In a post on Writers in the Storm, L.A. Mitchell shares some lessons learned from her experience writing 40 novels for herself and as a ghost writer.
- Define Your Freedom. “Happiness in this industry is found in freedom: freedom to pick the genre that ignites you, freedom to live as a digital nomad, freedom to quit your job, and freedom from the judgments of others and those who may give you ultimatums,” Mitchell writes. “Whatever your freedom, make that the cornerstone of your creative trajectory.”
- Fall in Love with Writing, Not Having Written. Many people want the purported glamor of publishing a book without putting in the effort of actually writing it. These people tend to fall by the wayside without ever writing a sentence, much less publishing a story. “It’s not necessary to love all aspects of the craft, but at least one element must become as natural and desirable to you as breathing,” Mitchell says.
- Writer’s Block is a Myth and The Blinking Cursor Will Always Suck. Burnout is real, but writer’s block is not. Discipline and good habits – and an occasional break – will keep your work flowing. This will also help you get past the burst of insecurity when you start a new project. “There is perfect, and there is perfect for now,” Mitchell notes.
- Editing is the Magic. Dean Koontz claims that he writes one draft and never edits. You are not Dean Koontz, nor should you strive to be. “As a starting point, consider that editing should take four times longer and have the same intensity as drafting,” Eaves writes. “It’s a grind, but it’s where the magic happens.”
Eaves’ other advice includes tips on editing, cultivating relationships with other writers, protecting your creative time, and finding your voice.
