01/04/2026
Starting Your Writing Journey
At least one person each week approaches me for writing advice at the artist market where I vend my books. They ask for advice in diverse ways, but most of them are paralyzed with fear. They are afraid of failure, afraid they are not good enough, and they are unsure of how and if they should take that first step to start writing. Here are my action steps for you.
• Overcome imposter syndrome. I remember how long it took me before I could call myself a writer. I did not think I was good enough. Imagine how much that attitude held me back, and I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I was afraid of showing my writing to anyone because I did not want to be told how bad it was. Putting your thoughts on display sets you up for judgement and critique, but your words could enlighten, enrich, and save someone.
Instead of worrying about not fitting the writer’s mold, find joy in expressing yourself. If you love to write follow your passion without worrying about the opinions of others.
• Believe you can. Part of overcoming imposter syndrome is proving to yourself that you are a good writer. We would rather stay stagnant in our comfort zone than fail at what could help us grow. We cannot grow until we step out of our comfort zone, but often that first step is terrifying. Positive thinking can send out strong energy and when you use positive words of affirmation, the results are amazing. After you prove once or twice that you are capable of being a good writer, you will gain confidence and continue to be stronger. Keep positive notes and reviews that send you the affirmations you need. Creatives are usually doubters unless they have concrete proof of their abilities.
• Know why you write. Remembering the reason you write will be crucial. I was complaining to my husband about not making much money with my writing. He looked at me with that look he reserves for me which means he does not understand why I do not see what he sees clearly. He asked, “Why do you write?” I answered, “Well, I have something to say, I love writing, and I believe I can help people with my experiences. Mostly, I enjoy helping people.” He then said, “Well then, stop thinking about the money and write.”
After I started vending at the local craft market, he questioned my why because he saw the time, effort, and money I was putting into my writing career. He said, “What are you trying to do? What are your goals? You are not going to make a profit with this.” I replied with another version of my why. “The market allows me to use my books to minister to people and help them. I can make connections and interact in a personal way. That is priceless.” Interacting with people face to face is a great way to market my writing.
During the next month, he saw the amount of people I helped with mental health. There were hugs and tears at my booth and I passed out copies of my 101 Tips to Lighten Your Burden book. I helped countless new writers by giving them action steps to start writing. I talked with people about life and I sold some books. One day, my husband said, “I understand why you do this now.” It helps if other people understand your why, but it is not a requirement.
When you become discouraged or frustrated, when haters are hating, and the negative thoughts creep in, your reason may be temporarily lost. Document the comments from your readers who say your writing helped them. When you start to question if your writing is good, take those comments out and read them. Keep writing and regroup when needed.
• Decide what type of writing you will do. I hear the advice all the time that you should find your niche and stick to that topic. I am sure that it works for many people, but I want to write about a lot of different topics. At the moment, I have two self-help books, a running book, a romance, a teaching guide, and five children’s books. This will be my eleventh book, and I am working on another running book and a middle grade reader. You do not have to be stuck in a box. Write about what you enjoy but also step outside of your comfort zone and do something that will make you grow. Staying in your comfort zone feels safe, but what if you find a whole new, exciting genre or topic to explore? When my grandson was one, my daughter asked me to write a book about him. I said yes immediately, but my inside voice was saying, “I have no idea how to write a children’s book!” Luckily, I have an amazing publisher who helped me learn how to do it.
Stay open to ideas. Two qualities that will help you as a writer are being a good observer and listener. Topics are everywhere, but you must slow down and be open to them. Here are a few spots to look for ideas.
Conversations. I often find my ideas from simple conversations. One of my best running articles came from a conversation with my husband about approaching a marathon differently from a 5k. My husband described the marathon as an entirely different beast, and that became the title of my article to help runners with their first marathon.
Suggestions. Once your friends and family know you are serious about writing, you will hear them tell you all sorts of ideas about topics to explore. Brainstorm with them when they suggest a good one.
Media. Television, magazines, newspapers, and music all offer writers topics. Keep your eyes and ears open and carry a notebook to write down ideas.
Go to workshops and conferences. Part of being successful at anything is making contacts and connections. Workshops and conferences offer you a chance to learn more about your craft, meet and brainstorm with other writers, publishers, and editors. You also have a chance to present your work to the people who could publish it.
Find inspiration. Stay open to inspiration because you never know when or where you might find it. Some of my ideas come from conversations, or something I see on television, or something I read.
Do not limit yourself. The best way to grow is to take the jump into that spot outside your comfort zone. Do not only do writing that feels safe. Take some chances and do some things that scare you.
Start writing. I read a wonderful writing guide called Writing Down the Bones that was full of great writing tips, but at one point in the book, the author said, “Eventually, you need to stop reading this and start writing.” Writing those first words is your beginning as a writer, and that is scary for many people. Once you take that first step, you are on your way.
Create a writer’s footprint. This was the best advice I received when I first started writing. When you pitch your writing, editors and publishers often want to know what else you have written, so find every opportunity to put your writing in front of people.
Build a portfolio your way. What you put in your portfolio depends on what type of writer you are. If you write books, put a copy of a chapter or several pages from your children’s book. If you write articles, include those. If you also illustrate your work, put some of your work into your portfolio. Include reviews of your work. The portfolio is a chance to sell yourself.
Read. Reading gives you fresh ideas, and it is an opportunity to learn how to craft a story from experts. Reading also shows you what you can create for others.
Be patient. This is not easy, as you want to see your writing published, but the writing process can be lengthy, and you need to take your time to produce quality work.
Keep a journal. Write down ideas and thoughts to use later. Brainstorm topics to discuss.
Do not always say yes. When I first started writing, I wanted to create a footprint for my writing, so I wrote for several publications for free. Not only did it allow me to build a portfolio, but it also helped me improve my writing and create contacts. Eventually, though, I decided I wanted to focus my time on paying jobs. Decide where your time and effort are best spent.
