Jill here.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I had the privilege of spending last Saturday at the Teen Author Boot Camp writer’s conference. It was phenomenal. I even met some of you there!
You all know that I love Brandon Sanderson‘s books and teachings, so I’m sure you’re not terribly surprised to see me return with a quote from him. I jotted this down during his keynote address. Some 670 teen writers heard him say it on Saturday, and I really wanted you all to hear it too.
Brandon said that too many writers focus everything on THE BOOK. But the book isn’t the only thing that matters. You matter. And if you’ve decided you want to become a writer someday, then recognize that you need training. Each book you write provides that training. You are investing time in training yourself to become a better writer. That’s what this is all about. And with each book you write, rewrite, and complete, you get better at this thing called writing. Even if you never get published, you will have invested in bettering yourself at something you love. And that’s a very good thing.
Do you spend too much time focused on the dream of seeing one particular book published? Have you ever thought of this time in your life as a time of self-improvement? Share your thoughts in the comments.