Who I’ve Had to Become as a Writer

What Four Years of Working on My Book Have Taught Me

When people advise to write something you love, I now understand why. I didn’t know when I started writing how long it would take me to finish my manuscript. I certainly never thought it’d take me over four years.

I started my manuscript exactly four years ago in December 2021. Crazy. Right?! Time has flown by. My goal was to finish it by the end of 2025, but that’s not going to happen. I’m in the middle of what I hope is the last major revision. I’m confident that I will finish it in 2026 though.

Working on one project for so long has taught me so many things. I’ve been reflecting upon who I’ve had to become as part of the process to finish this manuscript. Below, I’ve highlighted my biggest learnings.

I’ve Had to Become Someone Who…

1. Is Patient

   I had to learn how to slow down, not only in my writing but also in my personal life. Rushing is a pattern that I’m trying to move away from. This has looked like deleting 22k words, so that I can make more space for the scenes to unfold on the page. In my personal life, this has looked like leaving blank space on my calendar to give myself room for creativity to flow.

2. Takes Care of My Vessel

   I had to learn how to listen to what my body needs. Spending all day writing means sitting in a chair and being in my head. Incorporating movement to bring myself back to my body helps me access solutions more easily and tap into my intuition. Caring for myself is more than working out, although I do love boxing, walking, and weight lifting. It’s also nourishing myself with food and being conscious of the content that I consume. It’s also about finding more joy and pleasure in everyday life.

3. Reads in the Genre I’m Writing

   I’ve always loved reading, but I never read that many fantasy books. Because I’m writing a fantasy novel, it’s important to be aware of what is happening in the genre. What are common tropes? What is popular? What do I like and not like? Why? However, I also think it is important to read all genres. I never know where I might get inspiration. For example, in the Let’s Get Cozy Book Club podcast, I have enjoyed reading books I wouldn’t typically read. By the way, we are now officially on YouTube as well. I’m very excited about this, so I had to share.

4. Writes Better

   I have had to improve my writing craft so much. Writing a book is a lot more than just putting words on a page. I also had to learn to fall in love with editing. Writing and editing are two totally different skill sets.

5. Handles Feedback

   Putting my work out in the world is an important part of the creative process, helping me see how things are landing. However, it can be challenging to hear things I don’t want to hear. Learning to feel my feelings so I can get back to writing has been helpful.

6. Is Consistent

   Having consistency with my writing has really helped me stay immersed in my world. It also helps build momentum and confidence. I’m really proud of myself for committing to writing something for my Substack every two weeks. In the past, I had a blog, but I struggled with consistency. I’d start and stop. Holding myself accountable and doing what I say I’m going to do has been a game-changer. For 2026, I plan to stick with the same plan, más o menos.

7. Creates Content

   Creating content beyond writing my book(s) is something I’m still working on and hoping to dig into more in 2026. I want to enjoy it as a creative endeavor. I hope to find a way that works well for me.

Conclusion

So much has changed in the past four years. I quit my job in tech. We moved twice. We traveled a lot. My husband healed himself from a back and neck injury.

I’m a totally different version of myself who has had to learn and change so much to get my book to the level that it needs to be at. Enjoying the process and surrendering to the rest is how I plan to navigate the next phase of getting my manuscript published. Until then, I’m doing my best and forgetting the rest.

Book Talk

OMG. I loved Quicksilver by Callie Hart. I noticed a lot of hype around Brimstone, the second book in the Fae & Alchemy series. I wanted to know what it was all about, so I started with Quicksilver. Once the protagonist, Saeris, enters the portal to the Fae realm, I was hooked. I haven’t read a book that totally absorbed me in a long time.

It’s a mix between Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) by Sarah J. Maas. I’m dying to read Brimstone, but I also need to get some work done. I’m saving it until I have some time to spend the day devouring it. The third book in the series comes out sometime in November, so 2026 is going to be a great reading year!

Looking Ahead

I’ve been getting the message to not rush things. To slow down. Although I have lots of goals for 2026, I also want to give myself time and space because my word for 2026 is: create. Some of my goals include:

• I want to finish Book 1 (my YA Fantasy novel) and query it.

• I want to finish Book 2 (my Adult Fantasy novel).

• I want to write the first draft of Book 3 (my witchy novel).

• I want to continue writing Substack articles.

• I want to grow the podcast.

• I want to attend more bookish events.

• I want to post more regularly on socials.

I’ve got lots of things I’m excited about. I can’t wait for the miracles and magic to unfold. Thank you to everyone who has been following along on my journey to authorship this year. I’m so grateful you’re a part of it, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year!

Liza