Writing Isn't Pretty

Alright. I’m just going to jump right into it.

I’ve been writing since I was about 12 or 13 years old and it has not gotten any easier.

The process of writing isn't always pretty, hence the title. People who take their writing seriously can understand where I’m coming from. Taking an idea from conception to a full-blown published novel for the entire world to read is really scary. It’s a daunting task; one that will make people want to curl into a ball, hide under the covers, and never come out.

Take it from someone who, as of today has not published one title, that this shit is stressful.

The daunting task of publishing a book is much, much more difficult than what people realize. But, as a new author, I have to take my imaginary hat off and give props to those who do it full-time. I, too, hope to one day hang up my regular 9-to-5 in exchange for endless days and nights getting lost in the world of fiction and the variety characters vying for attention in my mind.

There are nights where I can’t sleep because all I can see are characters in my mind, fighting to the front of the line, begging for their story to be put on paper. Being an equal opportunist, I’ve actually made attempts to get their stories out all at once.

Needless to say, it was one big clusterfuck. (If cursing offends you, you’re in the wrong place.)

But, writing is my passion. It’s what I KNOW God put me here to do. It’s the gift He gave me that I’m meant to share with the world. So, if sleepless nights and sixteen rounds of editing will get me closer to my dream, then sign me up.

Writing is and will always be my first love and as long as I have breath, I will continue to do so.

A lot of us, myself included, sometimes want everything to come to us without honestly having to sacrifice or work hard for it. But do you really value something that took zero effort to get?

I know I don’t.

It’s taken time – lots and lots of time – for me to understand how much more satisfying reaching your goals can be once you’ve gone through the process.

Even if you’re not an author like myself, this applies to you also. If you dream of being a baker, lawyer, jewelry designer, wherever your passion lies. Stay strong. Push through. And if you ever doubt yourself, just leap.

“You’ve got to jump off the cliff and build your wings on the way down.”

– Ray Bradbury

Trust the process. Trust your skills. Trust your passion.

Trust yourself.