Seven Hurdles For New Writers: Number Seven

Your Own Ego

I saved the best (or possibly the worst) for last.  What can sometimes be the biggest hurdle for a new writer?  E G O.

Think about it.  Most writers have been enamored with reading and writing their entire lives.  Storytelling is woven into our beings.  I was creating stories before I learned the alphabet.  I was literally writing before I knew how to write.  Creating is in our nature.

BUT…just because it is instinctive doesn’t mean it is refined.  Becoming a writer is similar to playing a sport.  Think of the kid who can run faster or hit the ball harder than any of his friends.  He has played backyard sports for years.  Then he tries out for the team. 

That cocky kid made the team assuming he is the greatest athletic talent the world has ever seen.  Then comes practice.  And rules.  And workouts.  And more rules.  He soon discovers there are tons of kids out there with his same level of raw talent.  (And he probably learns the joys of spending some time on the bench.)  What will set that kid apart from all the other talent out there just like him?  Hard work.  Determination.  Never giving up.

The smart athlete works hard, listens to his coach, and learns from his mistakes.  A smart writer does the same thing.

If you assume you know it all because you’ve been delighting your family and friends for years with your writing and storytelling skills, well, you are in for a shock.  There are rules to learn, skills to practice, and coaches from whom to glean information.  If you practice your writing skills and are receptive to the information out there (thank you World Wide Web) you will be headed in the right direction.

It is easy to get overwhelmed, though.  Don’t become discouraged with the enormity of the industry and the vast numbers of good writers who are still undiscovered/unpublished.  Be willing to work hard and make your mark.

After all the reading and learning, writing and rewriting, querying and waiting, you have to be proud of your work.  Your satisfaction is more important than that of any agent, publisher, or reviewer because at the end of the day, you are writing for you.