Aimee Fuhrman's Blog: A. E. Muses - Posts Tagged "writing"

So you want to write a book? Well, what's stopping you? Lack of training? Lack of time? Lack of confidence?
Take heart! You, too, can write a book.

If lack of training is what's stopping you--don't let it! Just get your thoughts and ideas out on paper. There is no right or wrong way to write a book. In fact, there is more freedom for authors than ever before. And as for those pesky details: spelling, grammar, and punctuation? You can always have your work copy edited later. In fact you ought to (believe me!--perhaps that story is a future post).

If lack of time is holding you back? Well. . .that is an issue for most of us. The old adage 'You make time for what's important to you,' is depressingly true. So how does one squeeze writing into an already busy schedule? That probably depends on the person and may even change from season to season. However, for those who need the motivation, encouragement, and perhaps even competition or a deadline, may I recommend Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month), an online organization committed to motivating writers--both aspiring and seasoned--with the goal of completing a manuscript in one month. This was the project which finally catapulted my writing from an on-again-off-again hobby to a buddy career. Check out their website here.

If lack of confidence is your demon, you are not alone! Most authors (at least at some point in their writing careers) struggle with doubts about their writing abilities. Once again, their is no one way to overcome. Some start small--perhaps with a blog or magazine articles--before tackling the longer project of writing a book. Some take a writing class at their local community college or join a local support group for writers. Some get as much feedback as possible, while others refuse to show their work to anyone until their baby is done and safely in the hands of an editor or agent. Whatever their approach, all published authors share this one thing in common: they looked that demon in the face and defied it. They kept on until they achieved their goal. It is really a matter of sheer will-power.

Whatever has been holding you back, take the first step and write! Write the first sentence, the first paragraph, the first page, the first chapter. One thing is for certain, you'll never finish what you don't start.

Make today your day and commit to being a writer. Let me know how you're doing. I'll be cheering you on!