October 8, 2019

 

 

Note From Rochelle

 

 

Dear Writers,

 

Are you ready for National Novel Writing Month? This yearly challenge turns the process of writing a book into a big old game! If you’re contemplating signing on for the challenge, then consider attending my new class, Gameify Your Writing Life on Wednesday, October 16 at 12:00 PM CT. I’ll be talking about why challenges like NaNoWriMo help us write more. Attend the class live at no charge or purchase the recording later. Sign up on my workshops page.

Today’s tip talks about how we can make the mistake of thinking that the only path to success is following the guru’s advice. We think that if we only could do it their way, we would be successful. But each of us has our own path. I wrote Level Up, a choose-your-own-adventure guide, to support you in finding your perfect path. The book offers quests to help you discover your best writing time, overcome the inner critic, and write.

 

Enjoy!

Rochelle

 

 

The Guru Dilemma

by Rochelle Melander

 

Don’t be satisfied with stories,

how things have gone with others.

Unfold your own myth.

-Rumi

 

At every single book signing I attend, someone asks the question, “How do you write?” Sometimes, the question is more specific:

• What word processing program do you use?
• When do you write?
• Where do you get your inspiration?
• How long does it take you to write a book?
• Do you outline first?

 

It’s as if the questioner is thinking, “If only I knew their secret, I would be successful, too.”

 

I’m not knocking this: I’ve been there. Sometimes, I’m still there. When I get stuck on a writing problem, I wonder how a more successful writer would handle the situation. I think, “If only I were more like them!”

 

But here’s the thing, writers: You have your own path.

 

You know what works for you. And all the stuff you don’t know? You need to discover the answers for yourself. You need to discover your own sources of inspiration and process for writing.

 

Listen to the advice of other writers and gurus, yes. Learn how they’ve overcome great challenges. Get inspired by their stories. But never believe that your success is contingent on doing it their way.

 

Unfold your own myth.