Beneath a Writer’s Mantle
If you’re reading these lines, you must already know that I have deleted several paragraphs that were presumably too good beforehand, but I didn’t feel they were accurate. That’s how a skilled writer knows what to publish or not. After a few long boring sentences, I feel prepared enough that my words will flow more naturally and honestly to create correctly. I suppose we are never satisfied with our writings. Anytime I read my essays or stories, I believe I could have done them better. Maybe there was no more reliable redaction, but an authentic writer is constantly looking for something better. Some of the best writing is done when authors are unsatisfied with their work.
06:00 AM
It’s 6 AM on my laptop and the sixth cigarette of this package. Counting and staring at the clock often urges me to concentrate and move my fingers. I don’t know what might help you, but I’ll write this article based on my personal expertise as the most straightforward virtual written communication I have ever done as a published novelist. I’ll be indeed transparent and honest over the writer’s obstacles and feelings I’ve had to work through while I’ve been wearing the writer’s mantle for quite a while. On the other hand, if you’re not occupied in writing, you’ll sense being into a writer’s world for a few beats.
What kind of writer are you?
“Writing is your pleasure? Those fantasies won’t get you paid!”
I’ve heard these expressions from my mother loudly throughout the house anytime she caught me writing instead of studying. How could I explain to her how it feels to be a writer? It’s the cursed blessing I have, and it was not even my decision!
It’s crucial to distinguish the two dispositions of writers. There’s the type of born writers and the other group that become writers thanks to ongoing efforts and self-development. Some great authors have publicized their life of bright careers or heartbreaking tragedies. These writers have read a lot to express their happenings, closing to original characters as much as possible. The aforementioned is not my case. I relate to the first group, which still holds the crown of writers as creators. Those who feel their holy ability in daily thoughts, mood shifts, and social behavior.
07:30 PM
Walking out of the office while the sunset caresses my face, I can sense what’s arising. I’m entering my private circuit, shielded by an airy invisible aura of freedom and distancing myself from this dimension I’m living in. I might appear perfectly normal marching with my earphones on, but just like a serial killer targeting in daily light, I’m hunting some inspiration.
All I require is a new beat, a delightful soundtrack, or inspiring music, and I’m out of the routine of car horns in the traffic jam. Standing on the bus and watching people’s profiles marks my eyesight differently. Their sad, lost eyes get shaped in my mind. Someone keeps arguing passionately on the phone while a few seats further, a young couple stares at each other as nothing else exists around them. I know you witness these people likewise. Yet I perceive the essence of that moment, to understand how they feel, what’s seemingly disturbing them, and place my following fiction situation, plausibly on a bus. If they greet me, I can’t smile them back. I don’t feel capable of socializing in the minutes I’m craving for some strange, enchanting muse.
Once I’m off the bus, I keep walking on my ghostly bubble portraying characters and inventing situations for my next story. My eyes might be looking at the red sign of traffic lights, but believe me when I say at that moment, I envision a heartbreaking scene beneath a grayish rainy Paris. Moreover, there I face a poor kid in old clothes begging for some coins. I see a broken person whose growth is over before starting. I feel blessed to possess a laptop and create.
Meantime, that unfortunate kid could be a more extraordinary writer than me, yet he was hungry enough not to think about being talented. After giving him some money, I asked him for his life. That little boy was my next hero.
While thinking about him till I noticed someone else resting on a bench. The older woman held her posture so nobly, enjoying the peaceful composition of the lake. I moved closer, and I sat alongside her. I could sense her loneliness as soon as she started talking to me. Behind her life’s confession, I got inspired by all the messages I heard. I would not write her story, but my inspiration is always looking for unique histories. Undoubtedly, as a writer, I am constantly open to listening to the most outlandish fairytale ever.
Furthermore, she asks about me. Time for my story. Time to leave!
I am conscious of resembling arrogance, self-centeredness, and mystery, but there’s how a writer indeed behaves. That’s what leads to the following myth:
“Authors are introverted characters who simply read and write.”
Truth speaking, a writer’s work process demands patience, courage, determination, freedom, deep thinking, and it’s highly preferred to be left alone. Any other assignment requires a group of workers, while creativity is different. An introverted person can merely be a writer. An authentic author needs to perceive how complex characters think, feel, act, and take these revelations from mates or casual personages who’d be willing to share their stories. An extrovert might be an exceptional writer too. An intermediate tone is an ideal solution for an author. According to the reading statement, that’s highly overrated. I’ve met amazing authors who barely read just a few classics. Reading is essential to acquire and enrich your vocabulary, yet there is a thin line between learning and copying. Assure yourself that you will not replicate an impressive paragraph, statement, or literary structure.
11:00 PM
Yes, I don’t want to go home. True! Afterward, getting sufficiently excited on a walk around the city, I feel safe in my bright invisible bubble. I felt inspired to write rather than tired after long walking hours. Consequently, after a bath and a delicious dinner, I started typing almost at midnight.
A writer never stops creating. We need some time to prepare privately for the following topics. It’s crucial to recognize that you and I will never be full writers. Creativity goes on endlessly. New methods have evolved, and society is constantly expanding. Old souls will not satisfy infinitely, so we need to readjust ourselves to the new era we’re existing. I can’t write solely about what occurred in the ’90s, can I?
I’m never getting enough in learning autonomously. I’ve chosen not to rely on the following myth:
“The essence of what you create is much more important than writing it correctly.”
Of course, the main idea is what matters, but make a difference by becoming a grammar expert on what you write. Editors are imperative because a well-written book demands syntactic accuracy. You can learn the composition of the sentences and so much more. Additionally, to an exceptional writer, terms and concepts are sacred. We truly need to master synonyms and definitions, plus apply them sarcastically by flowing within the lines. Like in every other business aspect, understanding and representing your product as a real expert will spare you money.
Moreover, it will provide a comprehensive shape to your sky-high standards. You will feel enormously proud of your writings if you correctly fulfill them. Seldom, when brand-new writers send me their articles, their grammar errors hurt my eyes, missing the sparkle of giving a maximum valuation regardless of its masterpiece with a distinctive voice. Editors are used to studying unique works with critical grammatical mistakes, but you don’t have to be the succeeding one they’ll consider as an analphabet writer. Someone might judge it as a profound narcissism. I call it professionalism!
01:00 AM
I was sensing the efforts of my body at my burning eyes. Sometimes being passionate about something drags us into not minding our wellness. I ignored the time, and I also considered not working in the morning. I had to sleep. If you can’t write two pages within one day, it doesn’t indicate you are not a valid author. It means you were out of motivation, and that is acceptable.
Don’t consider the: “Practice brings inspiration!”
Practice brings frustration! You heard that right. Sometimes we’re so low-spirited that we don’t even aspire to get out of bed, so not writing for a couple of days is okay. From time to time, your composition needs some space. Reading an article after a few days will serve you to realize what’s missing in it. Let your work, your soul, and your mind recuperate freely! You don’t need to pursue a program rigorously. A good plan benefits sitting and working, but if you can’t write even after some boring paragraphs, an inspirational library desk, or calm music, you should go for a walk and leave the pressure behind. The excellent point about writing is not having a deadline. We try to set a finish date to conclude our project, but it’s vital to concede that deadlines aren’t always helpful. Writers are frequently moody! If something is not right, it’s not valid, and you’ll know it. Likewise, you’ll sense when you are in a genuine writing vibe, but you’re simply procrastinating. Those moments, you should never skip your working time!
07:00 AM
Awaking with dark circles around my eyes is not the first time, and it won’t be the last for sure. Nevertheless, I was blissfully confident getting ready for work. That morning was a disaster, but my dark entrance and cold greetings were regular for my colleagues.
I had many situations from my book to ask my friends at the office. I was often afraid of how daring my fantasy could be. Writing the chapter and questioning numerous people how they would behave in a particular situation turned out to be the most outstanding amusement in my artistic conception process. I have been doing this for the last five years. Explaining the exact reason for my topic made them feel importantly honored, just like part of my book, so they provided reliable responses. Their acknowledgments eased my characters in resembling real life. So this is my uppermost scheme while penning a fiction novel. These people will be your readers, so their feedback is your writing grade.
I was in peace with myself, of not letting go of my inspiration the night before. I would relate it to the sense of a kid who happily ended all the homework. I did accomplish my assignment last night. A unique voice is what makes you and me writers. When that one calls, we must answer. One day, that kid I gave some coins might read my work and blend himself with the characters I’ve outlined. Somebody will need our unique masterwork eternally, but writers do not write to get read. A real-born writer will create even if no one will ever read his masterpiece.
Writers write because they are meant to write!
Our ability’s the only pat on our chest that we should light up our cigarette and start typewriting.
What to foresee when you aspire to be a writer?
Analysis.
No writer in the world can make me believe they are not estimating my sentences. Of course, you are! You are a writer. If you don’t read this article with more qualified expert terms, a friendlier tone, or a customized technique, then something is not right in you. A writer is in love with words, so reading for us is not as easy as acquiring information about a specific topic. It’s mainly about a critical reflection of wherewith you would have drafted this article differently.
Feedback.
Looking for objective feedback will look like deep market inquiry within people. Even famous writers won’t be frank with a newbie. Some will feel bad providing negative feedback, and others will not take the trouble to advise you appropriately. Of course, the internet is helpful, but digital information can also be a nice lightning bubble that can suddenly get perforated. If you are a new writer with a gem in your hands, your next priority is not getting published but obtaining professional feedback from editors. Sorry, Paid Professional Editors. If you spend on their work, they will be straightforward with you.
Obstacles.
I’ve concluded that real experiences reported by writers are almost unlikely to find online. Or at least, occurrences from writers from third world countries whose efforts are multiplied. It starts with not composing in their native language, finding and establishing an agreement with a trustworthy agent to sell the manuscript, furthermore combining the physical attendance of competitions. Not everything operates smoothly online.
Competition.
You’ll have to handle the saddest truth. Advertised books might be pretty good, but not all the books that get published are worthy. Your book might be the next masterpiece in literature’s heritage as a classic to forthcoming generations, but still, you may not even get published. Never get compared, and don’t get disheartened. Write because you feel writing.
Money.
Should I raise another list of pros and cons of this indispensable factor in our careers? Unfortunately, it makes a difference in creative business too. Attending writing classes on online academies is possible, licensed, and enjoyable, but it’s still not for free. Online tutorials might be advantageous, but still, you should choose wisely from whom you should take advice. Funding for a professional editor is a necessity. Financing for a good book cover is an additional plus. Getting self-published online is risky. This process requires a monetary investment too. Some special events require traveling, and so far, I haven’t booked an airplane ticket for free.
Dedication.
Time is fundamental! You will have to sacrifice hours of healthy sleep. I know you love writing, but circumstances will not be on your side most of the time. Books have been deemed a hobby. People, family, and friends, even yourself, will influence you to prefer a well-paid occupation. You’ll have to make an objective settlement. Impersonal routes are the right ones but not always the happiest paths.
So, no matter what, do not quit from what the Universe blessed you!