Dare you should—damned if you don’t
Writing might simmer in the novice writer’s subconscious, afraid to put words on a page, or perhaps a manuscript sits half-written or complete, but safely locked in a desk drawer or tucked away in the garage under a heap of stuff.
Are you that person?
Risk 1: Creative Exhilaration
Taking the first creative risk is writing the story or poem that dwells in the mind’s hinterland.
Then pursuing the idea through to completion is the time risk invested to get to ‘the end.’ This is the honeymoon period. Bliss reigns as a generous muse massages words
Risk 2: New Eyes on the Page
The most daunting risk is getting an extra pair of eyes to read those beloved, private words. This could go horribly wrong if fresh eyes are inclined to be super critical about EVERYTHING.
The novice writer is a sensitive soul in need of validation. A poor selection of new eyes could end a potentially stellar career. Then again, choosing new eyes as your significant other, carries the risk ramifications that over validates, or liberally criticises, and possibly risks ‘the end’ to the union!
New eyes on new words should be benevolent in first congratulating the timid scribe on getting that far, then comment on the story, and throw in a few suggestions, expectations, and gently draw attention to plot holes that might exist.
Risk 3: Who will edit?
Choosing an editor who is the right fit for a novice writer has its risks that could go either way. Choose wisely, ask and check out vetted individuals through organisations such as ALLi, or trusted fellow authors in finding the right match that assures writing longevity.
Nobody’s perfect
If a novice is averse to professional feedback then the red flag goes up, and it’s best to consider whether the risks taken to get this far will be worth risking much more, or if it’s time to hand in the pen.
To be a successful writer, lock ego in the desk drawer or stash it under the rubbish in the garage, or better still, scrub it out of existence.
It is imperative to observe and listen to the safe, knowledgeable advice of those who do it well and successfully so. This applies to anything in life. In publishing, it is necessary to do so.
Be authentic, be unique, but know the ropes.
Take risks with an open mind. Push boundaries but know when to ponder the road ahead.
The journey is not over yet, there is the risk of whether the general reading public will love or loathe a close to the heart piece of literature.
When fear is overcome, it steels the novice (for a while – NB creatives are sensitive beings) to continue dipping a toe into the world of writing and publishing.
Risk 4: Publishing
There are many ways to get your words out into the world, so carefully consider the risk of giving up all the rights of a creative endeavour that spanned many days and nights, the ultimate sacrifices made to get to the grand finale before the decision to hand over blood, sweat, tears, and other emotional hooks.
Protect your rights, know your rights.
Risk you must, for unheard stories to be told, leave your legacy — stories have value, but choose your tribe wisely.
George Orwell in his essay, Why I Write:
‘In our time, political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible.’
Best wishes, always!
Happy Reading, Happy Writing!
Where are you now in your writing dreams?
Please share, and leave a comment to help a fearful novice step out in the right writing shoes.
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