I'm participating in my first ever NaNoWriMo (November Novel Writing Month) since getting bit by the writing bug and let me tell you, it's exciting. A goal of 50,000 words in 30 days is a lot for your mind to create for most people. The character's in my head are playing havoc with my sleep. They want their stories out and by god, they want it out now. Not to mention the sixty hours at my day job, two kiddies that insist on being fed and an overactive puppy that's teething like a baby.
How do I handle it all? Faith? Prayer? Alcohol? You ask. Well none of the above. One of the things that I can't stress enough for all new writers is to never give up and join a critique group. The support you receive from these people, whom you might never meet is invaluable in keeping you motivated and not letting you quit. I remember reading somewhere that your first million words are nothing but crap. I didn't believe it. I thought "What could be so hard about writing Romance?" I've read thousands of books and could write one in my sleep. Boy was I naive.
I sat down with a story in mind and started writing. I didn't know anything about GMC (Goal, Motivation, and Conflict) I didn't there was suppose to be a "Hero's Journey", hell I didn't even know that adverbs are frowned upon. Let's just say, the first critique I got back had A LOT of red, pointing out my numerous mistakes. I revised and pressed on, still not learning what I need to know which would cost me several hours later down the line. I joined sites like Savvy Authors, She Writes, and purchased every available book and program I could get my hand on. The one thing that I have now figured out, is that, learning the craft never stops.
To be a writer, you have to write. To get better, it requires not only learning the craft, but practicing it as well. It's a hard habit to get into, the actual butt in chair, but it is so worth it, when you finish your first rough draft and think "I did that. All of that is created from someplace deep inside me and it's one of a kind."
I applaud not only the published authors out there, but the struggling ones too for not giving up. Perseverance will payoff, so keep that butt in the chair and write.
Without my critique buddies at RomCritters, Enchanting the Muse, and the support of "From Start to Finish" during NaNoWriMo, I would still be pulling out my hair and using those dreaded adverbs.
You guys are the best.
