It’s not easy to write.
There are many things to work past. There is the fear of failure, the fear of ridicule, and the fear of rejection.
Just ask Stephen King.
Just ask JK Rowling.
After working past the first two fears, their first books were rejected by more than a dozen publishers.
Was it the style? Was it the story? Their minds must have been full of a million and one questions. They carried on.
How many ideas have been thought and never been written? How much has been written and never been read? How much has never been read because it was never published?
We live in a social digital age where anything can bloom, boom and go viral. Anyone can author anything. Push button publishing is alive and well.
Even still, after working past all the fear, there’s plenty of work.
Writing everyday isn’t easy, but it’s the life of a writer. Whether you are weaving a 1000-page story to be published in hardback or pasting ideas together for a 300 word blog post, writing isn’t for the faint of heart.
So, what is the difference between a professional writer and an amateur?
Is it how many times you’ve been published? How many read your posts? How much money you’ve earned writing?
None of the above.
Richard Bach said:
A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.
That is all. That is the only difference.
I believe there are a lot of you who frequent the 8BIT Network that have amazing posts brewing inside of you, ideas and insights waiting to burst out! Some of you have commented on my posts and I’ve thought, “They could have written a better post!”
I do not consider myself a professional, yet. I don’t believe I’ve traveled down the written road long enough, but I know I am on the right path.
Phil says
I’ve been writing since jr. high, and the best advice I ever received was this: never stop writing. If you want to write a good post, write. If you want to write a good book, just write. The more you write (and incidentally, the more you read) your writing will improve.
Eric Dye says
So, VERY true!!!
Calvin Koepke says
Interesting post. Funny too, cause I just about thought I would give up on my post; that is, before I read this. Now, I guess I just couldn’t possibly do that.
Appreciate the motivator boost!
-Calvin
Eric Dye says
Go Calvin!
Graham says
I’m getting there. I’m starting by trying to have one “meaningful” post per week. Not ready, nor do I have the time right now to do one per day. I love that quote though. A professional is an amateur who didn’t quit. Gives me courage.
Eric Dye says
A post per week is great! Keep it up!!!
Laurinda says
Love the Richard Bach quote. I’m getting there.
Eric Dye says
Through the test of time, right?
Mark Kakkuri says
Great encouragement … Just two cents more: Professional writers are also voracious readers.
Eric Dye says
Good cents.
🙂
Chris Ames says
Eric, this is terrific. Srsly.
Eric Dye says
Thank you. Seriously.