Author: Joshua Roots

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The Rule of Firsts writing

The Rule of Firsts

A fellow AWer made a post this morning that reminded me of a conversation I had with my father when I was starting my previous career.  He told me about The Rule of Firsts:

“The first day is the hardest, but the next isn’t as bad.  The first week is the hardest, but the next one is much easier.  Then the first month.  Then the first year.  Focus on getting through that ‘first’ and you’ll be fine.”

Same applies to writing.  The first MS is a huge learning experience, but your second is a lot easier because you’ve learned how to create characters, develop a plot, smooth pacing, exercise your voice,etc.  And since you’ve actually completed something, it’s not as daunting to do it again.  Short stories, flash fiction, writing prompts, etc, all help develop the skills.

This is where tenacity plays a role in writing.  Accept that the first manuscript is the hardest and get through it. The first submission to an agent/publisher (and subsequently the first rejection) is also painful, yet necessary hills to climb.  Few writers make it big on their first try.  Maybe you’ll get published and maybe you won’t, but quitting before you overcome a hurdle guarantees the latter.  Be tenacious and remember that each milestone is a huge step forward to the end goal.  All you need is to get past that first.

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titles writing

Are You a Writer?

Last month I attended a writing conference and found myself in a conversation with a lady who works for a literary review journal. 

“So are you a writer?” she asked.

I laughed.  “That’s like asking if I’m a golfer.  I own clubs and love to play, but I don’t consider myself a golfer.” 

Same applies to writing, at least for me. Writers are people who do this thing daily, have a voice in the literary world, and maybe make some money in the process.  They weave intricate stories with complex, compelling characters.  Their novels are impossible to put down.  Classifying myself in the same category just seems wrong.

At the same time, however, I consider myself a beekeeper because I own and work hives, yet I don’t make a living off the honey.  It’s a hobby (correction: a backyard science!), but I proudly display the small certificate for completing the local club’s beekeeping course. When people ask, “Are you a beekeeper?”, I answer with an emphatic, “Yes!”

So that got me thinking: what is the definition of a writer?  Do you have to earn a living, or at least have something published, in order to wear the title?  Or is simply the love/passion for writing enough to allow the average would-be-author to proudly call themselves “A Writer”? 

What say you?  Are you a writer?

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