U is for Unswerving

On Being a Published Writer
2012 A to Z Blogging Challenge
April 24, 2012
Day 21

Welcome to the 2012 A to Z Blogging Challenge. This year I’m focusing on things I’ve learned, observed and experienced in the nine years I’ve been published. If you’re a reader, I hope to offer an inside glimpse into the writer’s world. If you’re new to writing, I hope I can provide an insight or two. If you’re an established writer, maybe you’ll see similarities to your experience. Whatever path you walk, I welcome you to mine and hope you’ll enjoy the 2012 A to Z Blogging Challenge.



Working as a published writer is without a doubt the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Published being the keyword. Writing is easy. I was given the talent. I merely tap into it. It’s being published that’s work.

My journey wasn’t the usual one. I didn’t have the burning passion for publication so many people possess. I merely wanted to see if I could actually write a novel. Once I knew I could, a new world opened up to me.

I had to get serious about writing. I had to set aside the time to do the work and acquire knowledge about my field. I have to constantly work to improve my basic skills. No one else can do these things for me. Writing truly is a venture where I am accountable to myself. I can think of no other field where “I” is more important to the finished product.

If I want to continue to be a published writer, I must be unswerving in my goals. I must know where I want to go and do the work to get there.

There are no worthwhile shortcuts to publication. There is a learning curve, and everyone is on it. The first few years were rather steep for me. I struggled, but looking back I wouldn’t trade any of it. I learned from every experience.

Of all the things I’ve done in my life, writing is the most personal and the most powerful. It’s a solitary pursuit where achievements are frequently intangible. For me, the road goes straight ahead. I’ve set my path and I won’t swerve from it.

There’s an old saying, “If it is to be, it is up to me.” When it comes to writing, those words are my unswerving truth.
KC Kendricks
website at: http://www.kckendricks.com/
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