First Steps Towards Serious Writing
Friday, February 17, 2012 
Guest Post by Abigail Keam
Every author has to take that first step towards writing. Most do not realize that writing is only part of the journey towards a successful career. There are many other elements that you must conquer before you will be successful.
What is meant by a successful career? Each writer must determine that for her/his self, but for me it is a good piece of writing that I am proud to put my John Hancock on and is subsequently followed by a paycheck.
How does one get ready? The tricks are the same as in any career path and being a writer is no different.
- Get Rid Of Negativity In Your Life.
Don’t worry about having doubts about your talent. Everyone does and it is a natural fear.
What I am talking about are people who are negative about your writing. Many of them are friends and family. Stop talking about your writing. Quit giving them ammo. If they really get you down, just don’t hang around them anymore. Be around people who are positive and have a “can do” attitude about life.
I didn’t mention my first book to anyone until it was published. I did that to protect myself from
any negative forces that might have distracted me from my goal.
2. Be Reasonable.
You may be the greatest writer in the world, but that doesn’t mean readers are going to fall over when they read your material or that you even are published in the first place. There are many great writers, who are competing with each other for a publishing deal and shelf space in stores. Remember—writing is a business like any other business. It may be that your book is wonderful but is not what is selling at the moment. That doesn’t mean it is not going to happen for you. Keep your ego in check.
3. When A Door Closes, Go Around It.
If you can’t find a publisher, then publish yourself. It is an investment in your future but you must work very hard to get a return on your dollar. Writing that book is only part of the adventure. Now you must build a devoted fan base by marketing your product which is your book and yourself. Yes, you are part of the marketing package. Marketing your book can be a full time job in itself, but if you do it right, it will make selling your book easier.
I have given you the most important three steps towards a career in writing—positive thinking, keeping your ego in check, and alternate solutions. Now go for it!
Abigail Keam is the author of “Death By A HoneyBee” and “Death By Drowning”. Both books were listed as Finalists on the USA BOOK NEWS “Best Book List 2011”. Her website is www.abigailkeam.com
Reader Comments (2)
The person who says it cannot be done should not get in the way of the person doing it!
Good post, Abigail. I did what you did. I wrote my first book, published it, and then let my friends and family know what I'd done. It quickly became clear to me who approved and who didn't -- who to pay attention to in the future and who to give a nice smile and "Hi!" to and quickly move on from there.