Six things I've learned as a struggling writer

Deciding to be a writer is just about one of the dumbest things you could ever do. There are no guarantees with anything. You could write the best damn book in the world and if you can't get it in the hands of the right people, it means nothing.

The writing process is filled with sleep deprivation, heartache, and the struggle to learn what is good writing. I've had my fair share of rejections, setbacks, and manuscript rewrites.
So here are a few of the things I've learned that may help you on your journey:

1. Don't just start writing a novel. Start by teaching yourself the elements of a book, and learn how to write well first. Write short stories before attempting a novel. Teaching your self the basics beforehand will save a lot of time during the editing process.

2. Editing is harder than writing. You've completed your manuscript and you're super proud of yourself, and you should be. But don't start celebrating yet because the hard work has just begun. Edit, then edit again, and then edit just a bit more. Get rid of those cliches. Round out those characters. Make that small town feel real. It takes work, but once you get it right, it's worth it. 

3. Read and write everyday. Now I know what you're thinking, if I'm writing and editing all the time how could I possibly have time to read? Well you better find the time, because without reading you won't have the tools to know what makes good writing. Read across genres and read books on writing, like The Elements of Style and Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark. And you know to write everyday because that's how you get better, it's how you hone your craft. You won't get better if you don't practice. And if you think your writing's already good enough, it's probably shit. 

4. Share your writing with fellow writers. If you write in a vacuum, you won't get better. You can't see everything that's wrong with your writing, and close friends and family can't either. Meet other writers through workshops or by joining a critique group. It might be uncomfortable at first, but it will teach you to handle criticism. Everyone has room for improvement.

5. There will be rejection. Get used to that idea. Let that sink in, and know that there will be many people who don't like what you've written, or who would have done it differently. Fuck those people. This is where belief in yourself becomes crucial. If someone offers some constructive criticism, then by all means listen, but if they're just saying that what you've written isn't right for them or they simply don't like it, then cry for a bit, and move on. Get over it as quickly as possible because there's more work to be done and lots more rejection to be had. 

6. Never give up. This is your dream, and even though it's a stupid, completely unrealistic dream, there exists something in you that wants to write. Don't deny that part of yourself, feed it as often as you can and just keep hoping for the best. That big publishing contract isn't out there for everyone, but that doesn't mean it isn't out there for you. Work hard and it could happen. You just have to keep trying.

Love,

Kris

Growing Pains

Growing up is hard to do, and over the last few years I've been struggling to keep up with the rest of my generation. I'm in my mid-twenties and for me adulthood has been a major adjustment -- both good and bad. I've struggled in my career, and that alone has me feeling like I'm one step behind everyone else.

I often set high expectations for myself, too high in fact. And while I did well in school and at university I had a difficult time finding a job after college. It took months, four months exactly before I landed my first job working in IT as a communications specialist for a major corporation.

It wasn't long before I realized I hated the job and wanted to quit, but I don't believe in quitting so I stuck it out until I was laid off only 10 months in to the job. I found myself on the job hunt again, landed a PR position at a healthcare company and was laid off again after working there for a little over a year.

So it seems that things just haven't worked out for me. I should throw in the towel, admit that I've failed at life and crawl in to a hole and die, right? Fuck that I will make my own way. I took matters in to my own hands and started writing books during that first corporate IT job. I've written four so far all unpublished, but I hope that changes soon.

My unsuccessful career in corporate America has taught me a few things:

Don't define yourself by what you do because it will leave you feeling empty.
Don't dedicate your life to a job.
Don't expect anyone to look out for you or your career.
Don't assume that just because you land a job you will be happy there.
Figure out what you love and do that because for some, corporate America can be a nightmare.

The 40-hour work week isn't for everyone. The monotony of the days can often be unbearable as once you're an adult everything starts to blend together like one big mural of time. I've learned to appreciate myself without my career path being set in stone. I've learned to value flexibility and to not worry so much about other's opinions because most people are fucking stupid unfortunately.

Through growing up, I've also learned that it's okay to ask for help, it's okay to admit your faults and to make mistakes. It's okay to be me, and I don't have to make excuses for myself.

But the most important thing that growing up has taught me thus far is that you have to live your life no matter what, and knock down anyone who's standing in your way.