Hello Ebi! Hello Fam!
We have all been there. You got up one day and decided, “I want to write a book!” Some of us know what we want to write about, while others have to mull it over. You may have been immersed in writing for some time—like myself. I am not a novice, but I wouldn’t call myself seasoned either LOL! Perhaps you have a blog, or you’ve been posting short stories on Wattpad and have a following. What genre are you most interested in? Do you want to be the next Tolkien, N.K. Jemisin, Nora Roberts, Octavia E. Butler or are you greener than the first blade of grass on a Spring day—with no idea where to begin?
Any writer worth their salt started from the bottom. They’ve had to do research, join critique groups, tolerate rejection, and talk to other writers about their experiences. Wading in ‘writerly’ waters is not a simple thing, and if you are not determined to be published one day, you may sink. As such, the novice writer should find as much information as they can on the process. Pick up the most recent Writer’s Digest book or check out their website. Find out if they are a pantser or planner. Check out writers’ conferences. See what the big hoopla is about the dreaded query letter (never too early). As he/she moves forward in their journey, they may be filled with advice—willing to share the ups and downs and lessons they’ve learned thus far.
There’s no such thing as a writer that knows everything. Even the seasoned writer has to do the groundwork for a new book when developing their plot, characters, milieu, etc. You don’t have to be a certain age to become a published author, either. Lately, I’ve seen children as young as twelve becoming bestselling authors. It’s all about finding that niche. What are readers looking for, and how can you profit (professionally, personally, and hopefully financially) from it?
But most importantly, whether you are a novice or seasoned writer, shouldn’t you love what you do? It’s that passion, that need to share your voice with others, that will keep you moving forward even if you question whether writing’s really for you. Writers support writers (well, at least they should) no matter what level they are. So, if you are just starting out and you discover something that will benefit another writer, pass it on. They, in turn, may pay it forward.
What information have you shared as or when you were a novice writer? If you are a seasoned writer, do you have any “sage” advice for those who are just starting out? If so, I invite you to share, and please visit again!
Ibukun! Blessings!
S-
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