Inspired by Al & Val

Feeling totally inspired and motivated after listening to yet another amazing So You Want To Be A Writer podcast by Valerie Khoo and Alison Tait. 

Having just finished writing my virgin draft of my very first novel I am feeling exhilarated and dreaming of where this might all go. At the same time, I am wondering what to do next and whether what I have written is just total dribble or something worthwhile. I guess I am going through the usual self-doubt mainly because I am venturing into unknown territory.

So after listening to episode 215 of SYWTBW I must put pen to paper and say thank you to Val and Al for putting together such an inspirational podcast. I LOVED listening to their interview with new up and coming author Sarah Bailey.

Sarah described in detail the steps she went through from finishing her first novel and submitting to agents. The agony of having to be advised to re-edit her baby, change the writing and characters, is so relatable. I know I will need to edit my first draft and fully expect to change parts of the story, but also know it will be hard to be told that some parts of my many hours slaved over novel is just not as good as it could be. We all love our babies, and it was reassuring to hear Sarah tell us she fully accepted the end result in fact was much better than her first draft.

Sarah’s success of being published not only in Australia but now overseas, all while working full time, was motivational in so many ways. It shows that dreams do come true and Sarah’s down to earth personality made me believe it can happen to any of us.

Listening to good podcasts and being part of writers groups both online and in real life is essential to becoming/being a good writer. At least I find it inspires me and I think many feel the same way.

Thank you, Al and Val, for keeping our dreams alive.

Do yourself a favor and take a listen to their podcasts by following link below

https://www.writerscentre.com.au/category/podcasts/so-you-want-to-be-a-writer-podcast/