If you want a no-holds-barred look at writing, check out Scott’s post here:
http://www.scottberkun.com/blog/2007/how-to-write-a-book-the-short-honest-truth/
Ouch!
My view?
Anyone can write. There’s never been more opportunity for people to freely express themselves. Why, even blogs are built around writing and publishing – and millions do it for free.
The questions are:
- Have you got something to write about?
- What action are you taking to do it?
- When will you finish?
Trillions of words are written daily. Whether those words make coherent sense, whether they inform or educate or entertain, and whether they add a new perspective or approach will largely determine how well read those words will be. To start writing it helps to know what you want to say, who is likely to read your writing and how interested they might be. Set out knowing what you want to achieve at least broadly.
As Scott stated, unless you do something, nothing will happen. Perfectionism is a curse and prevents many from ever getting started. It certainly prevents anyone from finishing because no writing is perfect. None. The key to writing is … to write. Experts like Julia Cameron recommend developing the habit of writing. Write daily. By doing that, you get clearer on what you want to say and by exercising your writing muscle daily, you get better at it.
So much of what I read about writing focuses on getting started. That’s the easy part. Rewriting and editing and knowing when it’s in a shape to release to the world is the hard part. For every book published there are thousands more languishing as half written concepts gathering dust. Start writing with the end in mind. Have an idea of what your end-product will look like. And, if you’re game, set yourself a deadline with milestones along the way.
If you’re someone who feels they want to write, has wanted to write for a long time … get over it. Switch your thinking.
You are already a writer.
If you want to a published author, it’s easier now than ever. Consider yourself a writer first and then work towards being a published author.