The Different Drummer

One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that we’re all different people. We live lives that are separate and unique onto ourselves. We share things with other people, of course, but we’re still who we are

Unique and special.

I’ve always been terribly suspicious when someone, no matter who they are, or what their motives are, tries to tell other people how they should live, what they should do, and how they should do it.

Especially when it comes to something as creative as writing. Yes, there are what you could call “rules” or, what I like to think of more as guidelines, when it comes to writing, especially fiction. There are things we should know about craft as it relates to story structure, character creation, dialogue, writing scenes, etc.

But when it comes to what we write, how we write, when we write, how often we write, how long it takes us to write, whatever, that is going to be unique to that individual.

We should all listen to the beat of our own hearts, to that drumbeat of the different drummer. Follow what is true for us and not for someone else. There’s nothing wrong with seeking and taking advice, but always be sure it’s the right advice for you.

If you want to write a book in a month or a week or a day, go ahead. If that’s what you want to do. If you want to take a year, two years, five years to write your book, that’s fine too.

Do what’s right for you.

I read somewhere that the hardest battle anyone will ever have to fight in their lifetime is the battle to be themselves.

I truly believe that one of the keys to becoming a successful writer is being yourself. Not letting anyone, no matter how well-meaning they may be, try and change you into something you’re not.

Not only will it be a tragedy for you, if that should happen, but a tragedy for us, your potential readers.