By now, those who stalk this site, and more so those who stalk this author, would know that I began writing romance novels because I needed to earn some extra money. These people also know that when my BFF and I decided to take on the business of writing novels after being used to business writing for the longest time, what we did was to read through several Tagalog pocketbooks to see how we could get it on, so to speak.
I knew I was a good writer. Reading the bunch of books we bought, I thought I could do so much better technique-wise and content wise than whoever the author of the forgotten story was. Because beyond knowing I’m good, I believed I WAS and still is, technically and creatively better. I struggled in the beginning, trying to get the proper format right but in the end, well, I guess I’ll just let my roster of published books speak for me.
Many aspiring novelists these days likely thought and felt the same as I did when I began. I could do better, I believe I am better… Thing is, this is only achievable if:
1) You have the proper tools – How good are you at composition? How’s your grammar and vocabulary? How well do you translate your thoughts and ideas to become words that will evoke vivid images in the reader? Do you allow yourself exposure to a wide variety of inspiration sources and do you see these inspirations and use them to your advantage?
2) You have the proper attitude – Let’s face it. You know the extent of your abilities but you have no way of knowing how others will evaluate and accept your work. Are you strong enough to accept criticism? Brave enough to admit you need to work on some… a number of… quite a lot of things?
See, you may think you’re good, even better than most. Probably you even actually are. But you know what’s best? That you allow yourself to still improve despite the knowledge that you are smart. That what this is, what you are right now? That’s not yet it. There’s nothing like learning new things and applying those learnings.
So… you want to be the best? I know I do.
