Trick Or Treat?

Writing is a scary business. If you’re not terrified of the idea of writing a story, having others read it and then trying to get it published, you must be a zombie. When you really think about it, the act of writing is like year-round Halloween. It’s also like the Olympics, but that’s another post entirely. The terrifying tasks writers face are either a trick or a treat, but how do you know which witch is which?

New Ideas—Treat! Having an idea grow inside of you and demand to be set free is definitely a positive step for any writer.

Writer’s Block—Trick…The dreaded writer’s block is a horrific crime on creativity. Blocks only serve to burden writers and set them back. They can be defeated though.

Finishing a Draft—Treat! When you’ve completed the winding maze and strung your web of tales together, the feeling of accomplishment and pride is hard to ignore.

Editing—Trick…Changing your story, or cleaning up the text can be a riddle on your brain and send a chill down your spine like a phantom haunting your every waking moment.

Betas—Treat! Fresh meat sent to slaughter…I mean, new readers are a freakishly good thing. New perspectives, opinions and ideas can help give your story heart.

Queries/Contests—Trick…or Treat! Contests and queries are a dark and cloudy road, but those who choose to brave the terror trail could be greatly rewarded.

Publication—Treat! If you self-publish or go traditional, finally reaching your goal is enough to make you howl like a werewolf at a full moon! The spooky journey has come to an end, unless, you come up with a tantalizing new idea…

…And then, the horror and wonderment can begin again…