After my first book Beautiful: beauty tips for the soul was published, my family asked me when the next book was coming out.
‘What do you mean?’ I asked. ‘I’ve just published a book, I’m happy.’
‘We think you’ve got a few more in you,’ they said.
I’d always wanted to be an author. I’d written a book. What more did they want from me?
Fifteen years later, I’m working on book number eight.
I’m thankful my family kept asking the question, ‘When is your next book coming out?’ because it spurred me to pursue a writing career.
I’ve learned a lot about writing, and about myself, in the process. Here are some of the lessons:
- I have more than one book in me
I realise now that the feeling of accomplishment when I finished my first book came from thinking of writing as a hobby. It was on my bucket list, I’d said what I wanted to say and it was time to move on to something else.
Over time, I realised that I had more in me. I also moved on to fiction after my first two books. I’ve published three YA novels of a five-part series. I also have plans for two other novels and another non-fiction book.
Writing is more than a bucket list item for me—it’s a vocation.
2. The writing flows out of me, but editing is hard work
Writing is easy for me. Give me a topic, a pen and paper and fifteen minutes and I’ll write something for you.
When it comes to editing— that’s where the hard work begins. Critiquing, editing and polishing a manuscript takes months or years of work before it is presentable to others. You need to have a great critique partner/group and an objective editor.
I’ve had a few critique partners, and each one has contributed greatly to the development of my work. Iola from Christian Editing Services http://christianediting.co.nz was an incredible help with my last three novels.
3. When you finish the book, you have to let it go
Once you’ve written your book, it goes into the hands of other people. For example, an editor will pick up, not only grammatical errors but also structural errors in your manuscript. You have to take the comments on board—even if some of your precious sentences are cut to shreds or she tells you parts of the story don’t make sense.
After rewriting and polishing, the manuscript then goes off to be designed and printed.
By the time you get a copy of the book, you may be sick of it—in fact, you’ve probably moved on to the next one. Then the reader gets hold of it and they make the book their own.
4. Your book will never be perfect.
I see mistakes in every book I’ve written. I cringe at some of the things I wrote in my Beautiful books. (They are over ten years old.) I’ve grown and developed as a person and a writer since then.
You just have to accept it, improve your writing in the next one and move on. (Or edit the reprint!)
Writing is like washing windows in the sun. With every attempt to perfect clarity you make a new smear. James Richardson
5. I’m not good at selling.
Authors have to do so much marketing now. Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, Amazon and so on take up a lot of our time. We also have to do author talks, book launches, and create a buzz about our writing—whether we are traditionally or indie published.
I’m not good at asking people for anything—particularly anything for my advantage. That’s why belonging to a writing community and promoting others’ books, encouraging others in their work, and sharing reviews is so key.
I found I’m more comfortable with friendship and community promotion rather than self-promotion or networking. Relationships are where it’s at.
6. It feels good to create something
Holding a book that you’ve written feels good. When you see your book on a shelf in a bookstore, or online, there’s a thrill that leaps in your heart.
‘I did it! I wrote a book!’
Each one of us has gifts and talents. Using them to create has a positive and powerful effect on our souls. We’re doing what we were created for.
7. I like being alone and writing
Writing is a solitary pursuit. When I’m sitting in my library, in an airport, on a plane or in a café by myself and immersed in my scribbling, I lose track of time. I get sore fingers and get lost in the world of my characters or a sea of ideas.
8. I can’t do it alone
The paradox of being a writer is that you need to be alone, yet you need others. I need my critique partners, editors, designers, website managers, booksellers, distributors and others to be a part of my team, otherwise, I wouldn’t ever be able to publish my books.
9. All that reading pays off
Ever since I can remember, I have loved books. I remember books rather than toys from my childhood. To paraphrase T.S. Elliot:
I have measured out my life with books.
I read widely and voraciously. All that reading seeps into your soul and imprints your brain with the love of words, characters that become real to us and the great meta-stories of our culture.
Stephen King says:
If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.
10. The work of a writer is never done.
So many ideas flow through my mind and fill scraps of paper and notebooks. I could be writing for the next twenty years and not run out of work to do.
The journey of learning is also never over. I am always looking for conferences to attend, articles to read, courses to complete, and books to read that will feed into my writing skills.
The learning journey is fun and, as long as my brain functions well into old age, one that I will enjoy for many years to come.
Thanks for sharing those tips, Elaine! Very insightful and helpful. I’ve found that similar to you, when I get alone with my notebook and pen or laptop, the words just flow!
I’ve also learned that I have a lot to say but I need to be in the right heads pace to write it so it makes sense, otherwise it’s just garble!!!
The right headspace is important for sure–in many different ways. The physical, emotional, and spiritual spaces we find ourselves in affects our writing for sure. 😊
Hello Elaine! Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom with us! It is inspiring to read of your experiences. For me, in my experience so far, I have learned that to be a writer, one simply has to write – that’s it! Although, at times, when I really feel that I have hit a wall, I may go for a long walk to think; or, reorganize my shelves; or, try to draw the fruit in my fruit bowl, etc…! Doing these things, alone, and in silence, seems to allow circuits in my mind and imagination to open up. I can then hear my inner voice guiding me. I also keep notebooks and pens handy in every room of my home…you never know when inspiration can strike!
Many thanks again, Elaine. It is so wonderful to “hear your voice”. XOX Isabelle
Hello Isabelle! Thank you for reading! Just write is a great motto. I think we all procrastinate and find other things to do. Having a notebook and pen in each room is another helpful tip.
I hope you are enjoying your summer. It’s so lovely to hear from you. xxxooo
All so very true. I actually enjoy the editing process. I find the opportunity to take my hot mess of a manuscript and mould it into something interesting, readable and enjoyable, thrilling. It’s hard work, for sure.
As for wishing to change things once your book comes out, I’ve just recently experienced this. My first picture book is coming out soon. I haven’t looked at the manuscript much in the last two years and I found myself wanting to remove whole sentences. And it’s because I’ve grown as a writer. I’ve had to let it go at this late stage as the illustrations are completed, and I wouldn’t do that to her.
Thank you for reading the post, Megan. Editing is an art in, and of itself, and can be very satisfying.
I look forward to hearing about your new book. I’m sure it’ll be wonderful. When does it come out? 😊
We plan to launch my book in October.
That’s exciting! Are you going to the Omega Conference in Sydney in October?
No. I’m not. One of these days I’d loved to attend one. Living with a chronic illness means it is a balancing act.
Thanks for sharing those tips, Elaine, and congratulations on all those books. I’m in the editing phase at the moment and it is a hard slog. But it’s so worth it. I can also relate to your comment about the importance of reading. I once had a client who’d written a book for a particular age group, but it seemed quite old-fashioned. I suggested she might like to go to the library and read some contemporary books in that genre, but she replied that she didn’t want to do that because she didn’t like the values in modern books. In one way I could see her point, but she was also missing out on all the good books in her genre that would have helped her to write better. I don’t think we ever stop learning. May God continue to bless all of your writing endeavours.
Thanks, Nola. I should have mentioned you as well in my editing paragraph. You’ve also been a great help and encouragement in that space.
I’m looking forward to seeing your book come out. One question, do you edit it yourself or is that a conflict of interests? 😊
Many blessings to you as you complete your book. ❤️
LOL – Thanks Elaine. Wasn’t expecting a mention. I had only a minor part. And yes, it certainly is different editing your own. I’m working through my publisher’s edits at the moment, so I’m seeing what I’ve put other people through 🙂 I don’t think we ever get off this learning curve, but it’s great to see those little steps towards the bigger project.
It’s great to see both sides of the process. It’ll make you both a better editor and writer. Win-win! 😊
Yes, all these things. I prefer the planning/researching and editing, especially the final edits when it is taking something already good and making it better. The initial writing is hard for me.
So much truth here, Elaine – thank you! I’ve learned a lot over these past years, including the importance of knowing your target audience and writing (& marketing) for them. Not every book will appeal to every reader, and we can do ourselves a disservice by constantly second guessing our work according to the latest review. Oh, and another important thing: keep backside in chair and get the first draft written – then you’ve got something to play with (aka edit!)
You’ve got two keys to success right here, Carolyn. The ‘backside in chair’ is the beginning and end! If you don’t have that draft, you don’t have anything. I think Bryce Courtenay called it ‘Bum Glue’. 😊
Thankyou Elaine, each and every one of those tips are so relevant anddddd so needed. Your voice is a voice for all writers because not only do you communicate information so well you inspire and encourage others enormously. I wouldn’t have a book in hand if it weren’t for you sharing your wealth of knowledge or your genuine cheerleading xTrace
Thanks for reading, Tracey! It’s a mutual admiration society, Tracey. Love you! ❤️
Hi Elaine. Thank you for sharing these fabulous gems. I’m currently going through a writing drought. Not certain when it will end, and the words will flow again. However this post has encouraged and inspired me. God bless.
Writing drought or hiatus? Maybe just see it as a break. Sometimes, we writers forget to take holidays from our work. Our stories are in our heads all the time and we need mental breaks to reignite our brains!
I’m sure you’ll write soon!
Thanks for reading! 😊
Hmm.. thank you, a lot of these tips apply for songwriting too.. having more then one song, not being too precious about editing it, letting go of mistakes once recorded :p people say I come alive through my songs sharing my life lessons.. Re promoting of your book, perhaps see it as sharing it cos some people need to read it, not that you are just promoting yourself 😉 God has given you a voice to share with the world! Haha, God has a sense of humor, most of my song ideas come to me in the shower :p The one closest to my heart is finding the community to be part of, I’ll keep praying about that..
agape,
Grace-yi
Thanks for reading, Grace. Your encouragement is always appreciated.
I can see your passion for songwriting and singing. 😊
See you soon! ❤️