Every author, whether a seasoned writing “veteran” or brand new to the process of creating new written composition, thinks deeply about not only what he or she may have already put on paper, but also about what he or she wants to say further … and how to say it. Most authors with whom I have dealt write a lot, and desire to, and then can momentarily begin to question if their writing is “good” enough, makes the grade, and really says what the author desires to express to the author’s satisfaction.
Sometimes this questioning is labeled as “second guessing,” and self-doubt or wondering about capability and the value of contributions seem to be part of any worthwhile evaluation process. To some degree these “stop and weigh what I’ve done” moments can be needed and may be beneficial. A key of course is to enter any evaluation process without falling victim unnecessarily to stopping altogether, blaming “writer’s block,” or succumbing to feelings of “this is too hard,” or “I can’t do this.”
No one ever said that writing great material is or should be “easy.” Although sometimes writers surprise themselves and their audiences by turning out quality products in less time than they ever thought possible, generally writing is an energy consumer. And, as referenced in a prior blog, sometimes the whole task is just plain hard work.
Authors, who contribute well, look toward the final admirable goals of providing superior communication and reaching their target audiences with solid material. They may face challenges, great or small, consistently. But this is where resilience and strength come into play if they pursue and don’t stop … if they never quit when the going gets hard. These committed people try harder and take additional time in concerted efforts to “get it done and get it done right.”
What is required here? Well, first, a growing belief … in one’s ability, content, and in completing an end goal because passion and perseverance prove the worth of the enterprise. The more specific an author makes the end game then generally the more reason exists to complete the process “no matter what.”
Distractions, all kinds, will ever be present as will so-called “reasons” to not begin, or to stop and start, sometimes frustratingly so. Distractions never cease, because they are part of living. But an author chooses on a consistent basis to diminish and handle distractions, or at least relegate them to a proper place, because usually they are not as important as what needs to be said which forms the central motive an author employs from the outset of starting any writing project.
I am often fond of saying, “Be encouraged.” Let’s face it: sometimes, if you are an author, you will write material that simply “works” and at other times you won’t. That’s reality. However, reality also exists or can be found in maximum efforts necessitated in creating exactly what you want to say in the ways you want to say it.
Is writing worth it? Or can it be? The answer is absolutely “yes” if you, as an author, truly believe in yourself and your message.
One more thought: evaluation of one’s writing can and should be a part of the effort to improve and communicate better. There is nothing wrong in that kind of evaluation as long as it is accomplished with integrity of thought, and humility of spirit. Ever author’s quality work must be birthed from the desire to express truth and the willingness to listen and weigh good and constructive input from others who desire to help the author win. Hence the need for editors and formatters with whom Creative Team Publishing works. They are dedicated to helping an author achieve what is truly desired.
It’s a journey many take. Be encouraged if you are one of those who do. Let’s see what you can produce!