Dear reader, this is only the beginning

April 14th came and went this past month, meaning that more than a year has passed since my first book, All We Have to Remember, was first published.

I’ve learned a lot in this year, some were easy lessons, some were not. (The example of the latter that comes to mind is the first few copies of my first book, where two of the chapters were doubled due to a formatting error that I made. AHHHHHH!)

To list more serious examples of things I’ve learned for any springing creatives, I think these points sum up some of the big ones

• Pacing: We’ve all heard of ‘burnout,’ even though some of us think we’re immune to it. Take your time, writing is an adventure, not an outing. Take your steps one at a time and don’t be scared to slow down to take in whatever part of the odyssey you’re in.
• Habits: Good days and bad days exist, but humans are pattern creatures. The more often we do things, the easier it gets. Those parts of the adventure that are hard to get yourself to do, make a habit out of doing them at a certain time and you’ll find they come easier.
• Community: This is a lesson I’m still learning, but there are thousands of great writer resources out there. Do what I’ve had trouble doing and get involved with the other writers around you to network, trade tips, get support, and be a part of the high tide that raises all boats

While I could ramble off more quirky tips from your local author, I think those are the main ones that I feel like I can confidently speak on without beginning to fudge the creative part of writing.

I also want to say that while there really have been a few hard moments in this first year, many from my own dreams hoping I’d “strike it big” despite also saying I’m content with growing over time, I can say without a doubt that stepping out on this adventure has been well worth it.

Maybe you aren’t an aspiring writer, but maybe you could be. Search and see if there’s a story hidden somewhere in your heart, fictional or not, because I’ll tell you the sights you see on an Odyssey like this are like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

Still Odd and still on my Odyssey,
C.R. Ware