Guest Post: Rev Up Your Mind by Kirsten McNeill

 

The hardest part about writing is to start writing! You would think I’d be constantly excited about writing. This is my livelihood and dream after all. Unfortunately, I’m full of excuses and fear, and I’m sure that goes for many others looking to accomplish a big task.

It’s easier than you think to make time to write. I’ll make excuses like “oh, I’m too tired” or “I have no time today.” Then, make time! The only thing getting in my way is myself and my fear. I’m afraid to start because I think my work will be bad.

All first drafts suck anyways, right? It’s better to have it done. That’s what editing is for. My fear controls me. It tells me that I’m not good enough and that I’ll never succeed. I haven’t tried yet, so it’s impossible for me to fail. All I have to do is come up with an idea and get my butt in gear.

I was watching a webinar once, and the person said that good writers make time to write. I don’t think “good” is an appropriate adjective here. Making time to work on your craft doesn’t have that strong of a correlation to your talent.

Sure, if you never write, you’ll never practice and get better. Sometimes, it’s hard to find motivation to work, though. That doesn’t make you a bad writer. It just means that you won’t get as much practice in as you may have wanted.

Day jobs, family, friends, and other responsibilities take up our time. I guess what the person from the webinar should have said was to make the most of the extra time you do have. Every bit counts, so when you don’t know what to do you should write.

Start typing, even if what you’re typing is complete garbage. You can always go back and change it later. Just get something on that page! That is my advice to myself and all the other struggling writers out there. Crush your fears and get your butt in gear.

Kirsten McNeill is an aspiring YA writer and hopes to change the world with the written word. She loves to create stories, play music, and read whenever she has the chance.

Kirsten’s website is www.theartisours.wordpress.com.
You can also find her at www.twitter.com/WorthInMusic, www.facebook.com/TheArtIsOurs, and
www.cornerhub.social/member/KirstenM