The Write Conversation: Seven Common Myths Writers Must Discard to Move Forward and Find Joy

by Crystal Bowman

The world of writing and publishing is exciting, challenging, and confusing all at the same time. Misconceptions and unrealistic expectations abound! In my thirty-plus years of writing, I’ve met many wonderful and sincere people who want to pursue writing but don’t understand the basics.

Debunk 7 Common Writing Myths with the Facts

Myth #1: Since God did something amazing in my life, I need to write a book.

Fact: Many people have personal “God” stories they want share to encourage others—and that’s wonderful! But that doesn’t necessarily mean a book is the right place for that story. If the goal is to reach as many readers as possible, then a magazine, blog, or chapter in a compilation book will reach a much greater audience. When my daughter-in-law wanted to write a book to share her journey with infertility, I told her that her story alone would not reach many readers. Instead, we collected stories from thirty different women and complied those stories into one book so we could reach more women who needed a book on this topic.

Myth #2: Writers only write when they are inspired to write.

Fact: Though it’s true that inspiration happens in the minds of creative writers, for many writers, it’s also a job. Many writers turn their computers on and write because they have work to do. Besides writing from inspired ideas, writers also write because they have deadlines.

Myth #3: If I get writer’s block, I can’t finish my story.

Fact: All writers run into mental roadblocks now and then—it’s part of the process. But that doesn’t mean we quit. When the right words aren’t transferring from your brain to the computer screen, take a short break. Go for a walk or eat a healthy snack. Then get back in your chair and click the keyboard to push through that block and knock it down.

Myth #4: If I can publish a book, I can quit my job.

Fact: That would be wonderful, but most authors don’t make enough money to support themselves. Most writers do not become rich or famous. They write because it’s their passion, ministry, and talent.

Myth #5: God has called me to write so I guess I need to start writing.

Fact: If you believe God has called you to write, then obey that calling. But starting to write immediately is not the way to begin. You can prepare for that calling by learning as much as you can about the world of writing and publishing. Attend writers’ conferences, take online courses, work with writing coaches, and learn about the process from seasoned writers. When people are called to serve God on the mission field, they often go through a period of training before they are sent. The same is true for writers.

Myth #6: Writing children’s books must be easy because they are so short.

Fact: Having a limited word count (as well as limited vocabulary) is what makes writing a children’s book incredibly hard. If it looks easy, that means it was done right. The more a writer learns about writing for children, the harder it gets.

Myth #7: Once my book is published, I can relax and watch it sell.

Fact: Sorry—not true. Getting a book published is the end of one process but the beginning of the next process. Today more than ever, authors need to invest time and money into marketing their books because they will not survive on their own. Social media, speaking engagements, blogs, and podcast interviews are necessary to bring exposure to your book. Even bestselling, award-winning authors must work hard to market their books.

A Final Fact

Just like any other career or ministry, writing takes preparation, education, discipline, and hard work. It’s exciting to see something you’ve written get published where others can read your words. That’s a major accomplishment! But it’s a long, hard journey to arrive at that destination. The best thing you can do right now is to commit your writing to prayer and ask God to guide and direct your writing path—then follow His lead!

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Seven Common Myths Writers Must Discard to Move Forward and Find Joy from author Crystal Bowman on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and four nonfiction books for women. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine. She loves going to schools to teach kids about poetry. She also speaks at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups and teaches workshops at writers’ conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she enjoys going for walks, working out at the gym, and eating ice cream. She and her husband live in Michigan and have seven huggable grandkids.