I'm at 6%

I mean, it's not nothing

I’m such a newbie in so many things.

I’m learning Spanish and I thought I was going really well.

My husband Ben hears all about it.

“Look! I’m at the next level!”

“Wow! So good! You’re a pro.”

(He’s being sweet—he has one of those photographic memories and learnt thousands of Spanish words in a matter of weeks, but he pretends he doesn’t so I feel better.)

Then I took a quiz.

And the result?

“6% of the course completed.”

WHAT? 6%.

SIX?!

Okay. So I have a way to go yet.

But being a newbie doesn’t mean there’s nothing I can do.

• I know enough to order a meal at a restaurant. Well a salad without cheese.

• I can pay for something in a clothing store. If it’s a brown skirt.

• I can greet someone and tell them a little about my family. Like, I have one.

• I can ask where the airport is. I probably just can’t understand the answer.

I mean, that’s not nothing!

New writers often tell me they can’t pitch editors. They’re too new. Not good enough.

But then I run a contest and one of the novice writers won Reader’s Choice!

Most of us have written at school, so we’re not BRAND new to writing.

• If you want to pitch an editor—there’s nothing to lose.

• If you want to be published—I don’t see why not?!

It’s just about knowing how and where to go about it.

Check out Kathleen’s winning story and pitch my magazine for a start if that helps.

I want to see you build your confidence and the more you put your writing out there, the more confident you’ll get.

I’m a fan of new writers. New writers see the fastest and most dramatic growth!

Go for it.

P.S. In October, I’m launching my brand new personal essay course—EEK!

Be ready for that and check out the introductory one.