Lessons From My Author Journey Every Writer Should Know

Where It All Began

My author journey didn’t start with a published book.

It started with a little blue diary.

I was a young girl when I received it—a small diary with a lock and key. It felt special. Private. Important.

I still have it today.

It reminds me of something simple but powerful:

I’ve loved writing for as long as I can remember.

Watch: Lessons From My Author Journey

Prefer to watch instead of read? Here’s a quick reflection from my journey as an author and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

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Writing Has Always Been Part of My Journey

Even now, I still journal—a lot.

Not because I have to… but because I need to.

It helps me:

• Get the thousands of thoughts out of my head

• Process ideas

• Capture moments

• Stay grounded

It reminds me where I’ve been… and where I’m going.

Lesson 1: You Can Overplan Your Way Into Inaction

I was a plotter.

And not just a little…

I planned so much that I almost never finished.

I had ideas, outlines, and plans—but not completed books. At some point, I had to realize:

Planning doesn’t move you forward—writing does

Lesson 2: Getting Stuck Is Part of the Process

There were seasons where I stalled out completely.

Projects unfinished.
Ideas sitting untouched.

And it felt frustrating.

But here’s what I learned:

Getting stuck doesn’t mean you’re done
It means you’re growing

Lesson 3: Connection Changes Everything

Things shifted when I connected with a published author.

That relationship led to something I couldn’t seem to do on my own:

I finished books.

In fact, I went on to complete four books in a co-authored series.

Sometimes the breakthrough you need is found in connection.

Lesson 4: Consistency Matters More Than Perfection

You don’t need perfect conditions to write.

You need consistency.

Small steps… taken regularly… lead to real progress.

Small steps build strong platforms.

Lesson 5: The Business Side Matters

At some point, I realized something many writers overlook:

Writing is creative—but an author career is built with intention.

Understanding:

• How to connect with readers

• Where to show up

• How to grow your platform

That’s what turns writing into something more.

Lesson 6: Community and Guidance Are Game Changers

Writing can feel like a solo journey—but it doesn’t have to be.

Being around:

• Other authors

• Encouragement

• Guidance

Changes everything.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Lesson 7: You Will Face Rejection (And That’s Okay)

Let’s be honest: You will fail at some point. Every author has.

I still remember my first rejection letter.

And yes… I framed it.

Right next to my first small contract for a short story published in a Christian denominational magazine.

Why?

Because both mattered.

One showed me I tried
The other showed me I could succeed

Reframe Rejection

Failure isn’t the end. It’s often you falling forward

Forward into:

• Growth

• Learning

• Your next opportunity

Sometimes even your first real success.

Waypoint Challenge: Reflect on Your Own Journey

Take a moment this week and ask yourself:

✔ Where did my writing journey begin?
✔ What lessons have I already learned?
✔ What step can I take next?

Your story matters—don’t lose sight of it.

Explore More Author Business Guides

Keep moving forward:

• https://deedeelake.com/post/build-author-platform-from-scratch

• https://deedeelake.com/post/build-email-list-author-start-simple

• https://deedeelake.com/post/simple-book-marketing-strategies-for-new-authors

Recommended Resources

Book: On Writing by Stephen King - Available on Amazon

Podcast: You, Me, and the Writing Journey Podcast by Danielle Render Turmaud, PhDListen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-me-and-the-writing-journey-podcast/id1791701688

Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild – A structured community offering mentorship, accountability, and guidance to help writers finish their books and grow in their craft

One of the biggest turning points in my journey came through connection—and resources like these can help you find that same kind of guidance and encouragement.

Ready to Keep Moving Forward?

Your journey as an author is still unfolding.

If you’re ready for clarity and direction on the business side of writing:

Explore coaching, webinars, and resources at deedeelake.com

Final Thought

Your story didn’t begin when you published your first book.

It began the moment you started writing.

Keep going.

Coming Next

How to Keep Going When Writing Feels Hard