5 Hard Truths All Aspiring Writers Need To Hear | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

5 Hard Truths All Aspiring Writers Need To Hear

Writing isn't easy.

16
5 Hard Truths All Aspiring Writers Need To Hear

Ever since I was a little kid, I've known that I wanted to be a writer. And over the years, I've met many people around my age who share my goals, who love to read and write, some of us with the hope of one day being published. However, over the last few months, I have been more focused on my writing than before and it's forced me to accept certain realities, particularly in regards to my expectations of myself and my writing.

If you're also an aspiring writer, I hope you find something useful to help you achieve your goals.

If you're not reading, you're not a writer

Giphy

This is probably the most important point that every aspiring writer needs to know. If you get only one point from this entire article, let it be this. And I've realized that as a writer, especially in the beginning, reading is even more important than writing. You can't write if you aren't constantly consuming and exposing yourself to writing. Think of it like this: would you expect someone to be able to become a songwriter or music producer if they hardly ever listened to music? They would have no source material, no guides for how to construct their work. They'd have no idea of what kind of music they do and don't like- which would let them know what kind of music they want to create themselves. This same logic applies to writing.

Nothing is going to happen right away - be patient

Giphy

I used to think I was going to be one of those Young Adult authors who got a book deal in their early 20s, and was a full time author by the time they were 25 - like Veronica Roth and Tomi Adeyemi. But now, I have realized while that would be amazing to be published in my 20's, it's not something I should expect, because that's not what happens for most writers. One of my favorite writers, Nicola Yoon, didn't publish her first book until 2012 at the age of 43- after working as a programmer for 20 years. I would advise any other aspiring writers to do the same - focus on reading and developing your writing skills. The more time you devote to this, the sooner you'll be able to write a book that has a good chance of being published.

Just writing isn't enough

Giphy

Although your first priority as a writer should be developing your writing skills, marketing and business skills are also important for writers, as they are for any creative. It's important to be able to market your work, as well as market yourself as a writer. If people get to know you as a person they're more likely to buy anything you write, regardless of whether or not it's in the genre they'd usually read. If your readers like you, and they like your writing, they'll buy your books. That's where social media comes in. Many of my favorite writers utilize social media to connect with their readers, sharing their writing process, and personal lives. A perfect example of this is Sabaa Tahir, author of The Ember Quartet.

Your stories aren't going to write themselves

Giphy

YES, SHOCKING RIGHT? WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? You know the first draft of that story that you started two years ago? Until you go back to that word document and finish the first draft, the story is always going to stay just that - a first draft.

You're never going to have as much time to write as you do now

Giphy

Making time to write is difficult. But here's the thing- it always will be. And the older you get, the more responsibilities you'll have- and the less free time you'll have to write. If you're reading this- you're likely in college. Like me, you likely have to deal with classes, work, social life, family, all while to keep yourself functioning by getting a (somewhat) reasonable amount of sleep. But once you graduate college, you'll be heading to either the workforce or to graduate school, both of which will demand more of your time and effort than your undergraduate degree. And expecting yourself to write every day isn't realistic, but just try to be as consistent as you can. Even if you write only 20 minutes one day, 1 hour the next, it's still better than nothing and it's still getting you one step closer to your ultimate goal.

If you're still reading, you know that writing isn't easy. It's only fun when you have random bursts of inspiration - but those are far and few between. Most of writing is just sitting down and forcing yourself to do it, and then scrapping and rewriting, deleting and changing scenes and characters and chapters, each revision taking you one step closer to a (somewhat) cohesive story. I'm still working on applying all of the points mentioned here - so just remember that you're not alone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193458
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16804
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459309
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27437
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments