Lies I Told Myself

I'm not going to pretend I know everything. I'm far from an expert, but I've been writing for five years now and have been a published author for three years. I still have so much to learn, but here are a few things I've already figured out along the way.

Lie #1: I can't write unless I feel inspired.

The truth...

If you wait for inspiration to strike, you won't be writing very often. My muse refuses to show up when I sit down to write more times than not. That doesn't mean I can't still get words down on paper. It doesn't even mean that the words will be bad. But it does mean I have to make it a habit and not wait for that inspiration to hit me in the face.

Writing without inspiration can feel like a slog, especially at first. But it exercises your brain and strengthens those writing muscles. What you write while you're forming the habit doesn't have to be good, (sometimes it will be awful) but the more you work at it, the better you get, just like any other craft. Use it or lose it, baby!

Lie #2: I don't have time every day to write.

The truth... It isn't about the amount of time you spend every day, especially as a parent with a full-time day job. It is about making it a priority so that writing becomes a daily habit, like showering or moisturizing.

Sit down and write SOMETHING every day. Five hundred words here and there add us. And continuously working those writing muscles will help you be able to write faster in the future. I've written five full-length novels and a short story by doing short sprints throughout the day when I can find time.

Lie #3: If my first draft is terrible, that must mean the story is terrible and I'm a terrible writer.

The truth... You are not a terrible writer. The first draft is simply you telling yourself the story. It's a way to get it out of your head and onto paper. It's only meant for your eyes, so it's okay if it's not any good. You're not publishing the first draft.

You can make a beautiful story come alive from a bad first draft. So don't sweat it if it needs a lot of work. Buckle down and find ways to make it into the story you want it to be. Editing can save your story, so don't skip it!

Lie #4: Once I hit publish, my work is done.

Truth... HA! Oh, you sweet summer child. If you want people to read your book after you release it, then your work has only just begun. It's neverending, in fact. And while it can be exhausting and a bit defeating at times, it's part of being an author. Whether you are indie or traditionally published, you have to continuously market to get new eyes on your books. And if you aren't in a place to have an ad/marketing budget, then it's all on you, baby! Keep working. Keep grinding. And believe in yourself.

There'll be more to come, but until then...

Sending light and love,

E.A. Buckingham-Young