*Updated on 7/14/21*
Hello friends! I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has continued to stay with me on this writing journey of mine. Writing It Wells not only accomplished the goals outlined in this post, but in many ways surpassed them. We are now on our second year of existence and I couldn't be more proud. In addition to offering advice and tips on all things literary, we now also offer Developmental and Copy Editing, as well as marketing and developmental coaching for authors. If you haven't already, please remember to subscribe to continue supporting our efforts.
Welcome to the first-ever blog post of Writing It Wells! My name is Alina Wells and I am a freelance writer (and now blogger!) with the goal of becoming a published author. Creating a blog has been a goal of mine for years. I wanted a place where I could share my creative journey and help other writers with theirs. If you are thinking about writing or are currently writing, stay tuned. This is the right place for you. Now that introductions are over, I want to take a minute to tell you why I created this blog, what you'll see content-wise, and a little more about myself and my experience with writing thus far.
To Write or Not to Write?
As a child, I always had an overactive imagination. It got worse once I started reading and quickly turned to penciling in my own short stories and characters (often during classes when I was supposed to be paying attention). I'd been scolded repeatedly for sneaking books that weren't class-related, and for daydreaming instead of listening. The problem was that I was addicted. The written word was filled with worlds I would rather be in, with people I could see myself interacting with, doing things that were WAY cooler than what the average 7th grader was allowed to do.
Now I'm 25 and I still have an overactive imagination. I'm still reading, writing, and daydreaming. I find it increasingly difficult to adhere to a regular 9-5 job, and to be honest, I'm not all that enthused about life as I've currently known it. There's still a part of me that believes in magic, and that I'm somehow destined to become a badass dragon-slaying warrior queen.
I know a lot of people out there who probably think that this is silly, and that I should grow up. That being a responsible and a fully functioning member of adult society means that I need to table my dreams and fantasy worlds in light of more practical applications. That money and misery go hand-in-hand and that I should go on being miserable for the next 60 years. That I'm no one special and no one will ever give a damn about what I do. For a long time I listened to them. I'm done listening now.
In true warrior queen fashion, I quit my job and decided to take charge of my life. I did a lot of soul-searching and came to terms with the fact that I am not "normal", and that what suits everyone else does not and will not suit me. The time IS now. And I may be the only one who cares, but that's okay. This is MY adventure, MY dragons, and MY kingdom. If I don't fight for it, who will?
Thus, a blog was born.
Send Help!
Repeat after me: WRITING IS HARD WORK! If you know someone who is a writer (or an aspiring one) be nice to them. Like bring them food and tell them that it's all going to be okay, because it is NOT okay. If you're a writer, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Somewhere in between the enthusiasm of page 1, the soul-crushing self-doubt of page 40, and mind-numbing writer's block of page 350 is a writer who is desperate for help. And snacks. While I can't provide munchies, I can provide some insight into overcoming these obstacles, motivation to keep writing, tips on how to get started if you're new to the process, and ways to keep the muse talking.
Writing It Wells is an amateur's perspective of the writer's odyssey. I say "odyssey" because it is truly a long and eventual journey, at times a harrowing experience, and in many ways a spiritual quest. While blogging is the next step in my journey, I'm also up to my neck in a fiction manuscript that has (at times) threatened both my physical and mental well-being.
Tackling the amount of work it takes to become a professional writer is daunting at best, not to mention the discipline and sheer will power it takes to see it all through. Add in the stress of daily life and relationships, and you start to see just how dedicated and sincere a writer needs to be to make it out alive.
The good news is that if I can do it, so can you! It doesn't matter how old you are, what your experience level is, or what you want to write. If you want to write, WRITE.
Over the Hills & Through the Woods
We've talked about what Writing It Wells is, my motivations, the writer's odyssey, and what this blog can offer you, but let's take a moment to imagine the future. A year from now I will consider this blog a success if:
This blog still exists/ is producing consistent content.
I have made greater gains in my personal writing odyssey.
I have helped at least 10 (or more) other writers.
I have received constructive feedback about my content.
I have fostered a helpful/informative community for writers.
I have grown as a person.
Another aspect of what I want to accomplish within the year is to actively encourage and foster an online community where writers can share their ideas and their process without judgement or fear of rejection. I want to hear about the ups and downs of your own writing odyssey, what you want to know or learn, and any suggestions/advice/insider info you may have. What are you writing? Reading? How are you accomplishing your goals? This blog is as much about connecting with other writers as it is about writing!
If you'd like to learn more about me, please see my "About Me" page and feel free to subscribe, and connect with me on social media. I currently have Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Climb Every Mountain
Big shout-out if you've made it this far in this post! I hope you're as excited as I am to see where this blog takes us. When it comes to writing, having a clear vision and staying motivated are essential, but most importantly, it takes bravery and heart. If you love to write, then write. Take up the pen and fight the good fight. Writing It Wells will help you figure out the rest.
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