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I wish someone had told me that the first books only started the writer’s journey. The real work of craft and soul would come in the miles to follow.
Of course, someone did tell me they believed in me, and that made a world of difference…
Ummm… This assignment might be the hardest yet! I have let my writing skills be on the back shelf for a LONG time. Most of what you said isn’t new… just review. Can I have an alternate assignment? LOL…
Thank you for this week. I am inspired and I am moving some things OFF THE SHELF so that writing can return to the forefront! WHOOT!
I am with you Tara. Time to jump start this writing career isn’t it?
Seeing that I am with Tara and have put writing in the background for so long, I don’t really have anything to say. I loved what you said the other day about everybody thinking they have a book in them. It was eye opening, to say the least. If I truly believe that I have a book in me then it is time to stop dreaming and start doing. I don’t think anything is more important than writing right now for me. God is, but he gave me the talent and I need to use it to glorify him. I need to stop burying it in the tyranny of the everyday and start living the life that God intended!
1. I wish someone would have told me that I had to build a platform and become competent in social media.
2. I wish someone had told me about the instability of print books and the rapidly changing publishing scene.
I don’t know if you’re taking questions yet (or if you ever will!), or whether you will cover this question in the future, but how in the world do you go about finding an agent once you have a book actually written?
1. There is no secret to becoming a famous successful writer. Nobody can tell you how to do that.
2. If you want to write a book, write anywhere, anyway you can. Don’t waste time just dreaming.
Elizabeth, It is amazing to find out that a writer has to wear so many hats. Social media will continue to grow in its uses, and a platform and getting your words out to the world is a huge function. And we all just thought it was to see friends’ pictures.
Hi Elizabeth – as Margaret suggests in her 4th point above, going to Conferences is one of the best ways for meeting agents. Nothing can beat the face to face contact.
Ian
How do I get into a writer’s group in the N. Texas area (Dallas/Ft. Worth)?
Have you tried googling one? That would be the best–search online.
1. I wish I had known that writer’s conferences are worth the money when you find the one that fits you – good to know!
2. I wish I knew about the changing face of publishing; that is such invaluable information!
Kathy, Mary DeMuth and two of her close friends have a monthly manuscript group in Rockwall, the Rockwall Christian Writer’s Group. Here is a link to their blog page: http://rcwg.blogspot.com/. I haven’t attended in a while, but I can say with certainty that it’s a solid group. Good luck!
I am new to writing. I thank you for the information you provided in todays Boot Camp. It reinforces the steps that I have recently taken to get more information on writing. I belong to a writer’s group, but am not sure it is the right one for the type of writing I enjoy doing. So I decided it was time to go to a writer’s conference to get help with my writing and hopefully connect with a different writers group. I will attend my first conference next month. I have also been thinking about starting a blog. So your information is leading me in the direction that it is time to start blogging. Your Boot Camp is a God send for me. Thank you for your valuable information and honesty.
1) I need to prioritize establishing a platform and what exactly MY platform should be – more listening to the Lord and wise counsel.
2) I need to be diligent about getting to a writers conference, climbing out of my occaisional writing for a purpose and catch the vision/dream of what it really looks like put feet to floor and dance with the words I have been given.
Ditto. For me, the first couple of books were just about learning the basic lessons of publishing.
1. Getting published is like a 16 year old boy band getting discovered by sending their home made tape to big time recording studios. It doesn’t happen often…and when it does it is either glorious or they become a one hit wonder.
2. You can actually live off of writing.