The Courage to Write: Lessons from a Sixth-Grade Genius
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Chapter 1: A Remarkable Friend
When I was in sixth grade, I had a brilliant friend named Evan. Even at that young age, he was deeply passionate about literature, often delving into Dostoevsky. He enjoyed playing games like Magic and Mage Knights, and he even built his own computer. With aspirations of becoming a writer, or at least someone who expressed his thoughts through writing, Evan stood out among our peers.
One vivid memory from our school days involves a moment during free time when I noticed Evan engrossed in one of the classroom computers—a brightly colored iMac. Curiosity piqued, I asked him what he was working on, and he revealed he was crafting his own novel. I was taken aback; here we were, just kids, and he was already embarking on such an ambitious project. Eager to know more, I listened as he described how his protagonist had just arrived at a quaint English village and was exploring his new surroundings. As Evan scrolled through nearly thirty pages of text, I was astounded by his ability to produce so much content without losing steam. He confidently assured me he had plenty more ideas to share, even admitting he wasn’t entirely sure how his tale would conclude.
Why this memory lingers with me, more than two decades later, is unclear. However, reflecting on it now, having penned a few novels myself, I can’t help but admire Evan's unwavering commitment, foresight, and—most importantly—his bravery.
"To write is to kill all your darlings." ~William Faulkner
Courage to Write
As I continue to write throughout my adult life, particularly since I began crafting novels, I’ve come to recognize the immense courage required to write authentically. This courage manifests in three essential ways: embracing the act of writing, honing your craft, and revisiting your work.
Embracing the Act of Writing
At its core, writing demands the bravery to begin and persist until your story is fully expressed. This task can feel daunting, especially when considering the length of a novel—typically ranging from 40,000 to over 100,000 words. However, it’s more manageable than it seems. Consider this: if you dedicate just 45 minutes daily to writing at a comfortable pace, you could produce between 500 and 1,000 words. If you maintain this routine for a month, you would accumulate 15,000 to 30,000 words. Over three to four months, that could become a novel. The key is to just write. Regardless of quality, getting words on the page should take precedence over editing.
Honing Your Craft
Novels can be complex, requiring you to convey intricate plots and character developments. The breadth of what must be captured can be overwhelming. Ironically, I’ve discovered that less planning often yields better stories. In my previous attempt to outline every detail like a meticulous architect, the result was lifeless. I scrapped that approach in favor of a simpler premise, allowing the narrative to unfold organically. The outcome was exponentially more engaging. My advice? Develop relatable characters with rich backstories, then let them act and speak authentically, and watch your narrative evolve.
Revisiting Your Work
Currently, I’m engrossed in a novel that has reached approximately 85,000 words, a project I’ve been working on for about two years. Throughout this journey, I’ve rewritten the entire piece multiple times. This process involved removing chapters, replacing them, reworking scenes, and sometimes deleting large sections of text. While it’s painful to lose substantial amounts of work, the evolution of the story is rewarding. The ultimate goal isn’t to rush through the writing process but to create something meaningful that resonates with readers—a sentiment I sensed in Evan years ago. His unwavering commitment, no matter the cost or duration, inspired me deeply.
A Simple Yet Challenging Path
Years ago, I was in awe of Evan, who seemed to achieve what I thought was beyond my reach. Now, I realize it was not merely his actions but the determination and confidence with which he approached them. Even at the age of eleven, he understood the essence of courage in writing. Now, at 32, I still admire his self-trust, and I aim to instill that same confidence in others as a writing coach.
The most crucial takeaway? Just write. Write freely. Write thoroughly. Write repeatedly. But above all, write without fear.
If you’re ready to embark on your writing journey but seek guidance or motivation, feel free to reach out at [email protected] for some complimentary advice.
Chapter 2: Insights on Friendship
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Chapter 3: The Truth About College Friendships
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