How to Be a Writer

Believe it or not, I started writing a few years ago. I had the poetry and storytelling bug at a young age though. It took me a long time to actually share my writing and consider publishing. I know a lot of potential writers have the same flame in their heart that I had for my whole life, so this one is for you.

I know it can be frightening to even sit down, write, and sometimes you don't even know where to start. Before I started writing my first novel it was just a thought in my head. The magic happens when you get on your butt (unless you write standing up). So my grand advice is... *drum roll* just write it.

I know, easier said than done, but things are often not as difficult as they seem in this life, aren't they? This is no different.

Although, I have to warn you. It is not as glamorous as you might probably think it is. Sure, you see me on Instagram writing in coffee houses, but after I post that, I am back to stressing out about my lack of inspiration or how to spell "calendar."

Think of writing as your partner, you have to keep the spark going. I once heard from a YouTuber on authortube that there is no such thing as writer's block. At first, I felt like she was so wrong! I had not written for MONTHS. I was desperate enough to take her advice one day, which was to schedule writing, daily. The first day, no inspiration suddenly struck me like (SUPERNATURAL SPOILER WARNING) Chuck/God on Supernatural.

I looked at the words that stuck out and the ideas locked in my mind. My fingers moved across the keyboard, and before I knew it, I was writing. I hadn't written for MONTHS. Now I make sure to write everyday. And it doesn't have to be a lot, just something. Today I am more than halfway done with the first draft of my novel. I never thought I would get here, but I did and so can you.

Many writers question what makes them writers. For some reason, we think we need something that will tell us, "You are now a writer. Congratulations!" Writing is not the most traditional career or even a hobby. I've learned that you have to constantly validate yourself. Many people, even the people that care about you, will question what you are doing on your computer. What is so important that you can't go out. You see, they don't see that flame in your heart we talked about earlier, only you can. So you have to be the one who reminds yourself that you are a writer and that is very important. Whether you publish or not you are a writer if you are writing. So don't sell yourself short.

Remember when I said you should treat writing like it's your partner? You have to spend time with it, never put it down, and don't be embarrassed by it. Treat it with love and patience.

I'll leave you with this Bible verse about love: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." —1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Treat your writing and yourself like that.

Question: Are you writing or thinking of writing something at the moment?

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