Do The Write Thing Publishing’s Weblog

About Janet Sikes Anderson

Janet reading her first bylineI dreamed of being a writer one day. After many years of merely dreaming of writing, I began to actually do it! I sat at the keyboard hour after hour, pounding away, researching how to get started, and asking other writers how it’s done.

Then one day it hit me….if I wanted to be a writer, at some point I was actually going to have to WRITE something. As silly as it seems I was busy learning how to be a writer, but never writing. So I set aside all the research and sat down again…this time to write. It was actually frightening. In that moment, I had to face the fact that I might fail. People knew this was my dream and if I fail, they will know that I just didn’t have the goods.

But I’ve learned that being a writer isn’t dependent on whether or not I sold that first article or that first book idea. It’s about writing. That’s what I love to do. That’s who God made me to be.

So for today, if you’re wondering what I might be up to at this moment, I’m probably pecking on a keyboard, hanging out at my favorite bookstore, or reclining in one of those great comfy chairs at the library, reading and smiling.

11 Comments

11 responses so far ↓

  • Mom // May 16, 2008 at 2:11 pm | Reply

    Way to go girl!

  • Dorothy Sikes Brown // May 18, 2008 at 6:05 pm | Reply

    Doing what you love is one of the best gifts we get in life. The web site is great!

  • Communication Goddess // May 19, 2008 at 1:00 pm | Reply

    Amen sista! Have you done NaNoWriMo? I tried last year and then got sick. Just writing is the best way to go. I have learned a ton-just from publishing a monthly eletter. The first draft is usually trashed. I just have to do it on a deadline or it never happens. No on with one of the two books I want to write and the blogs and the eletter and the…

    AHH!
    -Cordelia, Cordelia Blake Web Design, CB Blog

  • Your BFF // May 19, 2008 at 2:58 pm | Reply

    Well, there’s nothing like a little conviction to get one going…
    I’m feelin’ it.
    I know I am prone to say, “Just let me get finished with_______ and then I’ll get right on to my story.”
    But seriously, can’t I just finish this semester of teaching first?
    Summer……….yeah.

  • Janet Sikes Anderson // May 19, 2008 at 3:19 pm | Reply

    Dear BFF,
    I DID sound like I was preaching to you, didn’t I?
    :) You are so great and so creative…Have you ever waited for your favorite author to write that next book in the series?…….Well, dear, that’s how I feel while I wait on all the great ideas you’ve shared with me….

    And YEP! I’m gonna keep preachin’ to ya ’til you get it done! Love you!
    Janet

  • Bob Mayberry // May 20, 2008 at 8:21 am | Reply

    Great Job and congrats for following your dream.

    well done!

    Love,

    Bob

  • Jennifer // May 20, 2008 at 10:42 am | Reply

    Awesome! I knew you could do it! :)
    God has great things planned for you….You have a wonderful talent. Now get those children’s books published! I know you can! Love ya! J

  • erinstraza // May 22, 2008 at 7:57 am | Reply

    Janet—Thought I’d stop by and say hello! I would love to hear about your current writing project. Maybe we could “chat” via e-mail. I’ve got you on my blog surfer, so I’ll keep up w/you and be back for another visit! Blessings. Erin

  • thedreamcontinued // May 23, 2008 at 12:50 pm | Reply

    Hey Janet! Thanks for the positive feedback! I have this pulsing in my blood…it is more than just the blood cells and platelets, it is what makes it flow. It is what gives me life. It is writing!

  • Steve LeGrand // June 7, 2008 at 10:43 pm | Reply

    I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you. I have been in a similar position for quite some time, writing has always been a passion of mine. I have done a great deal of research and now I am standing on the cusp of that monumental step that you have taken. I have read quite a few articles on this site and they have been a valuable resource to me. Thank you once again and good luck with your current projects.

  • naturallyopinionated // July 28, 2008 at 9:21 pm | Reply

    Janet, you have simplified it so well. Being a writer really is all about getting the words down on paper – just doing it! And you’re doing it so well, too! Congratulations on the publication of your story in the devotional. How great!

    Hugs,
    Lori,
    lorimoon.com

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