The last few blog posts have been on the heavier side, so I thought I’d lighten it up. I’ve talked a lot about the lows of writing on these pages, but we can’t forget about the good as well. Here is my personal list of the greatest feelings of writing (that I’ve experienced):
- That first published story. I was nineteen years old when my first story was published. It was a literary piece about domestic abuse involving the parents of a teenage driver that was killed in a late-night accident. The magazine no longer exists, and the title of the magazine escapes me. It was thrilling. Seven years would pass before I would publish another story.
- Eureka! That moment when inspiration strikes at a moment you weren’t expecting it. I often brainstorm for new story ideas when between projects. The process is simple: get a notebook, pen, and try to fill a page with ideas. That’s not what I’m referring to here, however. I’m talking about when a story idea hits you when you were least expecting it. It usually happens when my mind is preoccupied with something else. This might be my favorite moment because I’ve found these ideas are often better than the brainstorming variety.
- The excitement of starting a new story. There are few things like starting a new story, right? It could be the best story you’ve ever written. It could be the one to break out, making you a household name. The possibilities are endless.
- Finishing the first draft. It’s a great feeling, isn’t it? Obviously, the work is far from done, however, it’s good to celebrate achievements. Finishing the first draft definitely applies.
- Reading the first draft & realizing it’s good. The majority of my first drafts look like most writers, which is rough. That’s because the goal of a first draft is to get the story out of your brain and onto paper as quickly as possible. You can clean up the mess later, that’s what editing is for. Seeing the potential in a story through all the flaws is a good feeling.
- When a work-in-progress is turning out as you’d imagined it in your head. This doesn’t happen to me very often (probably because I’m a plantzer, rather than a full-fledged plotter, and the idea is fluid as I write), when it does, however, it’s rewarding. This happened with my middle-grade novel, Breaking Character.
- Finishing the final draft. This is the finish line, and it feels good to cross it. Of course, this might not be the true final version of your novel. This would be the step in the process where you would send it to an editor, if you can afford one, that is. For those on a tight budget (like me) this is the time that I hand it over to a several trusted readers. There will likely be a few changes to make along the way, especially if you hire an editor. By the time you reach the final draft, you’re likely tired of the story. I usually celebrate this because it means I get to move onto my favorite part of the process.
- Holding the first copy of your book in your hands. Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, there’s nothing like holding your own book in your hands.
- Receiving compliments about your book/writing being impactful. Most of the compliments I receive have been from people that read this blog (thanks, by the way). There’s no greater feeling than hearing what you’re doing is being noticed and appreciated.
- Realizing your self-published book is better than the traditionally published book you’re reading. Yep. If you’re a writer, then I would wager you’ve read a book that was traditionally published that wasn’t good. I’ll refrain from naming titles, however.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow, like, and share. Remember to follow your dreams, even if they terrify you. “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Stephen Roth
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Stephen Michael Roth 