Posted on by Jo Ann Fore

How Bad Do We Want It?

For years, I harbored a secret.

I wanted to be a writer. I longed to see my words in print. But persistent doubts and fear of failure often sidetracked me.

Desire and talent were two different threads. I wondered, “Am I truly capable of crafting words people will want to read?”

As a mostly self-taught writer, it was time. Time to learn. Time to network. And time to confess my secret.

Where to turn?

Three and a half years ago, feeling a bit Alice in Wonderland-esque, I fell into my first writer’s conference. Upon my arrival, I discovered a very weird yet indelibly native wonderland.

The mountains were filled with beginner, intermediate, and widely-read authors. And the land overflowed with editors, publishers, and agents. Finally, a sense of genuine community—these people understood. We spoke the same language, shared similar idiosyncrasies, and dreamed the same dreams.

But dare I fantasize they would help me—that they could help me—figure out which way to go from here?

Like water for a flower, the serendipitous environment seduced me to voice my dream. I whispered my idea into attentive ears. It was all I had—a simple, naïve, and undeveloped concept.

The faculty was incredibly helpful. Come-at-able (within respective boundaries). Attainable. These worldwide publishers, award-winning authors, national editors, and stellar agents were simply real people. And they didn’t bite! They wanted to help, and expressed a genuine interest in my success.

Words of encouragement and strong support overtook me. Transformed me. A newfound confidence wafted through the mountain air. I really can do this.

I packed my bags for home with a new resolve. I would return to next year’s conference with something tangible—my book proposal and sample chapters.

However, dark storms quickly absorbed this new perfume of confidence. I returned, instead, to the lie of the daily routine. Life as a mom, wife, and entrepreneur consumed my days. Not to mention various health issues that cropped up at the most inopportune times. I quickly learned inspiration alone doesn’t write a book.

Eight months passed. A fluorescent note on my Daytimer reminded me of the upcoming conference, only a few months away. The date pierced my heart. How bad do I want this?

I had found the courage to voice my dream. Now, would I really do what I needed to do? It was time to be intentional, time to register for the next conference. And time to start writing.

A couple months later, I returned to my writer wonderland. Determined now to find my way, I hemmed up my fears and laid out my work before eagle eyes. I coveted honest insight and constructive critique. The faculty didn’t disappoint; the feedback was invaluable and the support overwhelming.

In the end, I completed my first book. I also gained multiple offers of agent representation, found a fantastic editor/writing coach, and secured potential endorsements. That first writer’s conference was the gentle kick I needed.

 

Desire and talent may well be different threads but woven together they have the potential for a beautiful tapestry.

 

How about you? As a writer, do you ever feel isolated? Lack motivation or confidence? How do you stay on track? Have you struggled to marry your desire with your talent? (I would love to hear from you; we’re all here to learn from each other’s experiences.)

63 Replies to “How Bad Do We Want It?”

  1. I went through a similar experience. Only my great-aunt was living with me, and I was just starting to take my writing up a notch. I managed to get a freelance job with a local paper and an online site. My g-aunt made me promise to get more serious with my writing and put more effort into it. After she passed away I found a Creative Freelancers Conference in San Diego, packed my bags and attended. The best thing I did. I have been writing for the newspaper for a while now and within the last few months started up on my novel again. I will be doing NaNoWriMo and the end of November attending a writer’s conference in NC.
    I am hoping it only grows exponentially from here.

    Hugs!!!

    1. I am so thankful for the push from your great aunt. Priceless inspiration.Thrilled that you are heading to another writer’s conference, and North Carolina offers some breath-taking inspiration of its own. Keep writing my new friend! Anticipating great things.

  2. Jo Anne, Thank you so much for sharing your story! It is such an inspiration and encouragement to others who have always wanted to write. You are an incredible author, writing coach and motivator! Thanks for sharing.

  3. I’m so excited for you JoAnn! I love reading what you write and can’t wait to get my hands on that book. Much love to you…

  4. Jo Ann, what an incredible journey you’ve had so far. I particularly like your phrase, “I had found the courage to voice my dream.” Encouragement from writers’ conferences and other authors have been priceless in my writing journey, as they have yours. Thanks for sharing!

  5. So many people want to be a writer. As in, “I want to write a book some day.”
    Uh-huh.
    Let me know how that works out for you.
    ;O)
    You, however, pursued the dream. Let the passion fuel the desire. You counted the cost, overcame the missteps (we all have ’em), and made it happen! Brava!
    What’s made the difference for me? Finding my “safety net”– the people that know I don’t know it all before I admit it. The people who refuse to let me settle with okay writing. The people who sometimes believe in me-as-a-writer more than I do.

    1. I love that Beth! The “safety net.” Those who refuse to let us settle for mediocrity. Oh that we all fall into our safety net, time and again :).

  6. Great questions! I think I have an intrinsic motivation to write because it is how I make sense of the world, and my place in it. This was true when I was a ten-year-old scribbling in a diary, and it’s true now. These days, too, it’s like a form of prayer for me, a chance to remind myself that I have an inner life worth nurturing. And since I write mostly about spirituality, it’s a way for me to do something that I believe is hugely valuable: share our spiritual journeys with each other. I learn so much from other people’s frank stories of faith, and by writing about mine I can return the favor.

    1. Thank you Ginny, for your desire for authenticity. And thank you for inspiring that same trait in others. Hopped over to your blog and enjoyed your heart! Thanks for stopping by.

  7. Jo Ann, I’m glad you pursued your dream, and I’m grateful you’ve met so many wonderfully supportive writers at the conferences you’ve been able to attend. I’m continually blown away by the generosity of writers and the encouragement they shower on me.

    Like you, I deal with doubts. There are days I’m sure I’m writing dreck, but I forge ahead, reminding myself that all writers have similar experiences. Many people start stories but are waylaid by discouragement and doubts. It’s the ones who write in spite of the feelings and don’t wait for a surge of confidence that get them finished.

    1. Oh Keli, that the good words would stick and the dreck vanish. My daily desire :). And so true, we must forge forward in spite of feelings. What a great reminder!

  8. Jo Ann, that’s wonderful about the response that you received at the writer’s conference. I attended my first (only one so far) conference several years ago. It was the first time I’d ever met people “like me” – writers. No one else I knew was a writer, no one else I knew understood this NEED I HAD TO WRITE. For the first time in my life, I was somewhere that I BELONGED. I met so many encouraging writers, editors, speakers, etc, at the conference. I didn’t receive the multiple offers you did at the conference, but maybe after I take your writing course i can, LOL. 🙂 I loved what you wrote: “It was time to be intentional…it was time to write.” Yes! Also love the Alice in Wonderland theme in this post….and your encouraging words, “I really can do this.”

    1. Beth,
      Thanks so much for your kind words. I know that you, too, can do this! Remember, I’ve seen some of your work. And representation is a funny thing — that book that caught everyone’s eye at the conference has yet to be published. I’m learning just how quirky my coveted industry is :).

  9. Isolation? Lack of motivation and confidence? For sure–I feel it all and often. I need something like a conference. If not for blogging I’d probably be in a writer’s fog. At least I’m blog writing on a regular basis and occasionally motivated to write in a way that really counts for future. Blogging is what keeps me active, but my dreams keep me motivated.

    Arlee Bird

    1. Pursue the dream, Arlee. One of the things a mentor taught me early on was to write and write frequently. Regular blogging is an awesome writing practice. And I stopped by your blog; you’ve got great traffic so you’re sure doing something right. Wink.

  11. Jo Ann,

    Good post–and yes indeed, I face discouragement. I think writers, by and large, are introverts. Sometimes the space in our heads can be filled with lovely stories and big ideas…but when those doubts creep in, they really take hold, and they kill inspiration and creativity.

    Even though we’re largely introverted, it’s so important to stay in contact with other writers and publishing professionals who “get it”. That alone reminds me of “the dream” and renews my committment to keep forging ahead.

    Best wishes to you on the journey!

    1. Hi Gwen,

      Thank you.

      Yes, I’m an extrovert-in-training. An introverted writer, who contrary to my shy nature, needs to connect with other like-minded people. As you suggest, that connection with others breeds inspiration in its own unique way.

      Rich blessings!

  12. I’m in the space right now where I’m prayerfully asking for direction. My heart is stuck between prioritizing my writing, and other business/ministry ventures. Your article is asking me an important question–how badly do I REALLY want to write? Enough to pay to get help, to show up when it may be inconvenient, to subject my drafts and book ideas to critical review, and to actually write? I don’t quite have the answer, but now I have a concrete visual to help me decide. Thanks, Jo Ann!

    1. Hi Coach Nicole,

      I’m thankful the article offered you a visual. I pray clarity and wisdom as you seek answers to your journey. Many writers juggle a separate career, so I do get it. Thanks for sharing.

  13. Sometimes it does feel like a dream. Like maybe one day i’ll wake up to reality(or better yet, leave my room and remember there’s a world around me). I’m still at that stage where i dont really want peopleknow that i’m a writer out of fear of what they’ll say about it. They(family around me) already have so many problems with what i’m doing now(which is school. They’d rather mefind a JOB), so sometimes the only hope i have is “one day!” And by the way, how could i still enjoy a conference even if i couldnt make the trip to one?

    1. Hi Latedra,

      Oh that you, too, would find the courage to voice your dream. And then put it into action.

      There are ways to plug into virtual (online) writers conferences, critique groups, and teleseminars. A recent Google search pulled up several options. A great place to start if your ability to travel is limited.

  14. Thank you for your post. I am glad that your family was supportive of your writing. I count myself blessed that my husband supports me in this endeavor.

    Twenty-five years ago a therapist suggested I write my memoir. I wrote my story and sent it out to agents. Got back personal letters kindly suggesting that, while my story was moving, it needed work.

    At the advice of my pastor I am again attempting to write my story With the help of a wonderful online critiquing group, Critique Circle (free to join, and you earn points to post your story by critiquing others) my writing has vastly improved. I’m close to finishing the rough draft, and with the comments of the critiques I received from Critique Circle, I’m well placed to begin my second draft. So far, it has been ministering to others online already. I pray it will help many to heal. The title is, Tell me what He did. It is a journey of healing from abuse, through the occult, and finally real healing when I learn about God.
    Hoping your day is blessed.

    1. Heather,

      Like you, I had to walk through a healing phase before my words could be used as an encouragement to others. Sometimes we write for publication, but sometimes our writing is used as a healing tool. I invite you to visit my site, http://www.WriteWhereItHurts.org and consider submitting a portion of your story there as an encouragement for others. The writing guidelines are posted under the ABOUT tab.

      Praying for your journey.

  15. Jo Ann, I have the same secret. I remember when I was 23 years old, a secret visitation with God where I confessed to Him my desire to write. I remember like it was yesterday, I had this deep knowing that I would write but also at 23, I told God “But I don’t have anything to say yet”. In that still quiet voice, He said “child, you will when I resurrect this desire”. Now, 30 years later, after joy, pain, brokenness, life, birth, dead, rejection, acceptance, and many other life experiences, I am writing and well, Jo Ann, needing to go to that first writer’s conference.

    There is a difference between when I write from my “head” and when I write from my “heart”. When I write from my “heart” it always moves people. Now to be still and learn to stay on track. Amid the hustle and bustle of life and dreams, somewhere I let it slip through the cracks. It’s time to open that door to my heart, and share a bit of it. Thanks for this wonderful sharing from your heart.

    Joyce Harrell

    1. My beautiful friend,

      As you well know, God wants to redeem every ounce of that brokenness. I pray He leads you into the right support and accountability as you dive into the craft of writing; as you use your story to help others.

  16. Inspiration alone doesn’t write a book. I love that. At some point, sheer will has to take over.

    I love your journey and thrilled to be a part of it!

  19. Inspiration. Desire. Talent. And a lot of help from God and others along the journey. These are truly words for us to live by, Jo Ann! Thank you for sharing part of your journey with us!

    Blesslings ~ Mary Kate Evans

    1. Mary Kate,

      Indeed–it truly takes all the above, doesn’t it?

      I am so very thankful for the ones God placed in my path that offered (and continue to offer) priceless mentoring, encouragement, and accountability.

      Hugs.

  20. Hi Jo Ann! Thanks for this. My Dad is a pastor and writer and he has always been my number one encouragement when it comes to writing. My first job in the US involved tons of copywriting and since then I’ve both struggled thinking of what career to pursue. Though the highways of marketing has kept me financially stable, it’s writing that has kept me alive.

    Your post is a reminder that it’s always important to be among a community of people sharing your passion. Their experience and wisdom is what keeps the fire burning, helping you direct that to a tangible result!

    1. Stoke the fire, Caleb. Thank God for Dads who encourage us to pursue our passion! It’s like I mentioned in an earlier reply, many writers hold both a day job and their writing career. That might be a great place to start?

    1. Thanks for stopping by. That we would learn to walk in God-confidence–that could make the path a little easier to tread. Too often I forget; I think it’s all about me. Not. 🙂

  23. Thank you so much for this post! I consider myself more of an accidental author than anything else. I’ve been hearing for a while that I have a way with words, but I’d never planned to write a novel. It seems I started by accident, but I’m glad for the way God chooses to work in us. Sometimes (especially these days), I get discouraged. I don’t live in America, so attending a conference will take resources I don’t now have access to. I’ve fretted about every little thing… seriously. Am I too young? What if it’s lame? What if the people who’ve liked my story so far are just being nice to me? Do I really want to put myself that far out there? All kinds of crazy thoughts. It’s nice to know there are so many others in a similar position, and those who have moved away from that place. God bless you richly. Thank you again!

  24. Ah, Lori…I’ve seen God pull amazing books from accidental authors who decided to get serious. I suggest you commit, then buckle up and hold on for the ride. I daresay any writer worth their salt has questioned the very same things as you. Thank you for sharing. By the way, you did well putting yourself out there even now. 🙂

    I’m thankful you were encouraged. And don’t discount virtual (online)conferences and teleseminars as a valuable learning tool when you can’t make it to a live conference. As well as critique groups that you can plug into.

    1. See? I’m getting help already! Thank you very much. I’ve been writing for a long time, but the big world of writing is new to me. I’m glad there are sweet individuals like you along the way. Blessings. All the best in your endeavours.

  25. I feel like that’s where I’m at now (well, minus the writer’s conferences… always have wanted to go to one of those…)

    Thanks for this post — it was a great read! I guess I do need to ask myself “how much do I really want this?”

    xo,
    Christen

  26. I do feel isolated at times. I went on a mission trip in July and met Marti Pieper and Jenny B. Jones and they changed my life. (God is good) I write but I knew nothing about publishing. Thanks to the two of them I am taking a crash course. I had not known anyone who wrote until I met them. In fact my church tried to discourage me from writing fiction. I tried to quit but was so unhappy that I went back. I was very disappointed not to be able to go to the conference but I hope to go to one soon. Thank you for your post It gives me hope.

    Glenda Parker

    1. Hope is a wonderful thing. And Glenda, it looks as if God is lining up your support even now. Life-changing connections are good! I pray you find freedom to pursue your passion.

  27. Pingback: How Bad Do We Want It? « Katherine Skye

  28. It took me a long time to say, “I am a writer” and even longer to say, “I am an author.” But it’s the blood, sweat, tears, and prayers of the last ten years that propelled me past the fears and disappointments and showed me how much I want it!

    So glad YOU wanted it bad enough to go for it!

  30. Community and goal setting was everything to me. It wasn’t enough to want to. I had to do. And I needed folks to show me the way.

    A lovely post.

  31. My incredible encourager, Jo Ann! I absolutely love to read what you write. There is a certain calmness and soothing flow that is always present in your words. Thank you for sharing. You are with me much more than you know … nearly every day as I work to carve out time to become a real writer. 🙂 I hear your wondeful voice … “Allison, you can do this. Have you set aside time for your writing today?”. The story of your journey is so inspiring. And the title of your post is written for me … How bad do I really want it? We’ll find out at the NACWE conference next Spring! Big, big hugs!

    1. Well my beautiful friend, Allison, I cannot WAIT for the end result. You are precious to me. A real inspiration. A true budding success story. Thanks so much for visiting with me here and thank you for your kind words.

      Big hug!

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