I Think Every Writer Needs to Hear These Words

Subscribe to my Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuastclair I found these words from Brandon Sanderson particularly encouraging, as I strive to complete my 3rd and 4th books. I reflected a little bit on what he said and I think there are a few levels to what he's saying. Writing a book is not like running a marathon. Maybe it's more like a triathlon... The point is that we can finish a book, but that can sometimes be only the beginning. Second pass/revisions, edits, and then publishing it can also apply to what Brandon is saying, and each level we can rise above the people who drop off, overcome by the things holding them back or are simply contended (which is totally fine too). Personally, I am on the journey of building a career and life as an author, so I am striving to write the books I feel I was born to write. Anyway, just my own thoughts. What do you think? Some more details about where I'm at with my current books for more context: Book one - 'The 10th Rule' - is my debut SFF currently being prepared for publication. I started writing it in 2017, finally finished it in 2026, tried and failed to find an agent for traditional publishing, now preparing it for self-publishing, hoping to release January 2027. Book two - 'The Old Guard' - is book 2 in the Melodyborn Saga following 10th Rule, sitting on the 1st finished draft, ready for the 2nd pass. I started writing this in 2023, finished it in 2025, once 10th Rule is out the clock will be ticking to shape this one, will be one of my main projects next year. Book three - 'Black Cascade' - is book 1 in a new series, current WIP. I started writing the 1st draft in 2025, took it more seriously in 2026 and been working on it for 6 months. My most challenging creative project, because of its 'complicated' setting (the world is, uh, vertical...). Book four - 'currently untitled' - currently discovery writing. I did not plan to start writing this as I'm trying to push Black Cascade over the line. But it is proving itself to be quite a fun project, and it's the most fun I've had writing in a long time. All music I use my videos are original compositions.