How to Be an Aspiring Author

Many of us are aspiring authors who dream of writing the next classic novel. We

don't just desire commercial success but also want our work to mean more than

the money it makes and the copies it sells. We want to transcend, to write a book

that is years ahead of its time, that might not be appreciated by modern

audiences but will most certainly be studied for centuries by more enlightened

minds. We want future readers to pore over our biographical details, hoping to

gain more insight into our particular brand of literary genius. Yes, we know what

we want. We are dreamers, after all, and we love getting lost in our fantasies.

Introduction

Being an aspiring author is almost as wonderful—no, better, in fact—than

actually being a published writer. Because doesn't publishing a book end the

dream? And what if our work, by some unspeakable horror or mistake of the

cosmos, is never successful?

No, there is certainly no place in the publishing world for dreamers like us.

Luckily, there is no reason why we can't keep the dream alive forever by

following these four simple steps.

Introduction

Never, ever make plans.

Outlines aren't for creative thinkers or committed aspiring authors like

us; they're for analytical fools who are set on completing their projects.

How dare someone suggest that you stifle your creative process by tying

yourself down with a preplanned plot? Would an architect draw a

blueprint before picking up her tools? Would an actor learn his lines

before delivering his performance? The absurdity of it all!

Why you should never make plans:

You are the sole creator of your work.

Ignore all others.

People will tell you that writing is a process. They will say that part of this process

is allowing others to read your work. They might even tell you that you should

put your work into the hands of an editor, trusting him or her to improve the

story and the quality of the language. But those people don't know you. They

don't realize that, unlike some of these published writers, you are the only

person who knows what is best for your story. Editors, with their red pens and

their "constructive" commentary, are evil. They will destroy your art, if not your

dream. Avoid them at all costs.

Why you should ignore all others:

Only write when you are feeling

inspired.

Forcing yourself to write is like forcing your children to complete their

homework. What do they get out of the experience if it's pushed on

them? Wouldn't they learn better if they were to study when they

wanted to? Don't make a schedule to follow when it comes to your

writing. Work at your own pace, and work only when you feel inspired to

do so. As a committed aspiring author, you're in no rush.

Why you should only write when you’re inspired:

Commercial literature is

for plebeians.You are a real

artist.

Plot-driven thrillers, books with romantic subplots, or anything driven primarily

by the action of the story should hold no interest for you. Because you are a

literary genius, you are too good to read the books that others can't put down.

Stay away from these books. If you dare to read them, their obvious inferiority

may rub off on you. Sure, Stephen King may be a millionaire with one of the

biggest and most diverse fan bases an author has ever had, but you, you’re an

artist. That's why you're sticking with your role as an aspiring author, right?

Why you are an artist:

If you're an aspiring author, and you're good at being an aspiring author, why on

earth would you do anything differently? Stick with the guidelines above, and

you'll have no problem being an aspiring author forever. If, however, you decide to

turn your back on all these very important aspects of the aspiring author's static

and solitary life, consider checking out the manuscript editing services offered by

Scribendi.com. If you're going to change your game, you'll have to play by some

new rules, and I've heard that the editors at Scribendi.com don't bite nearly as

hard as the others.

Conclusion

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