When I first began attending writing classes and lectures, I always wanted to know how the speaker got started. With that in mind, I’ll share my personal experiences along with some advice. Writing takes commitment like a marriage, so I’ll describe the different stages of writing with that in mind.

By the way, I don’t have a college degree and I didn’t know anyone in the writing business to get me started. So there’s hope for all of you out there like me. That is, if you learn the craft (take writing classes, attend writer’s conferences, read books, etc.), write on a regular basis and never give up.

The Honeymoon Phase

In a marriage, the honeymoon period is a blissful time; a time of joy, excitement, passion and discovery. Writing is the same way.

In 1984, I registered for a writing class. I wrote in my journal, “It’s exciting. I might not get anything published, but at least I’m taking a step in the right direction of fulfilling a dream.” The class was only for six weeks, but when the teacher told us about another class, I signed up.

In 1986, I finally got up the nerve to send off a manuscript and got my first rejection. Swallowed my pride and sent it to the next magazine. During the next couple years I finished a correspondence course and started a novel. After a few more rejections I became discouraged, but kept submitting my stories to magazines.

A month later my first short story was accepted for publication in a small literary magazine and published in 1990. Later that year, I sold an article I had written for one my college classes to a regional parenting magazine. The following year, I sold an anecdote to Woman’s World – my first national publication.

ADVICE: Enjoy this period of optimism and free-flowing creativity as you learn to write. Of course, passion and excitement aren’t enough. Schedule time to write on a regular basis and begin submitting your work. Use a copy of Writer’s Market for names, addresses and requirements. Check websites or write for writer’s guidelines and sample issues. Do your homework and study the markets you’re interested in. Then enjoy the thrilling moments of success whatever form it takes.

Writing is definitely a rollercoaster ride. When things get tough, and they will, don’t forget the “honeymoon period” that started your love affair with writing. Keep a bulletin board with clippings, acceptance letters and even encouraging rejection letters to help you remember early accomplishments.

The Marriage

Alas, the honeymoon period inevitably ends and the day-to-day life as a writer begins.

After the excitement of being published a few times, I hit a dry spell the next two years. By 1992 I didn’t know how many more rejections slips I could stand. Things finally changed when I was notified that a short story was going to be published in the March 1993 issue of True Romance. In May of that same year, my sons’ elementary school was looking for a new editor for their school newspaper. I volunteered for the position and taught an after school journalism class.

I had five articles published in 1994. Encouraged, I bought a used computer, learned WordPerfect, purchased a four-drawer file cabinet and got organized. A year later, I decided to write full-time.

Although my work was being published more than ever, it wasn’t enough to provide a living. Writing as a hobby was different; it was a thrill just to get published. But as a business, writing was frustrating. I was forced to temp as a receptionist at a hotel chain to make ends meet – a job I hated. Some days were spent crying in frustration and I swore off writing – not for the first or last time – but still didn’t give up.

The following year, things turned around. I started a small desktop publishing business, several more of my articles were published, a literary agent agreed to represent my first novel and the publisher of a well-known children’s magazine asked if I’d be interested in an editor’s job (for various reasons I declined, but what an ego booster!).

ADVICE: The publishing world can be frustrating. Some editors don’t answer queries. Smaller magazines pay on publication, not acceptance, which often means waiting months or even a year for payment. A few editors hold articles for possible publication for months then send a standard rejection letter. And regardless of how many times a writer publishes, rejection is part of the business. If you allow these setbacks to discourage you to the point of quitting, you’ll never experience the rewards that may be just around the corner.

As I learned the hard way, don’t quit your daytime job before you have a steady income. On the other hand, be prepared not to give up and “divorce” yourself from writing at the first sign of trouble.

First Baby

Writing a book is compared to giving birth for good reasons. The labor process brings joy and pain in both cases. Taking care of a baby and writing a book requires time, energy, dedication, commitment and sacrifices. A child, as well as a book, reflects your personality, beliefs, values and humor.

In 1996, we moved to Washington state. My agent was still trying to find a publisher for my first novel. I received both encouraging (“I am sincere when I say that I believe Julie is a talented story teller, and I found all her characters to be distinct and likable, however….”) and critical (“I found some of the dialog rather stilted”) rejection letters. Now I knew what it felt like to have a novel reviewed. Not easy!

Meanwhile, I began sending a proposal for a non-fiction book about building energy efficient steel homes to book publishers. McGraw Hill called and said they were interested. In April 1997, my co-author and I received final approval, received a $5000.00 advance and a six-month deadline. The work was overwhelming, but we did it.

ADVICE: Just as a parent, you shouldn’t hold anything back. However, because you put so much of yourself into a book, the pain of rejection is far greater than with a short story or article. This is a good time to develop a thick skin. Pay attention when an editor takes time to point out flaws instead of sending a standard rejection letter. Editors aren’t always right, but don’t automatically assume they’re wrong either, especially if more than one notes a particular weakness.

As with a child, be patient and don’t give up on this long and arduous, but in the end, satisfying journey. And remember, you may chafe when a teacher comments on ways your child can improve at school, but you do well to listen. The same applies to writing.

Spicing Up The Marriage

Just like a married couple, writers can get into a rut. Although developing a niche is a good idea, don’t be afraid to try new things.

While waiting for my non-fiction book to be published, I needed a steady income and applied for a newspaper reporter job. When the editor called me for an interview, I was scared since I didn’t have any newspaper experience. However, the bulk of writing and tighter deadlines improved my writing and working with other reporters and interesting people I met on interviews made it worthwhile.

To give you another example, after writing primarily for children and parenting magazines, I began writing articles about a steel and insulated block building system for construction magazines. These articles paid well and, as mentioned before, eventually led to the publication of a non-fiction book on the same subject.

ADVICE: Rewarding experiences often result when you face your fears. If you feel ambivalent about writing, maybe it’s time to try something different. As in a marriage, change can be exciting.

Settling In For the Long Haulg Into Marriage For The Long Haul

If you’re truly a writer, even with all the ups and downs, rejections, self-doubts and writer’s block, the relationship with words is a permanent one. You’ll return to your true love. As with a marriage, over the years you learn what works and what doesn’t.

Something I’ve learned recently: In a marriage, your home should be a place of serenity. My office, which has been only functional in the past, is now an inspiration. Sure, you can write at the kitchen table, but this place invites me to come in and enjoy the simple satisfaction and joy of writing. Even if you only have a corner of a room, make it a pleasant and comfortable space.

JULIE A. GORGES

On Writing