Twelve Step Program for Addictive Writers
Twelve Step Program for Addictive Writers by Cyn Pagliolo
Though you may think this is a program to help get over your
writing addiction - it's just the opposite. We're here to help
you become better at your addicitve nature.
Step One: Admit you have a problem. This is one of the most
difficult steps you'll ever have to take in the program. It's
okay to admit it, just remember you are not the only person with
this addiction.
Step Two: Let go of your muse. Doing this will allow his/her
freedom to find their voice. This step will ensure that when
he/she is ready, the writing flow will be a continuous one.
Step Three: Discourage your inner critic. This voice can be
rough on your own writing. Allowing this inner critic to take
control over your writing will be damaging to your addiction.
Step Four: Find the correct time to write. Finding the right
time for you to write is the key. You don't need any outside
distracts to take you away from the word, as your inner voice
will be distracting enough.
Step Five: Write everyday. Once you have found the perfect time
to do some writing, stick with it, do it every single day if at
all possible. This will allow you to practice the craft of the
word.
Step Six: Add caffeine to your writing sessions. Doing this
allows the addictions to feed off one another, as well as keep
you awake once the muse shows up and takes over you. Anything
from chocolates to sodas will work fine.
Step Seven: Research. Always research your characters jobs or
their lifestyle. Remember your characters have to be real to
those readers or you won't pull it off.
Step Eight: Getting over the fear. You have to let someone close
to you read your work. Don't assume they will hate it, let the
inner critic alone. They can give you pointers and tell you what
areas you need to work on.
Step Nine: Re-write and edit. Once you have let whoever read
your work, re-write and edit out what needs to be done. There
will always be a better way to write a scene and you know it's
in you.
Step Ten: Write cover letters and queries. After doing more
research on your potential publishers, begin to write out your
letters. Remember they need to be just as professional as your
manuscript needs to be.
Step Eleven: Send out your work and wait. Also a part of step
eight - get over the fear of rejection will help a great deal in
getting you motivated enough to send those envelopes. Waiting is
the hardest part of the game. It can take weeks, sometimes
months to hear back from an editor for rejection or acceptance.
Step Twelve: Being published. If you have made it this far into
the program, you are a Writing Addict Winner. This step should
show you can and are good enough to be published.
Follow these twelve steps and you're sure to still be addicted
to writing, if not more so!