Recently I was reading a post about the importance of revising. The author emphasized that we never get things right on the first try. Our first drafts are simply the starting place. And I get that. I’m working on five short pieces of nonfiction for Highlights High Five. Writing for preschoolers is not my sweet spot so revision has been essential as I shape each piece and select the right words.
But at least one of my writer friends has taken a class on fast drafting. They have a set time to write an essay. Then they send it out. They don’t spend weeks or even days revising. Out it goes. Hey, I see you! Yes, you! The one shaking your head. This isn’t a gimmick. They make sales. And I've had one or two pieces that came together on the first try. It is an amazing feeling.
Writing isn’t a single path. It is more like a choose your own adventure. There are so many things that you can select to do.
I realized how true this was when I was at a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference in LA. I had dozens of sales but not a single one was a book sale. While no one said anything to me specifically, it was clear. “We are book writers.” At that time, I had chosen another path.
One writer who emphasized this need for each of us to make our own writing journey was Jane Yolen (1939 – 2026). Even when she spoke to new writers, she let them know that this was what had worked for her. They would need to find what worked for them.
When do we need to apply that independence? It starts with our writing habits. Do you write daily? For some writers it is a must. Other people work better if they set aside a large block of time once a week.
Where do you write? There are café writers and quiet writers. I simply cannot focus in a café or coffee shop.
What do you write? Some people specialize. There are essayists and poets who write only essays or poetry. Then there are people who write a bit of this and a bit of that. I’ve written how-tos, book reviews, articles, and books.
Who do you write for? Some people write only for young readers. Then there are the ones who write for adults. Although I write for both, most of my writing is for young readers or my fellow writers.
Do you write in only one genre? There are people who write only mysteries or fantasy. But there are other writers who follow a story wherever it leads. They might craft a thriller and next write historical fiction.
Traditional publishing or independent publishing? Outliner or pantser? Paid developmental editors? In person or online critique group? Word or Scrivener? Mac or PC? The possibilities are endless.
The point that I hope you are getting is that your path as a writer is just that. It is your path. It might be similar to mine for a time and then be more like Renee Roberson’s or Angela Mackintosh’s.
You need to write what only you can create and follow wherever it may lead you.
--SueBE
- To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog.
To get a free copy of Sue’s book, What to Do When Your Book Is Banned, subscribe to her newsletter, One Writer’s Journey, here.
Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 80 books for young readers.
She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin on the first Monday of every month. She teaches:
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