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How Writing Has Changed My life, And How Being a Writer Can Change You
I Did Become a Writer. It Changed My Life
Writing changed my life, and by the simple act of improving my writing, I have improved as a person as well. I was unobservant, and unaware and felt that writing was a cool way to pass time-- in essence the very thing most writers do not want to become, the idea that I should publish a book was insane. I felt that it was easy really, I just had to read and mimic. It wasn't hard... or so I thought. After all these people made money.
I was once a person who wrote for "fun", the hardest part of this was that I couldn't see beyond what might get me a break and not how I should make it better for the reader. I was an amateur at this, writing thing, or better yet writing business, and anything about publishing a book. I wrote and thought that a first draft was great, a big mistake. I was dead wrong. Not only did it cost me: time and money, but it also cost a sense of enjoyment and relaxation.
I wasn't learning anything, and I didn't let myself, or wanted to allow myself to learn and improve. This really meant that I wrote, purely with the goal in mind that I was the next "big one" whomever that person might have been. I could do better. I knew I could.
I made the decision to change that when I received a comment on my blog, while it was to the point, the writer didn't have the courage to tell who they were, but they told me what I did wrong. This was my guiding light. Of course this was one of the hardest ways to do this, but I took it as a challenge. I became a writer. The important idea was I was determined to be a writer.
I took my own advice, and began to write everyday. I would write in my blogs each morning and then at least 30 minutes per day on each of my Work In Progress. I had always said that "i would finish my book." After dedicating myself to this, I completed my non-fiction book, at more than 50,000 words. I did check my ego at the back door, and am in the process of dismantling this work, before it is even published.
To suggest that I'll make a million dollars on this might sound ludicrous, but I still envision that one day, and I won't give up on my dreams of publishing. I know that I need the drive and the willingness to work and to attempt my best work. That takes time, and editing and good marketing skills all of which I am learning.
I love the ability to tell people my job is that of a writer, one that I can say is rewarding and fun. some believe me and others do not, others will smile and say they will think about it. I hope that they all find their true passion and what ever that might be write about it.
Is Writing Important to You?
It does Change You... and Will Improve You
Still even with all that, I can say that as with the quote any writer needs talent, and that talent is developed by hard repetitive work. No, I don't simply type for 30 minutes anymore, and then believe that I am done for the day, or that my writing is perfect there is more to it and more to the process of having my book published, and it is not about getting paid income or increase profits
I do sit down everyday with my routine of blogging in the morning, followed by writing something to do with my work in progress fiction. In the evening I edit my writing and have my editor offer comments. Writing a book has changed my plans for the day but it works for me. This may not work for you but it works for me.
Writing and publishing also made me a more dedicated person, you can not simply sit down in one day and write a novel and edit it and then send it off to the publisher of your choice. You can send it off to a self-publishing company who will gladly take you money and leave you with a lot of poor reviews on many of the online book stores. It is a business where people are here to make money, from you or by you, but it is also a business where you can make money as well as the next if you take the time to understand the process.
It is not an easy process this publishing a book business. There are many challenges along the way. This is a sort of job where it is easy to become frustrated. It is easy to feel that you are getting nowhere. Yet once you publish your writing there is a profound sense of completion, and a willingness to begin the writing and publishing process again.
As writers we must write, and publish our work however well we can and keep our fingers typing away towards a goal. and as it is so aptly put in the quote, write from our soul. Writing changed my life for the better, I enjoy life more and am a more observant person who is more aware.
I doubt this would have come to pass if not for one comment. That is how writing changed my life. i now consider myself to be a better writer one who is more aware. With Awareness brings the fact that my writing can affect others, which means that you need to teach others how to do something with their writing.
If they want to build on their writing, as in earn money to make a living off of it they should be allowed to do this, but again they need to learn, like i did, that writing is a powerful tool, not only for making money for for making your readers think, help themselves, and ultimately help others. Publishing a book is only a first step, and it can be positive in more ways than simply earning more money. You can write online and learn that part of the business by creating blogs that people want to go and read, and also you can learn how to improve your writing in a much easier environment. Writing online also changed me since I was willing to learn what works and what does not all before I published a book.
Writing can change your life as well, and for the better with time and effort, you decide and face any sort of writer's block you might have. It might take a comment or compliment, or adverse reactions, but writing that comes from ones soul will be unleashed. whether it is by blogging or by writing a novel, or by simply writing hubs you can make your own mark as a writer.
There is one prerequisite: A love of Writing and a thick skin.
Comments
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yes of course, it's all about changing, growing if you will, as a writer. we all age, and should all mature because of it.
Do you still intend to change/ improve as a writer? Is it something that you are focused on. This is a cool article. I see you've got a lot of potential. Just tons of ideas all over the place
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Yes I am sure I can add more to how I feel about writing.
Reread itand it's still great to read. Anymore on how you feel?
A great blog to start it up. Does writing feel different now?
Writing was not at all in my vision of the future. However, when I made the decision to stop working and join my husband in his consulting forays, I got into online writing. I needed to engage my mind. I got hooked. Sometimes, I take a break but after a few months, I get back to it. I admit it has given my day its architecture. Moreover, I have improved my skills.
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thanks thanks and more thanks.... I enjoyed writing this a lot and am glad you found it all you've said!
Loved this hub. Lots of great tips written in an inspirational manner.
Thanks for sharing this information.
Voted up, useful, awesome, beautiful and interesting.
Thanks! For this hub. I am writing too, a novel. I needed to read this. Great tips and encouragment.
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Gracia-- welcome to hubpages, and much luck to you!
I joined writing hubs two weeks ago. I really want to be a successful writer. Like you.
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skye2day-- yep this is a long time hub and still resonates with me, great seeing you here.
Rebecca E There is something special about your heart girl that drives me to read you. Not only are you very helpful sharing your hard earned knowledge you are humble and a gentle spirit. You share hope and encourage. Keep em coming girl. I enjoyed reading your first hub. My first hub well I edited it way back and it is passable. Love you girl. Back to the hub I started 2 years at the hubs your story. In Christ your sista writer, skye
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htodd- thanks for stopping by and commenting, always glad to see you around on hubpages.
That is really nice ...writing is really great thing to do.
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htodd-- yes ti can change for everyeone, but like anything, it is quality and a lot of good hard work to make that happen
This is awesome..writing can change everyone's life...Congrats!
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James-- I shall look into doing more of that.
Like the quotes will you find more of them?
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Mabmiles-- thanks, it's a journey this online writing, but also offline writing as well. to your success.
Wonderful and very inspiring hub. That's a great achievement of you, Rebecca E. Congrats for your success.
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SanneL-- keep on writing and you will see success, and never for a moment give up.
You are a great writer and you are such an inspiration to all of us. Writing is a big part of my life, and I always follow " write from your heart and soul, and always write about things you know best."
Looking forward to your next encouraging hub!
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Writing.com is very nice and a good place to read things.
I found this site through Writing.com which is a great site for writers as well. No pressure just write, upload, and interact with other writers. Get feedback free of charge.
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Docmo-- that's the way it should be-- keep on going.
I also subscribe to the 'write from your heart' maxim- I love writing and real life always seemed to get in the way! My passion found a great outlet on hub pages and now there's no stopping me . I write around 1000 words or more every day and have never been happier! Thanks for sharing this worldview!
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Gals-- as always my pleasure in helping others, and I totally agree with you.
Rebecca, since I have started writing on HubPages I have learned muchmore than I thought I would. It has helped me become more observant, and has helped words flow more freely. It has given me the confidence I needed to be able to continue with a book I started a few years ago. As always great hub.
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Jj- writing is awesome and fun as well.
Good for you changing your life. Writing is awesome
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almasi-- yes we do, and with all these things, and strong willingness to improve
Yes, all writers need a thick skin and if I may add a thick well developed writing muscle.
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onceuponatime-- keep writing and love what you do and submit and eidt and submit again... good luck!
I love the part where to submit your writing. THis is such great information for someone who loves to write and just needs quick references to get started. Thanks.
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glenn-- I am so pleased to see you have found this hub, but yes the more you focus even for a few minutes the more likely your work will be published.
Wow! I can really relate to everything you talk about Rebecca. Especially what you said about writing a book. It took me a long time to finish mine. Your method of writing at least 30 minutes per day on each work is a helpful idea. It gets the job done over time and is easier to stay determined.
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kaltopsyd-- this is my very very first hub, and i still believe in that last statement, a love of writing and a thick skin...
I quite enjoyed reading this Hub. I especially like your ending statement: "There is one prerequisite: A love of Writing and a thick skin." Nicely stated. Thanks for the good read.
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peacenhim-- yes write from the heart and all things will fall in place.
Very inspirational!! I like your quote, "Write from your heart." Thanks, God Bless!
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Moulik Mistry-- yes writing is in my blood as they say =)
Writing is a way of my life too - thank you for sharing your experience...
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Mark-- to begin but so worth it in the end.
Yes this is so true,i have moved from a full time job to a successful writer,visit my blog and read my story http://www.Writingchangedmylife.com/blog
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vox vocis-- and it still rings true doesn't it? This was my very first hub. I am still very pleased with it.
Very nice to have read this hub Rebecca. I´m a little down lately - concerning writing; hopefully I´ll come to my senses soon. I really enjoy writing and I would like to succeed. Patience is salvation. :-) Keep on writing cause you encourage people!
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glad to know you've enjoyed it.
This is an excellent first hub. It's important to me that I write everyday. Well done and I'm going be reading more.
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thanks somuch bookflame, this is in fact my very first hub.
You hit the nail on the head! Writing takes discipline as well as inpiration. You have to be willing to take risks and the guts to survive and learn from failure and rejection. You have to go forward with the knowledge that most people will not really understand what you do or relate to the strength of commitment the writing life requires. But you do it because you want to and have to in order to be who you are. I understand. Bravo for putting it in words.
this is such great inspiration. thank you rebecca!
Change my life too!...
Ciao from Italy
=^.^=
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well thanks everyone, this is so pleaseing to read all of these wonderful comments.
I agree with you Rebecca, keep writing :) you are very good!
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Done some changes see if it's better.
thanks for sharing your experience in writing. I agree with you. And I fell the same with you. Good luck! success for you.
I live by those very same words, Write with your heart, soul, and write about what you know about because everyone has something to write about or to say. I have some of the items listed here. On How To Write Well and other. I also recommend White Smoke, which is a grammar, spell. and punctuation software that comes in the mode of four different styles of writing. I have the Professional mode that gives me the four mode of writing one, which is Creative Writing. I also have New Novelist 2 software. I also use http://fanfiction.com, and http://authorsden.com for my articles and stories.
I would recommend White Smoke Software to anyone that is a creative writer and I would recommend http://authorsden.com for anyone that wants to have their works read and critique but there is a small one time fee though. There is http://fanfiction.com, writing.com, they charge for how many stories you will have published over there, and freestory.com as well.
I have been writing since I was fourteen years old and now I am 54 years old. I started with Star Trek Romance stories writing them for other fans and now I am writing a sequel to the Secret Garden and next a prequel. Good Luck.
You are a great writer."writing that comes from ones soul will be unleashed"-I also believe in it.Wish you good luck with your writings.
Wonderful and motivational for me, I totally related to this hub. You are a great writer!
You may not be as polished in your writing style as those with more experience, but you have passion for this art, and humbleness and willingness to learn. I have learned from you today, I have a lot to learn that is not just intuitive. Thank you for helping me to become a better writer! Great hub.
How well do I remember going through exactly the phases you describe in your first paragraphs, and the amount of learning it took until my stories and books were really fit to be seen! You've captured this so well - lovely post, thank you
Good insights on writing! I have browsed over your other hubs and I like what I saw.
Welcome to hubpages!
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Thanks
This is great! I'm also following you on Blogger. I enjoy your work!
This is lovely and very encouraging. Congrats on your book. Love the way you turned that negative comment on your Blog around. If it was me, I wouldn't write for weeks. Lol. Lovely to have you on HP.
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thanks so much.
Wonderful. If I miss writing for a day I feel it, I get depressed and irritated. I'm always glad when a "real" writer joins HubPages.
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Dohn121, I most certainly will be looking!
This is a great first hub! I'm sure more will follow! I have some hubs that may encourage and/or inspire you (if you so choose). The more you peruse this community, the more you'll come to realize just how much alike you are to the rest of your new neighbors.
Isn't it great to know that you've found your niche? Keep it up, Rebecca. Your dreams await you.
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Yes, this is so true, ti is the same with me, a book to lng, but really two or three.
Hub Pages seems fun so far.
It is amazing how a few words can change the course of things if read or heard when one is prepared for them. As they say, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear".
I have a book that I started that sits. I have discovered through writing on HubPages that the reason I haven't been able to finish it is because it's more than one book. It always seemed too scattered. Now I know why. Someday, I will sort the pieces and publish them "all". :)
Welcome to HubPages. I think you'll enjoy it here. I certainly have. :)
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