By Cherrilynn Bisbano
What’s
a protagonist? I asked myself as I listened to New York Times Best Selling
author, Cecil Murphy. (You can laugh go ahead).
As a speaker, I was seeking clarity on a career in writing. Many ladies
requested my teachings in book format. My apt reply, I am not a writer.
As gleaned from writing royalty at the 2014 New England Christian Writers
retreat, Cecil confirmed all my writing fears. He also encouraged me and
gave me a challenge. I learned a writer’s life is one filled with
rejection, hope and a calling. That weekend I knew I must complete my
ministry by adding writer to my resume.
Over the next twelve months I attend four writing conferences. I met many Best
Selling authors and aspiring writers. I am compelled to share with you
the top 5 truths I learned. I am confident that my writing career would
have fizzled out after a few months if I did not apply these truths.
Expect rejection – Thick skin is a must in the writer’s
life. Jerry B. Jenkins, Cecil Murphy and Stephen King, along with many others,
will testify that rejection is inevitable. Writing is a business, so when
I received my first book proposal I was not shocked or dismayed. I
high-fived my friend as she said, One rejection closer to a book
contract.
Attend conferences- Conferences are the best palace to learn
and network. I sharpened my skills and gain new friends.
Please don’t let money be an issue. I acquired scholarships for the
conferences. Think of it as an investment in your career. You are worth
it.
Writing is a Job, not a
hobby- The most successful
consider writing a job. Whether part time or full time. My friend
Lori Roeleveld works full time days and writes nights and weekends. If
she was not disciplined she would not be published.
Always Learn- Conferences, college courses, along with books
are great ways to sharpen writing skills. I take on line courses
also. Some of these courses are free. Writing blogs give daily and
weekly insite. The Write Conversation by Edie Melson, Jerry B.
Jenkins blog at his website, and Cecil Murphy’s Writer to Writer have helped me
immensely.
Read- I don’t have time to read if I write, I thought to myself. Then I learned
that everyone from the Portuguese Nobel prize winner Jose Saramago to Stephen
King state that reading is mandatory for the writer. Jerry B. Jenkins
sums it up nicely; Writers are readers. Good writers are good
readers. Great writers are great readers.
I have a long way to go as a writer. My hope; best-selling writers still
adhere to these 5 truths, so I will too.
Are you following these
truths? What would you add to the list?
_______________________________________________________________________
Cherrilynn Bisbano is a
speaker, teacher, editor and writer. Her passion for helping people
is evident. As a speaker, she encourages and equips women to be strong in
the Lord. She is Associate Editor at Almost an Author, an online community for
aspiring writers. She has recently been added as an acquisitions editor
at A3 publishing. She is a two time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly.
You can find her published in Amramp, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep,
Refresh and other online magazines. Her first book, True Star
Quality, Learn to Shine, will be out by summer. Cherrilynn proudly
served in the Navy and Air National Guard; earning the John Levitow Military
leadership award. She lives with her fourteen year old autistic son,
Michael, Jr., and husband of 17 years, Michael, Sr. Her social media links
can be found: pelicanpromise.blogspot.com
facebook.com/cherrilynnryerson.bisbano Twitter @chingaling3
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