10 Things I Wish I had Known by Michelle Sutton
1. That major back pain and numerous trips to the chiropractor or massage therapist may be required after typing for several days in a row.
2. That an ergonomic chair and desk is essential to tame/reduce the burning sensation in your shoulders and back.
3. That you really DO need to read books on writing if you want to write something good enough to actually sell.
4. That every time I had a great idea I’d want to write a book about it, and that my creativity level would shoot through the roof.
5. That “normals” who don’t write really don’t want to hear about my writing endeavors.
6. That at times your spouse and/or kids may become insanely jealous and accuse you of loving a plastic box with a hard drive and a hard head more than them just because you are “on a roll” with developing your story and on a writing streak.
7. That while you understand that rejection isn’t a personal attack, it still hurts to have your “baby” not appreciated by the reader/editor like your friends/family appreciate it.
8. That I’d have to constantly educate people that writing a book and getting published (and having the book on the shelf) does not happen in a 3 to 6 months timeframe.
9. That sometimes listening to people who critique but aren’t published themselves can actually hinder your creativity and your chances of getting published, so you need know when to listen and when to toss their feedback aside.
10. That it takes years to perfect the craft and even experienced writers have their weaknesses, so it’s okay for my writing to not be perfect in rough draft form as well.
Michelle Sutton
“Writing truth into fiction”
Great Beginnings finalist 2005
writer/book reviewer – check out my latest reviews by going to my blog! http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
www.michellesutton.net
I can identify with Michelle, except I don’t read books on writing. I pick up hints from writers I admire. I also listen to the advice of others. As far as tuning the world out when you’re on a roll, having a sore back and shoulds (and neck and headach) and needing a proper chair, yeah, I can identify. Michelle is going to be one of the top Christian writers just as soon as a publisher realizes the talent that she has. This gal is one terric person, Christian and writer. I’m proud to know her.
Michelle, are you SURE normal people don’t want to hear me talk about writing.
Uh oh, I didn’t think those peopel were actually RUNNING AWAY! I just thought they’d remembered something urgent.
Mary