5 Lies Young Writers Believe

Roasting Common Myths

We've all heard it. In some way, some form or another. The dreadful, sickening response to the words "I'm a writer":

"Oh that's cute! Well, good luck!"

If anyone has said that, or something similar, to you, then it's probably someone who doesn't know you very well. They have no idea how passionate and dedicated you are - or maybe they just don't know or care much about writing. But it doesn't matter. You are a writer, and you know what you're called to do, so let's put some of the most common myths to rest once and for all.

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Lie #1: You're Too Young

Why people believe it

The world we live in is torn between the elder generations and the younger ones - like us.

Our elders possess more life experience, it's true. And they usually possess wisdom as well. But from what I've seen, some of those life experiences can make them bitter toward young people who are full of hope and potential.

Just because someone deserves the respect afforded to an elder does not always mean they know best - particularly when it comes to writing.

Why it doesn't matter

There may not be anything new under the sun, but the world is still changing. And as young adults, we have the advantage of being able to adapt to these changes.

Despite our few years on earth, we have the whole world - and all the knowledge and resources it holds - at our fingertips. Curiosity and eagerness to learn are the gift of the young; we have the advantage!

You have the means to change the world with your words. You have the means to be an example to anyone who crosses your path, no matter what age they are. Don't let anyone - including yourself - look down on you for your youth. Instead, embrace it! Rejoice in it, and use it for God's glory!

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Lie #2: You Don't Have Enough Experience

Why people believe it

Okay people, storytime. This has happened to me more than once: Somebody in a critique group, who for the most part was a generally decent person, started talking down to me. In one case, the other person was writing about similar subject matter (with a very different theme) - we should have gotten along great.

I've been researching and rewriting my debut novel for years, but some people haven't seemed able to accept that. On the contrary, they've tried to find fault with my facts and even embarrass me in front of others.

I don't know why. If I ever said something disrespectful to provoke it, it was not intentional. Whatever the case, there have been people who certainly didn't seem willing to believe I had enough experience to do what I'm doing. And you know what? That's not going to be the last time it happens, either.

There will be people of every age group, background, and career path who will do anything to keep believing they're more worthy than you. Literally, anything - even if it means putting you down.

Why it doesn't matter

I will never condone pride or arrogance. There's enough of that already. But there have been times when I needed to go home and fall back on the things I knew I knew. I was doing the work required to make my story happen, and I did have the writing experience and knowledge of my subject to write well and accurately.

The point is, work hard and do your research. Have the courage to support yourself when others don't. You may not become a prodigy before age 20, but the fruit of your labor will come in God's timing.

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Lie #3: You Can't REALLY Make A Living As A Writer

Why people believe it

Ever heard the phrase 'starving artist'? That's what people tend to envision when they think of authors. I think it's because up until the last few decades, having time to write, research, and publish a book was only something you did when you were too delusional to care if you were poor - or after you retired from your REAL job.

You see, writers are people who seclude themselves in front of a typewriter day in and day out, living on a diet of coffee and leftovers, pouring themselves into a dream that can never really support them because only a few people are actually any good at writing. You know, like J.R.R. Tolkein or Charles Dickens. (*Insert large amounts of sarcasm*)

Why it doesn't matter

Let's get one thing straight: Writing is a perfectly legitimate profession. PROVIDED you go about pursuing your goals in the right manner. As long as you do your research and know what you're getting into, the only thing that can stop you is a lack of persistence.

You've been given this passion for a reason. If it's God's will for you to be a writer, then by Davy Jones you ARE a writer! You have everything you need to make it your career.

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Lie #4: Nobody Will Pay Attention To You

Why people believe it

In this age of information, with all the people we know and the millions of bits of information we process every day, it is easy to feel invisible. After all, you're just one person among billions. What could you possibly have to say that will make anyone listen?

On top of that, we're young. Most of us barely have a toehold in our community, let alone the world. People see us as green and inexperienced, unworthy of their minuscule attention spans. Nothing about us is eye-catching or interesting. Right?

Why it doesn't matter

Wrong. We are all human, but we are all unique. (I know, I know, you've probably heard that a thousand times. I hope you have.) And somewhere, scattered among the masses of humanity, is the audience who will find your unique words and message inviting - exciting, even - once they catch a glimpse. For the right person, that's all it takes: A flash. A thread of truth. If it tugs on their soul, no matter how lightly, they will follow it.

As for making people listen? Just remember your ultimate reason for writing: The point is not to draw people to you, it's to draw people to Jesus. You do what you do, and He'll take care of the rest.

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Lie #5: Nobody Takes You Seriously

Why people believe it

This is what many writers fear the most, what we agonize over in the third watch of the night. That despite our efforts, passion, and persistence, no one will see us as anything more than delusional dreamers.

I won't sugar coat this: It's going to happen. Readers, editors, agents, publishers, even other writers, can and will brush you off. They won't see your hard work, or your dedication, or even your skill. All they will see is an optimistic, naive amateur.

That's their loss; not yours.

Why it doesn't matter

Yes, some people will practically throw themselves into this category. Some. BUT NOT ALL. The people who need to hear what you have to say will take you seriously, though you might have to nudge harder with some more than others. If you are intentional, professional, and kind, you may find that even people who used to bounce you on their knees will look at you with newfound respect.

Those who need to take you seriously, will.

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In Conclusion

More often than not, people say such things (oh, cool/that's nice/are you sure you want to do that?) out of mere ignorance. They don't quite understand your craft, or the inner workings of the writing world, and they just don't know what else to say. They feel out of their league, so they're afraid to ask questions and get neck-deep in something totally foreign.

There's not much you can do to fix this, because the only actions you can control are your own. But you can prepare for it, and I hope you realize that you don't have to listen to a single discouraging word. The lies I mentioned above, along with anything else you've heard or can think of, are just that: Lies. They're not true. They're not even real.

You know what is real?

Your gift.

Your dream.

These are real.

- Lydia