See, Ethan, I think that is what is deceptive... I think with writing it's like with everything else, like ballet, or sports, or art, or just being very good at your job - you make it LOOK simple, seem simple, effortless, flowing, natural. Creating that illusion takes very hard work.
Do you have a writer's group at your school? Literature and creative writing classes you can take?
Also, submit your drafts for feedback and input from teachers and other (peer) writers. It'll help you indentify your blind spots and weaknesses to work on!
I highly recommend this if you are truly serious!
Also, submit some short stories in the style of what you want your novel to be to magazines. Just to get a feel for if there is a market for what you are writing.
Even established best-selling authors such as you mention still have to work with editors, re-writes, and lots of criticism and feedback before their next manuscript finally hits the presses so prepare yourself for lots of that. Starting with a writer's group where you read each other's progress each week and comment on it to help improve it will prepare you for that process.
Sasja
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Sasja
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