Redirection

Yesterday, I wrote here that I was excited that I've finished Chapter 1 but when I showed it to my fellow authors in my class, my mentor saw it and gave me a review. He commented about the naming of my characters and about some errors, including grammar. Somehow, he said the main problem was that it didn't give out the plot and the world background. I felt low after hearing it. I waited for my fellow authors to share their opinions but I think they were busy with their books as well, so no one said anything.

Thus, I reverted back to my original chapter 1. I completed it days ago but I planned to move it in chapter 2 because my mentor told me not to divulge everything and that part seems to be showing a lot of things. After knowing my content for new chapter 1 won't do, I felt unsure of what to do next. I need to recheck everything I've written today. The content I was excited about will be placed in future chapters.

Ah, it's really hard when you're still learning to write a novel. I wish schools will teach students to become a novelist and not just for secular work.

To fill the rest with my time, I ended up reading other novels.

I started reading 'The Beautiful Time with You' by Ye Fei Ye and it was hilarious. I was hooked up the minute I began reading it.

Later, I was able to chat with a non-contracted author in discord of whom I didn't know is a published writer in reality. While reading the person's profile, I'm humbled to know that this person has written five books which are now being sold on Amazon. Looking at my two completed books, they are nothing. I will read that author's romance book today.

Honestly, I'm not so excited to write here today but I felt inclined to do so. Being an author has these ups and downs in my journey. Even though I enjoy writing and love what I write, it doesn't mean readers will like my story. Most of all, being an Asian and a non-native English speaker, I have these grammar errors and difficulty to express the story I imagined. Sadly, these are one of the possible reasons for people to stop reading. Sad. Really sad. But I can't stop readers from dropping my story while I'm still polishing my skills and my writing.

The good thing is that some readers will remain and continue to support my story. Yes, that's what makes an author happy. It's not all about having the book contracted or printed and published or being recognized, becoming popular, and having it sold on Amazon. Even though, I also want to reach that point in this career. But it's all about people appreciating and enjoying what I write.

I want to feel encouraged or inspired while I'm writing this right now but none of that sort came true as of the moment. Maybe, later. Somehow, as an author, it doesn't mean I'll stop writing because my spirit is low, rather, I need to be fervent to write my best in spite of the fluctuating emotions. The endpoint is to see my readers enjoying my book later.

I want to end this page today with something for everyone to reflect.

"Though you are sad, lonely, or not inspired or at a loss with what you are doing, you have to think first if you really have given your best. If you have, then be proud of what you've accomplished. If you have not, then don't remain where you are or be content on the knowledge you acquired or with the things you achieved. Strive more and give your best in everything you do. Reward, opportunity, and chances will come to those who won't give up easily."

This is what I believe. God bless us all.