Ever since I can remember, writing has always been a part of my life. My mom is a published poet and words were always big in my household. It wasn’t until I was about 12 or so that the idea of being a published writer really kicked in. I started writing short stories and including small segments of stories I sent to my pen-pals. Everyone I knew said I should get them published, but I laughed at them.
Now as an adult, being an author is my ultimate goal. If I could finish a book and get it published, I honestly can say I’d die happy. My ultimate goal in life would be satisfied and I’d die knowing I accomplished it. So, why is it so hard for me to write?
I have a job, a life (kind of) and “real” life always seems to intrude. I also suffer from anxiety, so that can also make life very, very annoying. All of those little things make writing very difficult for me. I have millions of ideas floating around in my head and I know I’m a good writer, but have I really and truly decided that being a writer is what I really want to do?
I can say I’m a writer. In fact, when I get asked what I do, that’s the first thing that pops into my head. But, if I were to be completely honest, it’s not 100% the truth. Writing for me is very sporadic. I don’t write all the time. I should, but I have a horrible time getting what’s in my head down on paper. It is a major struggle for me to even write one word let alone a whole story. How on earth do I plan on being a published author if I can’t even finish a single WIP? Is there something wrong with me?
How do I go about becoming that serious writer? So many authors say that they have a designated area or a designated time. I can’t really establish an area since I basically have a small room to call my own. My work schedule is sporadic enough that half the time I’m not even sure when I’ll be working. On top of that is worrying about finances, paying bills, life in general. How do I take writing from the - to being the thing I focus on the most? Any suggestions? If you’ve got them, I’d sure like to know.
1 Comment
February 27, 2008 at 2:38 pm
It does make it a little hard when you don’t actually write. Probably if you’re not writing every day there’s some waiting to do before you’re at the point where you can commit to publishing. Because once you publish one you have to keep pushing or you just sort of screw yourself. But that doesn’t mean you’re not a writer.
Things completely get in my way too. I just try to work around it and probably don’t pay enough attention to my children.
AJ