By Guest Blogger, Melissa Foster, Fiction Novelist
www.MegansWay.com

Click Here to listen to Megan’s interview with Jennifer at 9:00 am EST on the WomensRadio

It’s often said that everyone has one good story in them. That may or may not be true. I’m not going to be the one to decide, however, I do think that if you feel as though you have a story to be told, then you should pursue it.

For fifteen years I scribbled story ideas down on notebooks, on my laptop, on sticky papers—anywhere I was able. With six children under foot, it was impossible to find ten minutes, much less a few hours, to concentrate. I knew that one day, far in the future, I’d be able to take those tidbits and concentrate on making them into books.

There’s no right or wrong way to write. Some people use outlines, others fly by the seat of their pants. You will find your style—try them all if you’d like, until one feels comfortable.

And never, never be afraid of what people will say about your writing.

I have always said that writing is the scariest thing I’ve ever done, and I meant it. It is like standing on the street corner naked; you don’t know if people will whistle or throw eggs at you.

Here’s my best advice. If you want to write, then do it! Make the time. Carry around a notebook and pencil. Write while your children are on the playground, while your family is sleeping, or when you are supposed to be having “me” time. Don’t discard any ideas. Hold onto the ideas. Who knows when they’ll fit perfectly into a story?

Writing is a very fun, and sometimes frustrating, endeavor. The writing process itself takes oodles of time and creativity.

The editing process takes very thick skin, and even more time, and the publishing process, well, let’s just say… and you thought writing the book was difficult?

Follow your heart. You cannot succeed if you never try. I wish you all many successful stories!

Click Here to listen to Megan’s interview with Jennifer at 9:00 am EST on the WomensRadio