Imagine two chefs.
One is a world-class culinary ninja who has logged thousands of hours in the kitchen. The other, for the sake of this parable, is me, who has logged about 43 minutes.
We’re given the exact same recipe for pecan pie and as much baking time as we want.
Whose pie would you rather be served?
Here’s my point: it’s not about the recipe.
Oh, the recipe is important as far as it goes, but we all can taste the difference between an amateur chef and a master.
If you’ve been a writer for any length of time, you’ve heard the recipe for publication:
- brilliant concept
- massive platform
- amazing writing
So what happens is writers try really hard to create a book proposal that follows the recipe.
But it’s not about the recipe. It’s about becoming a master. It’s about improving your craft and building your platform over time. It’s about logging a lot of hours in your writing chair. These days, particularly with nonfiction, it’s about interacting with your audience long enough to know what they really need.
If you want to be an amazing chef, don’t stare at the recipe. Start cooking.
If you want to be an amazing writer, don’t stare at the proposal guidelines. Start writing.
The other thing that happens when I list the three publishing criteria is writers get depressed! Most of us can’t say we have a brilliant concept, massive platform, and amazing writing. We might have some or one of them, but few of us have all three.
The trick is to build practices into your life that help you stay the course.
When it comes to writing, the long view is the only view that matters. Shoot for sustainability. That is ultimately how we’re going to get better as writers and keep making progress.
What practices are you using to sustain yourself for the journey?
~~Tweetables~~
When it comes to writing, the long view is the only view that matters. <Tweet this!>
If you want to be an amazing writer, don’t stare at the proposal guidelines. Start writing. <Tweet this!>
Psssst: Writers, shoot for sustainability. Here’s why. <Tweet this!>
I just came across this again, Chad, and again I’m sharing it.
Thanks, Juli! Much appreciated.
Yes, guidelines can be paralyzing. Thanks for the encouragement to keep the course, steady as it goes. You had to mention pecan pie, didn’t you?
Well, it’s that time of year, right?! Love the stuff…. Thanks, Patti.
Thanks Chad this is very solid, encouraging, and helpful advice.
You’re welcome, Tim! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I hear you! What a great parable. It’s a freeing notion for me right now- to just sit and write. Cease striving. Simply produce. Not for the glory, but for the process. I’ve watched it play out in other bloggers, (seeing them grow a strong, consistent and relevant voice with time) and I’m learning to trust the process for myself. Appreciate your insight, as always.
Francie, that’s it! Keep on keeping on! The more we do it, the more determination will become second nature.
This is encouraging thank you! It’s so true. I’ve been writing publicly for about two years now. The hours mean something. I’ve learned to be more patient and forgiving with myself. When I’m frustrated I take some time to breath and do something else creative. Good things take time to cultivate.
Rest is so important on the writing journey. We need sabbath.