So you want to be an author. It’s not going to be easy. The road that you’re going to take is full of obstacles. But if you really want to succeed, then for sure you’ll be able to overcome all hindrances. Here are some useful tips for aspiring authors who want to get started in their careers.
Tell your story
A writer must be able to tell his own story, no matter how embarrassing it is. Honesty and openness are two of the most important qualities of any author. Some aspiring writers don’t like to tell their stories because they’re afraid that they’ll get judged. In fact, even experienced authors are worried that they’ll get judged. It’s a natural feeling but it’s a feeling you must overcome if you truly want to succeed. One of the things that readers are looking for in a piece of writing is authenticity. Your readers will know if you are not being true to them. So stop worrying if people will judge and start worrying instead of being honest enough.
Learn how to deal with writers’ block
There are times when you’ll struggle to get anything out of your head. This happens to any writer. Even the best ones. It’s perfectly alright to experience writers’ block. What’s not okay is to get stuck. When you experience writers’ block do everything you can to get out of that state. Force yourself to write if you need to. What will come out from you will most likely be garbage but that’s alright. Let the garbage out. Eventually, when the block is released, you’ll be able to start writing decent materials again. Don’t let writers’ block be an excuse for you to not produce anything.
Act like a pro
If you want to be a professional author then you need to start acting like one. Try to learn the habits of some of your favorite authors and then develop these habits. For example, some authors try to write at least 2,000 words per day. Then you should try to do the same. If you’re trying to write a book, then set artificial deadlines on yourself and work as if a publisher is breathing behind your back. Have a dedicated place in your home for your writing. Most writers have one because they value their craft. Start acting like a pro and you’ll soon be one.
Do not fear failure
You will fail. That’s the truth. A publisher will reject you. An editor will berate you. Readers will call your work garbage. All of these will most likely happen. So the best thing to do is to fail as fast you can. Do not fear failure. The worst thing that could happen to any aspiring author is to become paralyzed because of fear of failure. This is why there are many writers who have not finished their books. Failure is a part of life. Everybody fails. Everybody falls. The important thing is to get up every time you fall.
Lisa is a lifestyle article writer for a local newspaper. Aside from that, she is part-time English teacher on a high school. She also speaks at seminars and workshops. She is currently living with her husband and two kids.