Just Write: Igniting Your Writing Journey
Welcome to the Writer's Launchpad, where creativity takes flight and words come to life. I'm Brandon Hughes, your guide on this exhilarating journey into the realm of writing. Today, we're diving headfirst into the very essence of creation: getting started.
Breaking Ground
If you're here, it's because you harbor a desire to write. Whether it's a novel, a short story, fiction, or nonfiction, the spark of creativity burns within you. But getting started? That's the hurdle we're tackling today.
Overcoming Inertia
Let's address the elephant in the room: starting is hard. Trust me; I've been there. The endless cycle of research, the fear of imperfection, the nagging doubts—they're all roadblocks. But here's the truth: you'll never be ready until you start. Writing isn't reserved for the elite; it's for anyone with a story to tell.
There will always be a thousand reasons not to start. Put the excuses aside and write.
From Dream to Reality
Take inspiration from those who blazed the trail before us. John Grisham, a lawyer from Mississippi, faced rejection 28 times before A Time to Kill found its place on bookshelves. Colleen Hoover, a former social worker and teacher from a Texas town of 16,000 people, defied the odds to become a bestselling author. They didn't wait for the perfect moment; they created it.
Can you be the next Grisham, Hoover, Kristen Hannah, John Sandford, or whoever? If you’re telling yourself no, then why not?
The Power of Momentum
Start and start now. Set aside 15 minutes, half an hour, or whatever you can spare, and write. Don't fret over outlines or endings; just let your ideas flow. It's okay to stumble; it won’t be perfect. Your goal at this point should simply be to get words on the page.
When I began my first book, The Hero Rule, I kept putting off starting it, thinking that I had to have the book completely mapped out before I began. The truth is that I was using that as a crutch to not begin. I can’t fail if I don’t write…right?
One day, though, I just said to heck with it and opened up my word processing program and started typing. Five thousand words later, I had my first chapter and was priming with confidence as a result. All it took was making the effort to begin
Progress, no matter how incremental, is progress nonetheless.
Embrace Imperfection
Your first draft won't be flawless, and that's okay. My own manuscripts underwent substantial revisions before publication. Every author, in fact, faces countless edits and rewrites. Writing is a journey of discovery; each word brings you closer to your masterpiece. But…you can’t edit what isn’t there.
Exploring New Horizons
Don't confine yourself to a single format. You don’t have to set out to write a novel. Experiment with short stories. Look up writing prompts online. Checkout thefirstline.com. It’s a writing contest that is free to enter. Each quarter, they give you a line that must be the first line of your work. The rest is up to you. This is a great way to get creative and get to work.
My novel The Red Room began as a fleeting idea—a literal idea that awoke me during the night. I turned that idea into a short story because I felt that was all I could do with it. I published it on Amazon, and based on the feedback I received, I went back to it and turned it into a full-length novel. That is just one example of what can happen by simply starting a story.
Also, when you are in “writing mode,” something in your brain clicks (at least for me), and ideas come—much more so than when I am not in a writing phase.
How to Start
Find a time to write. Get up early, grab some coffee, and start before the business of the day kicks in. Write on your lunch hour. Write after the children go to bed.
Find a place that helps you think. For me, that is outside. Where is that space for you?
Lastly, open your word processor and go. If you prefer long-hand, pick up your pen and paper and write.
Confronting the Inner Critic
The path to writing isn't paved with accolades; it's fraught with doubt and uncertainty. But remember, you're not alone in the arena. Theodore Roosevelt's words echo through the ages, reminding us that victory belongs to those who dare greatly.
Conclusion
As we conclude our inaugural episode, I urge you to take the plunge. Embrace the uncertainty, revel in the chaos, and dare to write your story. The world awaits your words, your voice, your unique perspective.
Your fear of regret should outweigh your fear of failure. Don’t look back a year or five years from now and wonder what if. What if I had taken just a few minutes and gotten to work.
Join the Journey
If you've found resonance in today's discussion, I'd love to hear from you. Send me what you’ve written. I would enjoy the opportunity to read what you have created.
Share your writing triumphs and your challenges, or simply say hello. Together, we'll navigate the twists and turns of the writing journey.
I hope you will listen to the Writer's Launchpad podcast and use it to fuel your passion. Until next time, keep writing.
About the Host of The Writer's Launchpad Podcast, Brandon Hughes:
Brandon Hughes brings two decades of experience in the criminal justice system to craft authentic thrillers and mystery stories. He utilizes his real-world knowledge to expertly weave gripping narratives and skillfully invites readers into the intricate realm of criminal investigations with captivating authenticity.
When he isn’t writing, Brandon enjoys cooking, reading, and cheering on his Auburn Tigers. He and his wife Karen live in Auburn, Alabama.
Visit BrandonHughesBooks.com
Brandon's Novels:
The Hero Rule: Is it Justice...or Murder
The 4th Prisoner: When Evil Escapes
The Red Room-A Dark Web Thriller
Sponsor:
Tension Books assists writers with realizing their dream of seeing their book in print and in the marketplace. Tension Book’s goal is author empowerment. They guide you through the publishing process using proven talent in their field and take the stress and worry away from the complicated and often intimidating publishing process.
If you are an independent author and unsure how to navigate the publishing space, Tension Books can help. Tension Books specializes in Crime, Mystery, and Thriller novels as well as True Crime stories. Book publishing can be a slow, sluggish, and frustrating journey. If you’re tired of waiting on others, and if you have a manuscript and you’re ready to accomplish your goal of becoming a published author, Tension Books can get you there. If you aren’t quite ready with a completed manuscript and need some help crossing the finish line, Tension Books is there for you.
Take control of your work with Tension Books. Visit them at TensionBooks.com.
