Last week we started discussing the writer's journey. I likened it to climbing up the side of a Colorado mountain. In my case, I had started on a path that began easily then got more difficult the longer I climbed.
I believe that the uphill climb is similar to writing.
I have a theory when it comes to pursuing publication: I believe that every writer can have a satisfying writing journey by following five guideposts along their way.
The first guidepost we discussed was the STOP sign and the significance of why you needed to stop before you began. Read that post here.
The guidepost we will consider this week is the One Way sign.
Commitment! You need to commit to the journey. It's too difficult of a climb if you're not all-in on the effort. If you're going to embark on the writer's journey, you have to persevere and keep going one way. Don't give up and turn back when the going gets rough because it will get rough.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Want a tip on how to keep moving forward? Be brave, and tell others about your commitment to pursuing publication. Once you declare your goal in statements to others, it makes the situation all that much more real.
Telling other people about your goal/dream also helps them to buy into your vision. After I told him I wanted to pursue publication, my husband partnered with me in praying and committing to my success. He pulled together an old PC and a discarded desk and created a writing space for me in my basement. He supported my efforts, even when it meant money out of the family budget to attend seminars, go to conferences, and purchase books on craft.
“Either you marry your work—take it seriously and do it every day—or date it, and write only when you feel like it, but know which you are doing and the repercussions of both.”~Anonymous
The only way to really satisfy yourself on this journey is to truly commit yourself to the task. I believe it’s better to try and fail then to never try and always wonder.
Ken MacLeod (a Scottish author) says, “The secret to becoming a writer is to write, write, and keep on writing.”
So, friends, write on and keep going one way!
Next Tuesday we'll discuss the third guidepost: winding road.