Although I don’t remember the first thing I ever wrote, I do remember getting hooked on the writing thing at a young age. I wrote several dramatic short stories, and I even submitted one to a publisher when I was about 11 years old. (It got rejected. Boo.)
The goal of getting a book deal from a traditional publisher has spurred much of my writing in recent years, but I haven’t yet achieved that goal. I’ve learned there’s no formula I can follow to make this dream come true. I’ve also learned a few other important things about writing that I want to share with you:
1. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Other Writers
It’s really easy to be anxious, especially as writers who want the world to read our writing and wonder what might happen if the world doesn’t have the chance to do that. But truth be told, we often focus more on winning the comparison game than on actually writing well. Think about the kinds of questions you ask yourself about your writing. Are the questions about just you and your writing? Or are the questions based on other people and how you compare to them?
Examine your priorities and see where your heart for writing lies. Do you aim to be a better writer? Or do you simply aim to be a better writer than _____ [fill in the blank with the name of a specific writer]?” We’re all on different writing journeys, so the last thing a writer should be is anxious! Instead of worrying that you’re “behind,” let God lead you at the pace that’s best.
2. View Personal Experience as a Writing Tool
No one else has had the exact same life experiences that you’ve had. Even people who have shared in your life experiences don’t view them the exact same way that you do. That’s precisely why you need to use your unique experiences and unique perspective in your writing!
Relatable, transparent stories can really encourage readers and remind them that they’re not alone. I realize there’s not as much room for sharing relatable, transparent stories in fiction writing, but try incorporating those from a third-person perspective. Be willing to open up in your writing, even if you’re using fictional characters to live out your life experiences.
3. Find Inspiration from Songs, Books, and Movies
I’ve cried during lots of movies in recent years. One in particular comes to mind. When I watched Lyle, Lyle Crocodile (which is a movie based on a children’s book), I couldn’t help but tear up when Lyle the crocodile was taken from his family and transported to the zoo. It was devastating.
But you know what makes for really good writing? Emotion. And we often experience our strongest emotions as we consume other people’s content. Whether you’re listening to music, reading a novel, or watching a movie, you probably feel at least one emotion—maybe happiness, sadness, or anger. Emotions can inspire great writing, so don’t be afraid to feel when you read books, watch movies, or listen to music.
Closing Thoughts
I’ve spent many years stressing about writing, and it’s honestly draining. If you genuinely want to grow as a writer, know that faith is your friend. Shift your focus from “Will I ever be a successful writer?” to “Am I trusting God to open doors and doing my best to grow as a writer?” God knows exactly what you need, so trust Him.
And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. (Luke 12:22-31 NASB1995)
This post was originally published here.
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