The Road to Getting Published

What does one find along the road to getting published? I have no idea. I'm that person standing curbside looking both ways that you're afraid might step out in front of you and become your new hood ornament. Left or right? Do I actually need a car to travel this road or can I walk it? Dunno, but I'm about to find out.

I've been writing my whole life in one form or another, addressing envelopes, filling out the checkbook register, notes to my kids' teachers, etcetera etcetera. So I know a thing or two about the craft, trust me you. But what do you do when you wake up one day and find you've written a whole darn book? Who would have thought? Yeah, it's rough, yeah, it's a draft and yes--it's a mess...in its current form. But hey, that's why they call it a rough draft, no? My ten year old told me that Roald Dahl once said you have to keep reading your work over and over until you're positive it's the best it can be. Now I don't know if he really ever said that, but it sounds good to me and I'm taking this wonderful advice to heart. Somewhere beneath the dirt and grime of my creation will emerge the shiny thingamabob I seek. I'd also like to tell you that I wrote my book for my daughter because she's the most avid reader I've ever known, that I wanted to give her something from me, something that wouldn't break, something beautiful...but that wouldn't be entirely true. I write because I've never felt so alive as when the words are spilling from me and into existence.

Sorry, I've already taken a detour and I haven't even started my journey down this mysterious road. Have I got your attention? 'Cause my point is this. Let's travel this road together. If you're reading this then maybe you feel as I do. Maybe you're afraid your work isn't good enough. Maybe you're afraid of what people will think or how they will judge your writing. I'm a not only a member of this club, but I'm also the president. But I'm ready to start taking it on the chin to find out what I'm made of, are you? Let's start a circle of friends through Twitter and blogs to inspire and and lift each other up on this road trip. Everyone has to start somewhere. Will I or you ever get published? Who knows? My initial research suggests it will be nearly impossible. Oh well, I'm gonna give it a shot and share my experience through this blog as I do. Maybe you will too. I know this may sound trite to some--so obviously this isn't for everyone. I'm talking to those of us who are less than forthcoming about our writing. It's time to break the mold, baby. And it's time to take a chance.

So to heck with standing curbside, to heck with the car, let's just step out and see what happens. Maybe we can keep each other from getting ran over. Thanks for reading.

May your writing always feel like warm sunshine on your shoulders. (Don't forget the sunblock.)

sleepy dad