It can take a long, long time to become a successful writer

[K Sawyer Paul]

As John Scalzi explains. This is a fantastic blog post by him that everyone should read. Choice quote:

2. Most people’s first novels well and truly suck. Oh my, yes they do. Which again is perfectly fine. Writing anything over 60,000 words that still recognizably tells one single story is a hell of an achievement in itself. Asking that it also be good is just being mean to the author, and the novel. It’s like watching someone run their first full-length marathon, ever, and criticizing them for not finishing in the top ten. I mean, shit. That can be the goal for the second race, right?

And as a bonus, choice timeline:

1969 – 1997: Time spent learning to write well enough to write a novel (28).

1997: Wrote first complete novel (28)

1997 – 2001: Life intervenes and keeps me away from fiction (32).

2001: Wrote second novel (32)

2002: Offer made on second novel, now my debut novel (33)

2003: Contract signed for debut novel (33)

2004: Editing and early publicity for debut novel (35)

2005: Debut novel published (35)

2006: Won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer (37)

[Jon Sumait]

I read the whole thing and most of the comments down below on the link.
It really opened my eyes to the difficulty of it all. But despite the fact that this guy is an awarded writer,
he is really, really, really negative.
Are writers really that slow--producing only 200-300 words per day?
I'm forcing myself to write ten pages per day.
I may be naive, but nothing in life is too difficult until you make it that way.
I do admit that I know hardly anything about publishing and the whole business side of it all,
but I'm in my prime to do what I want with my life; and his "blog" put a damper on my attitude towards writing.
The damper will be short lived, but still, inspiration should be given to new writers, not fear, anxiety, or doubt.
At least, if I become a successful writer, that's what I would be doing.
Thanks for sharing this though! This website is really opening my eyes to the world of writing.

[Alissa]

Writing as many pages as you do is a blessing. For me when I get into a groove, it's like a fever that is let out through expression. I think when you are inspired and the world aligns for you and the words flow like water take advantage of it. Admittedly, some of the first things I've written stank worse than this garbage strike but I enjoyed writing every moment of it. I've learned and am still learning how to become a better writer. It is a process, a craft if you will. I think that maybe part of the message is to toil through the hard parts and good things will come.

[Jon Sumait]

ahhh, i didn't think about that tubejay. XD
You might end up being right about that.
I learn something new everyday. haha.