When I started writing, I had this glamorous picture in my head: I would dress in all black (that one I got down), spend late nights writing in a smoky haze (I don’t smoke), and haunt cafes (it’s not in the budget).

Maybe that was my first ah-ha moment. Writing wasn’t a tiny bit like I expected. It’s ended up being more pajamas, early mornings, and homemade cups of tea.

5 Ah-Ha Moments That Impacted My Writing

Despite being so young to the writing life, these 5 ah-ha moments have impacted my writing. And I wanted to share them with you!

Ah-Ha Moment 1: Writing isn’t solo

For a long time, I thought writing was something you did alone.

I missed out on the idea that there was a living, breathing (and exciting) community of writers ready to cheer each other on and share advice from their journeys. And just generally, you know, help with writing blocks.

Ah-Ha Moment 2: Writing Conferences means new friends

My first experience with a writing conference wasn’t a good one, but my second and all following have been hugely inspiring, challenging, and invigorating.

I walk away with more friends, more knowledge, and often more hope (despite the rejection often received during talks with agents, editors, etc.). Writing conferences are basically “continuing education.”

Ah-Ha Moment 3: Don’t Listen to Everyone

Everyone has an opinion, whether they are a writer or a reader (or your sister).

But sometimes, a writer’s opinion can be detrimental to your story. A lot of people write but have little (or no) industry experience.

A reader’s opinion (what worked and what didn’t) will always be helpful to a story because they respond emotionally to your story.

Ah-Ha Moment 4: Choose a Beta Reader who likes your Genre

Obvious facepalm, right? Well, may you and everyone else be wiser than I.

Someone who hates your genre is different than someone who just doesn’t read it too often but still appreciates it. Both people will have helpful insight, but one will word their thoughts more tersely than the other.

Ah-Ha Moment 5: Your Book is NOT Your Baby

The more emotionally separated you can be from your story and characters (post-writing and editing), the easier it will be to experience rejection.

The story should stand on its own. It’s not about you. It’s about the story. (A lot of people probably disagree with me on this one. Tell me in the comments why you disagree!)

What Are Your Writing Ah-Ha Moments? I’d love to know! Share in the comments.