Finding Guidance as a New Writer

Deciding to be a writer can be a very daunting experience. You are making the choice to pursue your dreams without a guarantee that it will work out or that you’ll have any support. But you have a passion: you love what you do and you want to see your dream come true. Welcome! You’re not alone. Ironically, even though we’re not the only ones taking this major step in our lives, it does feel like we are alone. We don’t know what we’re doing and we don’t know anyone personally whose done this before who can give us direction. We may look up to novelists and authors for guidance, but often we’re seeing them at the height of their success. You’re left wondering how you’ll ever get from where you are now to where they’re at.

I think it’s important for new writers to find the origin stories of other writers in order to gain a realistic perspective on the path to becoming a professional writer. For instance, when I found out that Stephenie Meyer had very little writing experience before writing her debut novel Twilight I was shocked. Of course, you can argue that her books aren’t very good, but they are successful and she’s proud of them. It gave me the perspective that to be a writer you don’t have to have a specific profile. You don’t have to be someone who studied literature or got a MFA. You also don’t have to be someone who has written several projects. You just have to believe in something—to believe in yourself.

A month ago I discovered indie novelist Sarra Cannon, also known as Heart Breathings on YouTube. I found her videos on how to write a novel to be incredibly helpful. However, it was her “How I Changed My Own Life || A Decade in Review” video that gave me the most insight into being a writer. In this video, Cannon talks candidly and honestly about how she turned her life around to live the life she’s dreamed of as a full-time writer. Cannon describes how she overcame difficult hardships and fully embraced her hearts desires to change the course of her life. Her message of following your inner voice, and to stop making choices out of fear, really resonated with me. Before I decided to pursue writing professionally, I had chosen a safe career path as a social worker. I always wanted to be a writer, but was so afraid of pursuing it. I had so many doubts: am I any good? Can I really make money from writing? Could I even be a full-time writer? I just couldn’t believe that I could do it. But I hit a point in my life where I was so afraid and unhappy that I remember telling myself “If this is all that I can accomplish out of fear, imagine what I can accomplish out of love.” That’s when I decided to walk away from social work and pursue a writing career seriously. Cannon’s video was a reassuring message from the universe. As if it to say, “I know you can’t see it now, but know you’re on the right path.”

What all of these stories helped me realize is that our paths are unique to us. What happens, when it happens and how will be unique to who we are and the lessons we must learn. My path to being a published writer is still ongoing. When I doubt myself, my pace, my path, I like to turn to other writers to remind myself that I am not alone and that it is possible to achieve what I want. It also helps me challenge whatever distorted thoughts or beliefs I have that work as barriers to achieving my goals. So, when you find yourself feeling alone and uncertain about your decision to be a writer, take a look at the origin stories of the writers you admire and look up to for guidance and reassurance.

What writers have helped you feel inspired, seen or heard? Tell me about in the comments below.

Hi! Shantal here. I’m a writer and a storyteller. I created Shantal Writes to share my experiences with writing fiction. I also provide new writers with tips, tools, and writing advice. I hope you find something helpful while you’re here!