Writer's Dream

How many of us has had a dream of writing a best-selling book, but get stuck on the "what if's"  ?   What I mean is,  what if I can't write a book good enough for any publishing company who will accept it?   What if I get sued by someone who thinks I'm making sooooo  much money off my book that they want some of it? 

I'm thinking I have alot of company on this one.  Am I wrong? 

Dear Third Generation,

Having so much financial success that people want to sue you might be a nice problem to have (though maybe we should check in with Oprah about that).

Published authors often advise aspiring writers not to worry about what will happen to a book while you're writing it, and I think that's helpful (even if it can be hard to follow sometimes!). One of my favorite articles on the importance of getting through a first draft is "Write a first draft to find your story" by John Dufresne. (It appeared in the September 2007 issue of The Writer.) In it, he says:

Trust in the writing process. It may take you on tangents, lead you astray more than once; it might cost you reams of paper and days of your time, but none of it is wasted. All the work you put in on one story is put in on all the stories you'll ever write. In the first draft, rely on spontaneity, trust in inspiration, follow your accidents. ... The purpose of the first draft is not to get it right, but to get it written.

Dufresne's article addresses fiction writers, but I think it really speaks to writers of all genres. If you're interested in writing a novel, I also highly recommend his most recent book, Is Life Like This?: A Guide to Writing Your First Novel in Six Months.

Hope this helps!

Sarah

Sarah C. Lange, associate editor, The Writer

Hello Third Generation,

I am pretty much in the exact same position you are. It is one of my life's goals to write a best-seller, and have it adapted into a movie. I am plagued by thoughts of self doubt every day, but I push them away because I know I have to persevere if I am to achieve my goal. If writing is truly your passion, you have what it takes to make it. Jus't don't give up on your self or your abilities.

As for the suing thing, don't worry about it. There is nothing anybody can do unless you do something to provoke it. If people just sue you randomly because they want your money, they will be exposed and all will be fine again.

My Work: http://dubbedpublications.com/mattgannon/

Unfortunately, I didn't start a subscription to The Writer's magazine until about a year ago.  I think maybe I should consider sending for a back issue.  Anyway, thank you both for your input.  I will not give up on my writing - it is, afterall, my "calling"  so to speak.  My cousin gave me some good advice a while back - just write, don't worry about what people will think.  As long as you are honest about your story, who really cares.  I keep thinking about what she said, and that does keep me going.  Don't worry, nobody will scare me away from accomplishing my destiny.        I'm a pretty tough cookie.

Your cousin's advice was spot-on. Good luck with your book!

Sarah C. Lange, associate editor, The Writer

Thanks Sarah,

I think the best advice is sometimes so simple.  I can be the type of person who thinks some things have to be more difficult than they actually are - big mistake on my part.  I guess maybe I'm a perfectionist when it comes to, say, my writing, for instance.   I keep reminding myself to use the KISS method -  Keep It Simple Silly.   

(Also, thanks for wishing me luck on my book)   

I understand where you're coming from. I'm a recovering perfectionist myself. :)

Be sure to keep in touch and let us know how your writing is going!

Sarah C. Lange, associate editor, The Writer

I will let you know.  Thanks