by Joann Hamann-Buchanan
Over the course of the last two years I embarked on a journey. I thought, I'm going to be a writer. I am going to write a book, become published and become a full time author. Boy did I have a lot to learn. What seemed like something as natural as putting shoes on had become something more difficult than I ever thought possible. Why did it have to be so hard?
I had been writing my entire life as a closet writer. What does that mean? Simple, I had been writing stories for myself without concern for things like grammar, point of view and oh the dreaded story flow. I had been writing the stories for myself without showing them to anyone. Why should it be so hard to write a story that others loved as much as I did?
Upon my first submission, I found I had a lot to learn. I needed to learn about formatting, story structure and the all dreaded grammar. I couldn't believe it-rejected. Like all others who start out, I had to rethink my whole view on writing and what it takes.
There was a lot to learn and relearn and even more to take in than I ever thought possible. Should I give up? Should I fade off into the distance like so many other people who have dreams and never achieve them? That was really not an option for me. So, what I did was simple, I kept going. I listened to other writers who made it. I learned from their critiques and the bloodied up pages that were sent back to me. In short-I kept going.
There were so many times when I wanted to say forget about it. I wanted to step back and disappear. The problem was my mind wouldn't let me. It wouldn't let the characters I created; fade off into the distance as nothing more than a pipe-dream that should have never crossed my heart. Finally, two years later, I have a publishing deal on a novella I wrote called Soulless Light. The story is about a young girl in the 1300's who is killed and takes out revenge on those who murdered not only her, but the love of her life. It was a fun write and I have to say she is one of my favorite characters ever.
Even though there were times when I wanted to give up, I knew I couldn't. That's the whole point of life. If you have a goal you can reach it with positive thinking and perseverance. There is a place for everyone on the planet no matter what you're trying to accomplish. You just have to be willing to listen and learn. It is only through the ability to learn that we are able to grow and accomplish what we set out to do. Remember that you are the one who has to believe it first. If you don't, why should anyone else?
This is the first of many novels I hope to have out there. It was without a doubt the hardest part of the journey so far. You all know the part I'm talking about. It's the part of getting someone, anyone who has a key to the gate, to let you in. Stay positive and never give up. That is how you make it to where you want to be. That's how you get the golden ticket to the show of your choice. In the end, it's up to you.
Over the course of the last two years I embarked on a journey. I thought, I'm going to be a writer. I am going to write a book, become published and become a full time author. Boy did I have a lot to learn. What seemed like something as natural as putting shoes on had become something more difficult than I ever thought possible. Why did it have to be so hard?
I had been writing my entire life as a closet writer. What does that mean? Simple, I had been writing stories for myself without concern for things like grammar, point of view and oh the dreaded story flow. I had been writing the stories for myself without showing them to anyone. Why should it be so hard to write a story that others loved as much as I did?Upon my first submission, I found I had a lot to learn. I needed to learn about formatting, story structure and the all dreaded grammar. I couldn't believe it-rejected. Like all others who start out, I had to rethink my whole view on writing and what it takes.
There was a lot to learn and relearn and even more to take in than I ever thought possible. Should I give up? Should I fade off into the distance like so many other people who have dreams and never achieve them? That was really not an option for me. So, what I did was simple, I kept going. I listened to other writers who made it. I learned from their critiques and the bloodied up pages that were sent back to me. In short-I kept going.
There were so many times when I wanted to say forget about it. I wanted to step back and disappear. The problem was my mind wouldn't let me. It wouldn't let the characters I created; fade off into the distance as nothing more than a pipe-dream that should have never crossed my heart. Finally, two years later, I have a publishing deal on a novella I wrote called Soulless Light. The story is about a young girl in the 1300's who is killed and takes out revenge on those who murdered not only her, but the love of her life. It was a fun write and I have to say she is one of my favorite characters ever.
Even though there were times when I wanted to give up, I knew I couldn't. That's the whole point of life. If you have a goal you can reach it with positive thinking and perseverance. There is a place for everyone on the planet no matter what you're trying to accomplish. You just have to be willing to listen and learn. It is only through the ability to learn that we are able to grow and accomplish what we set out to do. Remember that you are the one who has to believe it first. If you don't, why should anyone else?
This is the first of many novels I hope to have out there. It was without a doubt the hardest part of the journey so far. You all know the part I'm talking about. It's the part of getting someone, anyone who has a key to the gate, to let you in. Stay positive and never give up. That is how you make it to where you want to be. That's how you get the golden ticket to the show of your choice. In the end, it's up to you.
3 Comments:
Wow!
Nit surprised though. I'm sure you've heard the quote:
90% of life is just showing up. And of the remaining ten per cent, five per cent is getting started.
You seemed like from the beginning someone who wouldn't take no for an answer. That perseverance will surely carry you through the rest of your life. Keep moving forward.
Good for you!
--
Chris
Since I readed the secret, I always try to think in a positive way. I has given me grat results
Joanne, this could be my story. I went through and continue to go through the same steps your have and will to get my novels written, revised--and out there. I agree, so much depends on outlook and attitude,perseverance, and faith. Of course, you also have to love what you do. As Joyce Carol Oates says in her journal, "If it weren't for the satisfaction of writing as an end in itself, apart even from the money involved, I wouldn't advise anyone to write. Not at all." Later she says, "Why do you want to write if you really don't want to write?" Do it for the satisfaction and you'll never go wrong.
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