If You Don’t Write That Book, Someone Else Will

My bio isn't like most writers. When I was a kid, I didn't read a lot of books because my face was always buried in a Tiger Beat magazine. I didn't want to be a writer; I wanted to be a photographer. Writing found me on a slow day at work. Next to my full course load, I also worked full-time at a photography studio.

One day, I pulled out a notebook and started writing, which would turn into my first published book on photography. When I received my first royalty check, I couldn't believe it. I was afraid to cash the check in case it bounced. When the check cleared, I decided that I wanted to write full-time. It would be later in life that I would learn about writer's block, rejection and the fear of failure.

The hardest part of being a writer is not writing the book; it's having the confidence that your work is "good enough." Once I made writing a priority, it was time to take it seriously. I knew I needed help. I subscribed to three major writing magazines; I purchased every writing book I could afford, attended writers' conferences and submitted short stories to any contest I could find.

Back then, the Internet was just a blip on the radar. I wasn't bombarded with information at every click like writers are today. Now, a new writer could easily get discouraged with all the information available. New writers are dealing with the roadblock of where to turn for expert advice and lack of self-confidence. Those two things can stall any writer's career unless she learns how to break through the walls.

Where does a new writer begin? The resources I used when I started are still considered the best today. The three magazines I read regularly were Writer's Digest, The Writer and WRITERS' Journal. For books on writing, visit the Writer's Digest website and click on "Shop." Check out ShawGuides for a list of conferences around the world. Start simple with a few resources and then branch out once you've established yourself.

Now that you have the resources, you're probably wondering about fear. When will it go away? Will it go away? That could take another article, but for starters, remind yourself that if you don't write that book that's been on your mind, chances are someone else will. Why allow someone else the pleasure of sharing your story with the world when it's your story?

Fear usually comes from striving to be perfect. To be the perfect author. To write the perfect book. Life will never be perfect. The book you write will never be perfect. Striving for perfection will only slow you down. Instead of waiting for the perfect day to write the perfect book, start today and write that imperfect book. Once those walls come down, you'll wonder why you were so afraid before. Nothing is in your way except yourself. Now go write that book before someone else does.