I chuckle when I hear people say they’ve ‘always wanted to write a book’. The reason they haven’t is because it’s a lot harder than they think. It takes knowledge, skill, time, and above all determination. Writing is a marathon, a process that happens in long and tedious stages. If you’re a new novelist, all you can imagine is the polished final result; but, at first, it’s a messy jumble of words.
As Shannon Hale says, “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shovelling sand into a box so that later I can build sandcastles.”
I love that quote because when I’m working on my draft, I feel uncomfortable with how inarticulate my writing seems. To me, the draft manuscript is page after page of wordy crap. To be honest, it’s easy to get discouraged and abandon your story at this early stage. No doubt, there are piles of partially drafted stories laying waste in dark drawers around the globe. It takes an expert, my editor / mentor, to tell me (or gently insist) to keep going – to finish the raw details. I rely on her to nudge me forward from one stage to the next. Having an editor / mentor has helped me accomplish three finished manuscripts (one published, two looking for representation) and one work in progress. She pushes my intentions into action.
What I’m saying is that without the professional guidance of my editor, I’d still be that person who blathers, but… “I always wanted to write a book.” I am very grateful to OLP and Jenna Kalinsky for helping me realize my dream and turn my ambition into reality. She is the reason I am a writer and author.
As much as I’d like to keep Jenna to myself, she’s a business woman with a passionate interest for writers striving to write compelling and impactful novels, regardless of genre. Personally, I don’t know how she does it. She is a literary guru, with a genuine personality, who guides both established and aspiring writers to move their projects to completion. And that is what we need – someone to get us started and keep us motivated.
Check out Jenna’s qualifications and her workshops, courses and editorial services.
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Good luck. I know you will be inspired and thoroughly enjoy your writing adventure. Go ahead, write your book. Just do it! Jenna is your path to success.
Marianne Scott Author 