I suppose the question I ought to ask is, am I wasting my time with writing? As a naturaly creative person and after many years of writing essay for educational purposes, i've decided to try my hand at writing in my spare time and with a great idea (I presume everyone thinks their ideas are great) I've started to write. But how do I know if its for me, I suppose there isn't anybody there to tell you if you're going wrong, off track or simply writing rubbish.
A mere 3,000 words into writing and I am questioning if this is for me, do I stop now or let my creativity flow? I imagine that every writer, writes with the intention of their work being published and I am rather surprised at how many novels are dismissed by publishing houses.
In a nutshell any advice would be most welcome by a complete and utter literary novice.
Dan
Start writing your book. Write for pleasure, and improve your project gradually. Then - after you have your book finished - you can start to worry about publishing houses. Give time to time.
Hi Dan,
I started writing in 1974 to keep myself awake when I was working on an offshore oil rig on the night shift.
I have since then written sevearal plays, short stories and worked as a technical author.
I run two FREE writers groups and will send you the intro I hand out to the group if you think it will help.
Wriiting can be a time consuming frustrating and lonely pastime, with little reward other than the satisfaction of creating something for yourself.
There are several sights you can join who do notask a fee to join and you can get feed back on your work.
All ways round, you can't lose by trying. Keep at it, you may be the next big thing.
Good luck,
E Van Johnson
Hello Dan,
Aim for the target, not for the prize. Your aim should be the writing in itself, for itself and for yourself. As others have said, if you enjoy doing it, why worry what other people think about it?
Writing is one of the best uses of your time. You are being proactive, creative and thoughtful. You are living in the world and commentating on it. You have a valid opinion and are expressing it, as opposed to being a passive passenger.
Do not stop your creative flow; as a writer, you've written 3000 words more than people who just talk about it. The journey is the most exciting part of the process. The finish line may be a long way off, you may not even know where it is, that's okay. From experience, you'll feel amazing when you get there but also a little sad that this journey is over.
Which is where you start your next book.
Don't let anyone push you off the writing train. You have a right to write, and it's okay to look out of the window sometimes and enjoy the view. Just don't stop.
Enjoy the ride.
Tony