A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about the hard question for new writers, where I suggested that maybe, just maybe, it’s not a good idea to focus on what the rest of the publishing industry is doing if you haven’t honed your craft. Then, I followed up with a post about ditching the ego in favor of the basics, where I mentioned that it’s okay to write trunk novels and stories to pay attention to those skills.

I was doing some research for an upcoming article when I came across this article from S.V. Jones about trunk novels and the value of patience. In it, she writes that:

You have to know your temperament, and you have to block out the voices of your friends and family who constantly yell at you in passing, “This ebook thing is really taking off! Why haven’t you published your work yet? Hurry up and put something out there!”

Yeeeeaaaaah…no. I’m going to publish when I’m damn good and ready. I know that most of my work up until recently just ISN’T READY, and even the project I’m working on now will need lots of outside critiquing and revisions before it’s ready for prime time. — SOURCE: Author S.V. Rowle on Trunk Novels and the Value of Patience

I really enjoyed this take on the subject because Rowle and I share similar experiences. I have an undergrad degree in Creative Writing as well, and the program focused on a particular style of writing as opposed to ripping apart genre. (e.g. More geared toward literary storytelling as opposed to popular fiction.) Since I was able to create my own courseload, I really got a lot out of my program, but I still wish I had the time to take small business-related courses that are so sorely needed in today’s environment.

If you have doubts about how you’re doing, give the article a read.