The Write Path & IWSG Facebook Group

This week Carrie Butler is hosting a blogfest, How I Found the Write Path. The prompt is to write a letter to yourself when you first started the writing toward publication. She will be compiling a free eBook for writers who are just starting their journey. She’s being assisted by P.K. Hrezo. They have permission to use my entry in their ebook compilation. It is my hope that the end product will give encouragement and assistance to new writers. Find other letters to self through the list of bloggers on this page. 

Name: J.L. Campbell, award-winning Jamaican writer

Website: www.joylcampbell.com

Joy,

Finding the Write Path

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out why we stop doing the things we enjoy. Giving up writing for twenty years took away something you prized dearly. When you started again, the first thing you did was to join a writing network, plus read articles and books. Having better writers critique your work was sometimes painful, but always educational.

A period of apprenticeship is necessary for all writers, but it’s hard to remember that when you’ve fallen in love with your story and want to see it published today. But that’s the time when your style develops and it’s wise to work patiently through that season. Although it will take five years before you are satisfied with your first book, the work will be well worth it because not only will a publisher say yes, you’ll get three book deals within a couple of months. This, after being told that Jamaica is a 'hard sell'. A word of caution—not all publishers are equal and it is good to remember that.

Flexibility is another thing worth remembering and cultivating. It is flexibility that will allow you to explore the world of self-publishing. That path will lead to an exciting, enlightening and uplifting journey. The learning curve will be steep, but well worth it.

The craft of writing will allow you to stretch in several directions. You will be blessed to write fiction and non-fiction, learn how to format eBooks, edit books and magazines, make covers, win awards, talk to students, facilitate writing workshops, and eventually realize your dream of hosting an online workshop.

Writing is a continuous journey that will open your world to a universe where other kind and generous scribes are on a similar journey. Patience is a virtue you will learn. As you like to say, ‘unswerving perseverance is the key to success’. If you exercise patience and perseverance, all things will work together in wonderful ways.

Keep working, keep making strides. Success has no limit.

Yours,

Joy  

 

Some important news: The IWSG Facebook group has reached the 1,000 member mark!  Congratulations!

Here are a few reminders about the Facebook group guidelines:

Since the focus of the IWSG is support, the Facebook page should reflect this ideal.

You are encouraged to support your fellow IWSGers who share their writerly-related experiences, which include accomplishments/disappointments/challenges. Keep in mind that writers are at different points of their respective writerly journeys. Some may lurk for a long time before finding the courage to share with the rest of the group. Since the IWSG is all about community, a word of encouragement or advice may be just what somebody needs. Or even just a smiley face/thumbs up...

News & Promotional Saturday is your opportunity to add a link. The IWSG administrators reserve the right to remove promotional links, especially if they are posted haphazardly.

Saturday is also the day when we tweet each other’s news. Look out for the 'tweety bird' and add your pre-written tweet to the thread. Feel free to tweet for others.

Thanks for your co-operation!