I’m not sure how this happened. Adele’s song “Hello” just went down to #2 on the Billboard chart, beat out of the #1 slot by Justin Bieber’s “Sorry.” Justin Bieber isn’t *that* great, certainly can’t compare to Adele. I mean, even I could create a song better than that – I just don’t have the time. If I had the time, I’d whip out my instruments, have a record deal, a tour, and a #1 hit single in no time, give Adele & Bieber a run for their money.
What, you think I’m crazy?
I’ve had music lessons – piano, guitar, violin, and voice. Plus I sing allllll the time in the car and Glee is my favorite TV show.
Still think I’m psycho?
I’m telling you, I’d have a #1 Hit Single if I just had the time.
I could so do that.
Okay, none of that is true, we all know that. It takes a whole lot more than having general music knowledge to make it big. First off, I’m not necessarily skilled just because I learned some music. Secondly, once I am skilled, it takes a whole lot of knowledge about the business world of music just to get noticed, let alone succeed with a record deal, concert, and/or hit single. Newsflash: Adele & Bieber & anyone you hear on the radio had to work hard to make it! Not just anyone can do it. Right?
So that up there? Psycho wannabe popstar? Not me. But it’s a whole bunch of people out in this world, only I’m not talking about the music world. I’m talking about the writing world.
“I’ve been told I should write a book – I just don’t have the time.”
“I’ve always wanted to write the next NYT Bestseller, I’m just too busy.”
I’m going to say something you might disagree with…. You can’t write that book!
At least not now. Just because you aced High School English doesn’t mean you can write a book. There’s rules that don’t apply to academic English you have to learn. There’s lots of practice to make your great story idea into an actually readable masterpiece that reads like what you imagine in your headspace. And even once you have studied and practiced and finally finished that manuscript, there’s a whole lot about the writing business you have to learn/know to make it big, in addition to a hint of luck.
Think you have what it takes to be a writer? Then make the time and do it. Learn. Practice. Grow.
Otherwise, let me break it to you – you cannot write the next bestseller if you have the time. It takes a whole lot more than just time to get there. Just because you have a great story doesn’t mean you have a great book. And it’s okay if you don’t have that. Because maybe you have what it takes to make the next Billboard #1 Hit Single – something I don’t have.
