On A Roll

I like this visual reminder of what my life has become since my decision to return to writing.  I used to be busy with every day things.  My job, raising my son, and hanging out with my friends consumed my daylight hours.  But last year the voices in my head started to get louder and louder.  Stories waiting to be written filled my mind and demanded I pay attention to them.

So I took my first steps...and promptly fell down.  What I quickly realized while I was down there was that writing has changed over the years.  I only THOUGHT I knew what it took to be a writer.  It's so much more than just throwing some words on a piece of paper and calling it a story.  Writing involves developing skills, nourishing talent, and having the determination to succeed despite the many obstacles lying before you.

Those who don't take the necessary time and effort to work on the foundation of their writing will quickly find themselves rolling out of control.  There's a reason there are so many books about the art of writing on the market.  Go read some of them!  Search out the workshops, conferences, and critique groups to help improve your writing.  Writers weren't born in a bubble and shouldn't think they are all alone on that hill.

Being on a roll can also mean rolling uphill.  This past year of writing has made me a strong believer in the two steps forward, one step back theory.  For most writers, that path to publication is slow going and mostly uphill.  Submissions fly out the window to parts unknown and rejection letters knock the door.   Writers have to believe in themselves, in their ability to create something that no one else can...and then have the strength to do whatever it takes to let the world in on their secret.

One day that writer will wake up and realize, "Hey, I'm on a roll!"  The revisions aren't as hard to do any more.  There are some acceptance letters to go along with the rejection ones and things begin to look up. Don't stop now!  Always be on the look out for those opportunities to improve your writing.  Take classes on technique, go on writing retreats,  surround yourself with strong writers like yourself so that the positive energy will continue to lift you up and push you along that road to a successful writing career.

Soon you will discover that being on a roll can be fun!