You are not unique...

...and that is a good (or even great) thing!

Advice for New Writers, Part 1 (The Pep Talk)

I started writing because I wanted something I could not find enough of on the bookshelves (either physical or virtual). I took a leap and ended up in the deep end of writing my first novel and it was tough to get to the end. There were many moments when I was writing my first novel, where I wanted to quit. We all know what that inner critic sounds like.

"I will never be a good enough writer."

"That other author is much better than me."

"No one will ever read my book, let alone like it."

The biggest thing you have to remember is: If you are looking for something on the shelf and not finding it (or not finding enough of it), someone else is too. That is what I mean by "you are not unique"; what you want to read, what you want to write, someone will want to read it.

This reminder has helped me through many low points in my writing and publishing journey. It is all difficult: writing, editing, and being vulnerable to put your work out there. But if you want to read what you are writing, then it is important to keep going so you can share your story with other like like-minded individuals.

So, my advice: Keep going, your stories are important. That doesn't mean write every day, or even every week, but it does mean keep the stories alive and well in your head (and be sure to eventually get them on paper).