If a farmer wants to grow wheat, he has to prepare his field, plant the seed, then irrigate it throughout the season. After that, he has to trust in God that there will be a good growing season. Any number of bad things can happen: a hailstorm, pests, weeds, etc. At the end of the season, his work bears fruit. There is always an abundance. Part of it the farmer sells for profit, part of it he uses to feed his family, and part of it he lays aside for the next season.
This law applies to writing as well.
- Learn the craft. Take college courses, read books, attend lectures and conventions and workshops, etc.
- Join a writer’s group.
- Set goals as a writer. Vow to write a certain word-count within a certain amount of time, and to finish a certain amount of stories.
- Build a network of contacts within the industry. Attend conventions and become a contributor within the community.
- Build a following within a community of readers so that you can generate interest.
- Trust in God.
The whole process is pretty much an act of faith.
Something that keeps me motivated me are the words to The Climb, by Miley Cyrus. This is an awesome song, and it has a powerful lesson for anyone at any stage in life.
There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
