Am I too young? Do I know enough about the ways of the world? Do I know enough about God? Am I too young to write about God? Am I too inexperienced to channel my own pain and suffering into characters who have never lived? Am I putting too much of myself into my work? Will I find my writing too immature a year from now? Two years? Ten? Am I too young?
What if nobody likes it? What if I've pushed the envelope too far? What if I haven't pushed it far enough? What if it has already been done by somebody else? What if the darkness alienates my fans? What if the blood and death offend them? What if I am labeled a heretic; a fool? What if people think there is something wrong with me? What if they think I'm demented? What if I am?
What if this is an important stepping stone on my journey as an author?
What if my writing brings people hope?
What if people love it and can't wait for more?
What if?
Wrong Questions. If writing is your passion, then those doubts will have you thinking about every word you write; and it will come through in your writing. Trust yourself and your instincts. You already have one book published and very few people can say that. I mean, what if Stephen King gave up and taught high-school for 30 years. Instead he wrote and wrote. First small successes and then overnight $350,000 for his first book. And he started writing in his early high-school years. Write for yourself, keep going, and you will get better. Like anything else, it is a matter of hard work and commitment. TMF
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you're asking these questions shows you care a lot about what you do, and that means something. Caring, and working hard, and being conscientious, is what will make you a success. I haven't read your book, so I don't know how good it is, but the fact that you're thoughtful and think deeply will enable you to be the writer you're meant to be.
ReplyDeleteMaybe your book is fantastic - I don't know. Maybe you're an amazing writer now. All I know is you can only do your best, and can only be at the level you are now. Are you too young? I don't think age is what matters. Young people have written great books - older people have written horrible books. All you can do is be true to yourself, and trust that God will lead you to where he wants you to be. God is happy with you, because you're trying.
Some people will hate your work - some will love it. Don't take negative reviews, even lengthy, detailed negative reviews, as an indication of what your work is actually like. Just listen to yourself, and God. You'll be fine. You care, and that's what matters.
Thanks, Mona
Thanks, Mona!
Delete