This week I saw something along the lines of the following statement posted in an author group on Facebook:
“I’m almost 75% of the way through my first complete novel. I’ve noticed that while I was in a state of creative flow previously, lately it’s starting to feel a lot more like work.”
The writer of this post then went on to express concern regarding this state of affairs.
I wasn’t surprised to read the post. As a writing coach, I see and hear statements like this one all of the time. It expresses a common sentiment to which many aspiring authors can relate.
Unfortunately, it also contains two complete falsehoods that it is important to acknowledge.
Misconception #1: “I am 75% of the way through my first novel”
This statement is incorrect.
The person who posted the message thought they were 75% of the way through their novel.
They were actually 75% of the way through the first draft of their first novel.
Following the completion of that first draft, the writer will need write a second draft, and then a third draft… and probably more drafts after that. The writer will also want to engage beta readers at some point, which will result in more drafts. Then a copy editor will get in there and work their magic, resulting in a draft a proofreader will go over, resulting in… another draft.
And when the author finally declares their manuscript done, that’s when the real work of writing a synopsis, querying agents and publishers, or learning how to self-publish in a professional manner will kick into high gear.
Along with all of the work related to the paths of publication, the author will also need to development and implement of a marketing strategy and book launch plan, as well as a marketing campaign to continue the sales momentum in the months following the release of the book.
All of which is to say, this author isn’t 75% of the way through the job of creating a book. Not even close. They have barely even started.
Once you understand the long and difficult journey a book takes from the first draft to finally reaching the hands of readers, it becomes obvious enthusiasm alone could never carry a writer through an entire project.
Enthusiasm and flow states come and go like the wind, and cannot be relied on as the foundation for any sort of writing and publishing success.
When enthusiasm inevitably wanes and the going gets tough, it’s time to rely on work ethic, grit, sacrifice, persistence, focused effort, and productive habits. Those are the essential behaviors and beliefs that will help you bring your book into the world, not enthusiasm.
About 75% of the way through a first draft is just about as far as enthusiasm can be expected to take any writer.
Misconception #2 – “Writing is starting to feel like hard work,” so something must be wrong
Writing so often feels like hard work because… writing IS hard work.
Whoever said writing a book was going to be easy? It’s not.
Writing a book is an emotionally and cognitively demanding process that is unavoidably time-consuming, even for the swiftest of writers. It’s an art form that relies on a collection of skills almost no one is taught, and which few actually seek out proper training for due to the societal myth of the genius author inspired by the muse.
Many aspiring authors misconstrue the undeniable fact that writing a book is a profoundly rewarding experience with a belief that the creative process itself should always be a fun and easy experience.
This is completely wrong.
As with most things in life, writing books is rewarding specifically because it is so damn difficult to do well.
Writing a book can be exhausting. It can be painful. It can be confusing and lonely. This is our work, and, as I have said before, it’s not easy. But it’s worth it.
If you are 75% of the way through a first draft and it’s starting to feel like hard work, that’s great. That’s the process. You are in it.
Now keep writing.
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