Preparing Yourself for the Future

a QuikPost™

Writers are, by nature, optimists. Now, before you close the app and say, “Maurice, has lost his mind. He has no idea what he’s talking about. Everyone knows that life is just a series of traumatic travails until the lights go off.” Hear me out, please. To want to create anything is an act of optimism. To produce a work of art is both human and one of the ultimate acts of faith.

In today’s short post—the first of the New Year!—let’s think about what it means to write prose and poetry, but also what you must do to prepare yourself for a successful writing life.

If you’re still reading this, then congratulations, you’re almost certainly an optimist. You have created writing in the past, and you seek to create more in the future. But perhaps you feel like the journey is harder than it should be. Maybe you feel lost. Perhaps you feel blocked.

I was talking to a student a little while ago and he said something wise that he’d heard from the world of cognitive behavioral therapy: when you want to change, consider what kind of person you need to become in order to change into the person you envision.

I’ve said in this newsletter before that any book requires that you turn yourself into the person capable of creating that book. You want to write a richly detailed historical novel? Do some research. You want to make a darkly funny romance? Fall in love with someone you think wouldn’t give you the time of day and get their attention via your lighting quick wit and large heart.  

If you’re reading this either you want to write a book, publish a book, or write and publish another book. I have the privilege of knowing some of the most talented writers alive today. So many times, they’ve said something that I try to keep at top of mind: never stop learning.

I have seen prize winning writers in craft classes I’ve taught. I know writers who read craft books religiously. I’ve witnessed award recipients return to school for a degree in a new genre.

Here, at the dawn of 2023, if you feel unsure, under-resourced, or confused, now is the time to take positive steps. Go back to school. If you can’t spend the money or time, take some classes. Learn more about a topic that’s of particular interest. Find mentors and peers who love writing as much as you do. In other words, invest in yourself. And investment in yourself is never a bad idea. Indeed, it is also an act of hope.

Be on the lookout for tomorrow’s post! It our first interview of the year with brilliant debut author Jamila Minnicks.

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