by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

It seems everyone wants to be a writer—or that’s what they say. When you mention you’re a writer or a published author, what you hear is, “I’ve always wanted to write a book.” They say there’s a book in all of us, but the line in the sand is how badly those “wishers” want.

The answer is most only wish, but for those who “want,” becoming a published author is a true dream. For the record, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a dream. Again, the line in the sand is how badly you want that dream.

I doubt very few authors don’t have a story about one person or another trying to squash their dream. For me, a high school guidance counselor laughed in my face before telling me writing was a hobby. “You can’t make a living with a hobby.” Sadly, I believed him. He was my high school guidance counselor—didn’t that mean he knew what he was talking about? Short answer. Nope!

Writing is just as much a dream as any other chosen profession. One can make it a hobby, but for the most part, if you put the work in, get the training you need, and be persistent, you’ll achieve the dream.

It’s important to remember that following your dream of being a writer has great value. You’ve first made a decision, and that’s a biggy for many. If you allow yourself to step into the writing world, and by that, I mean begin to write, you’ll quickly see there are different areas of writing you can pursue.

Once you’ve decided to write, the hard part comes around again—making another decision. What do you want to write? So, let me say this about that! Let me offer some of my best learned advice for becoming a writer. Are you ready? Here goes—experience it all.

You may say, excuse me. What does that mean? And I’m happy to oblige. What I mean is when you enter this wonderful world of writing, don’t be stifled by what you think (or worse yet, what others think) you should write. So many fail because they never choose the right path to start with. Let’s touch base on some of those paths.

• Dabble in everything – When you first begin your writing journey, take time to dabble. Introduce yourself to different genres. Find the spots that interest you and try your hand. Writing is unlike college, where they demand you claim your major right out of the gate. You may love romance (notice the play on words there), but you may not enjoy writing romance. You might enjoy snuffing out a well-laid mystery, but plotting one may not be in your wheelhouse. That’s why it’s okay to dabble. Try children’s writing, explore devotions, give a novel a shot, or fire up your desire to write non-fiction. Try articles, plays, and even screenplays. There’s a whole world of genres to explore. Before you block yourself into a corner, dabble! Learn. Try. Experience. I guarantee you’ll land someplace you didn’t expect and fall head over heels for that genre.
• Do not believe the world’s view on writing – Don’t even go there. The world is so far behind that it hasn’t figured out we have writers for a reason. So, when someone tells you there is nothing for you in writing, remind them that they read the newspaper, labels, directions, and recipes. They read everything. Duh! Someone has to write that stuff. It just doesn’t pop out of nowhere. Can you see the lie of the world? Please do not believe it. Your dream has great value and worth. Sometimes, you can’t believe your peers! I was a couple of years behind my writing peers when I began my writing journey. We laughed and had a blast, but they didn’t include me in their critique groups or inner circle. The word through the grapevine was, “She’s just not ready.” I’m sure that was true. I’d only just begun to write, but those words drove a stake through my self-confidence. Looking back over the years, it’s evident whose career has been long-lasting. You can’t believe the world. Who you do believe is the Father who gifted you.
• Do not give up – If you get a rejection, stand up and rejoice! That means you’re on your way. Think of a rejection like a toddler learning to walk. They stand, take a step, and then plop down on their padded backside. It’s the same here (minus the padded diaper). You learn, submit, and plop down with a rejection. The difference between a baby and many new or unpublished writers is that a baby gets up and tries again. And again. And again until they master that first step. After that, they practice, and the steps get easier. Before you know it, those little scutters are running. Writers have to do the same thing. Practice, fail. Practice. Fail. Until…success! Giving up is not an option. And just so you know, the average writer does not come into a traditional contract for 5-8 years into their writing career (we exclude self-publishing here). The point is, you don’t quit. You keep working until you succeed.
• Don’t rush – Take your time and learn the craft of writing. You won’t succeed until you know the craft. Get with it. Study, read, practice. Listen to those who’ve already treaded the rocky path. Learn the craft and learn it correctly.
• Believe in yourself – There’s really not much that I can expound on here. You have to believe in yourself. It’s just a step in the process.
• Contests are not the be-all, end-all – They aren’t. Enter. Learning to place your work out for critique and judging is scary but, oh, so beneficial. Remember, writing is subjective. But entering and not winning is just as crucial as entering and winning. It means you tried. That is what counts. Winning is nice, but learning to lose is an essential life lesson and proof that writing takes practice.
• Pray and trust – Last but not least, pray and trust in the Father who has gifted you this desire to write. Don’t put words or paths in His way. Step to the side and let God take the lead. When you do, step to the side and trust He will make a unique and wonderful way for you.

As conference time approaches, keep the dream alive. Do not throw in the towel because it didn’t prove to be what YOU thought it would. Ask yourself, am I a wisher or a wanter? I hope you’re a wanter!

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us, as well as www.inspireafire.com. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning, best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com or www.wramsforwriters.com.