Everyone carries a story within them, waiting to be told. But getting that story written, polished, and out into the world can feel so daunting that many never even begin. If you can relate, here’s what I want you to know: the most important thing you need to become a good writer is perseverance. Much like mastering a musical instrument, writing takes practice—shaping your words, channeling your imagination, and weaving a story others will want to hold close and remember.

When I first started working on my book, Doris Writes—So Can You!, I naively thought I could simply compile a collection of my published essays, add a few writing lessons to each chapter, and call it done. At the time, it felt like an easy and enjoyable project. After all, most of the content was already written.

What I didn’t realize was that my first draft was just the beginning of something much bigger and better. Two years after I started, I had a new vision. Instead of crafting a 250-page instructional writing book, I aimed for something more concise—under 54 pages, perfect for the writer just starting out. I couldn’t wait to share the lessons I’d learned, offer practical guidance, and help others achieve the same dream I once had. I was committed, ready to dive into every edit, and hoping to have it polished and ready by Christmas. But life, as it often does, took a different turn, and my writing quietly faded into the background.

When I returned to the project, I couldn’t believe nearly three years had passed. Back in 2022, my book coach, Danielle Anderson of Ink Worthy Books, had left at least three or four suggestions and developmental edit notes on every page of my 54-page manuscript. There were paragraphs to rearrange, chapters to restructure, and much of the writing begged to be refined. Every paragraph was scrutinized to ensure it served the reader. Thankfully, each suggestion came with a little checkbox to mark when the work was done—a small mercy in a sea of tasks. But going back to the project nearly three years later, I couldn’t remember if I’d been satisfied with the revisions or if I had intended to circle back for another pass. It was discouraging, especially after pouring hours into the project.

After reviewing the first chapter again, I decided to trust that I knew what I was doing with the changes I’d made following Danielle’s first review. If I checked the box three years ago that a task was done, I let it be. Once I got past that fear, I realized I only had maybe ten hours left to finish the developmental edits.

I was super excited when I sent the email with my updated manuscript to Danielle, explaining my uncertainty about the edits. Her response was warm and encouraging. She complimented my ability to navigate the revisions, a validation I hadn’t realized I needed. She mentioned that the next step would be a line edit. From what she remembered, the developmental revisions hadn’t been too heavy, so she wasn’t concerned about the line edit missing anything critical. That was a relief.

Since this was my first book, I’ll admit, I wasn’t exactly sure what a line edit involved. But, fortunately for all of us, I had included a chapter in my book detailing the editing process. So, I did what any reasonable person would do—I turned to the very book I had written and found the answer there!

With my manuscript back in the hands of my book coach, I’m balancing excitement with a touch of nervousness. This mix of emotions feels like progress—a sign that I’m growing, learning, and moving closer to the dream of publishing a book. For me, it’s not about rushing to the finish line; it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and believing in the journey. I may not be there yet, but every step forward is proof that I’m on the right path—and so is refusing to give up.