about two years ago – in October or November of 2008. I’ve always had trouble figuring out what to be when I grew up, and one day it just hit me that I should write. I’ve loved to write since I was a kid and have dabbled in it for years, but it was just not a career option I had ever thought about before.
Catherine: Good advice but it’s never too late! Glad that you are writing now.
Jemi: I love Agent Query. That was one of the first places I went to when I started my writing journey. But for me, blogging has been the best because I’ve met so many writers like yourself. :)
Jessica: Seems like we all may have started on this journey around the same time give or take. Like you, I didn’t think it was something to take seriously — more like a hobby. But now, who knows? Anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
I’ve known since I was 7 years old. =) For me it was all about confidence, and the confidence came after taking my first creative writing class four years ago. I knew then, I could do it.
Yes, I remember. And before I jumped in with both feet, I thought about it for a few months. But when I made the decision, I didn’t look back. I knew it would mean sacrifice and perseverance.
What a fun question! I remember it well also. It was March or April of 2008. I saw an ad for a writing course and thought “why not?” Since then, I’ve finished the course and now I’m an obsessed crazy person.
Susana:Ah, I can see you now — a little 7 year old with her pencil and pad. :) This happened to me to as well — I still remember my first creative writing class. This is where I met my first writing mentor. She was a true blessing and gave me the confidence that I needed.
Laura: It’s good that you knew going in that you knew what it would take. I’m looking forward to hearing good things coming from you in the future.
Julie: Ha, well welcome to the club since most writers are obsessed and crazy. But I love that attitude of “why not?” You took a chance and now you’re on the writing journey! Count me in as one of your supporters. :)
Karen, this is a great blog post for people who feel unmotivated or a little defeated. This just reminds me once more of why I write.
Here’s a pic of myself as a child. It’s my favorite picture because I’m doing what I do best. =)
I keep it close to me as a reminder whenever I feel down.
http://twitpic.com/2hnz3f
Susana: See I knew it! Your pic is So adorable. You’re looking pretty confident too. :)
Chautauqua 2005.
They treated me like a writer. And I returned home a writer.
Before that when people asked me “What do you do?” I always said I used to teach and mumbled something about writing. Now I say “I write books for children and I’m a former teacher.”
Gwen: I’ve heard so many great things about Chautauqua. I know that the Highlights Whole Novel Workshop was great.
Love how you answer that question “What do you do?” I can see your smile in your answer.
My aha moment was the end of Feb 2008 when I attended my first writers conference (SpringMingle) I had a “professional critique of one of my PBs. I left there thinking, “Yes, I really am a writer.” Since then I’ve written 3 more PBs and am almost done with my MG novel. I’ve attended more SpringMingles and SCBWI-LA and I’m going to my first WIK conference in October. Are you going as well?
Gail: You’ll love the WIK conference. Looks like a great line-up. I’m going to the Rutgers One-on-One Plus conference which is that same weekend so you’ll have to fill me in on the details. :)