Unfortunately, it was a disaster. I started out with good intentions, but failed to deliver. That's not to say my goals have been written off. It was a goal I set in the last (old) year. But they can be dusted off for the (new) year. Right?
Last entry I talked a bit about what I needed to include on a goal list. This entry I am only going to concentrate on what the 'W' refers to in IWSG. Because, that's what this is all about, isn't it? I still think I'm trying to find my footing in this series. You know, get to the root of my writer's insecurity. Stop wasting my time and actually getting back into my creative writing. Of course I'd like to try and encourage others as well. So a bit of positive...
The good news is, 2015 was not a total waste. (This is where a bit of encouragement comes in.) I finally finished editing two complete episodes in my eight part YA series. So that's something good that happened. And if I can do that, so can you! Truth be told, I had hoped to be finished with the first four parts, but I let things get in the way. So I'm promising before the next IWSG article, I will have at least one more chapter complete of the third story. I shall strive to find the perfect time for me to get my writing done. I've found I don't like writing at home. Too many distractions. I need to get back to going out and about (i.e. coffee shops and airport) and get back to my writing. It's what I love!
Questions:
Where do you like to write?
What encourages you the most to get your writing done?
Does something besides Writer's Block get in the way of your writing? What have you done to overcome it?
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The Insecure Writer's Support Group posts the first Wednesday of every month. Please follow along as my fellow writers and I relate why we feel insecure, or read as we help encourage others suffering from insecurity.
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At least one more chapter - we are holding you to it! You can do it.
ReplyDeleteEach episode is only eight chapters long. So if I can promise a new one every month, I'll finish at least one more this year. But yes, I need to do more than that.
DeleteIf we look, we can always find good and accomplishments. And we should look for those accomplishments no matter how small they are.
ReplyDeleteGetting back to writing is a great goal. I know you'll be able to do it. :)
You have more confidence in me than I do. But I shall endeavour to discover why I'm failing and how to correct that this year.
DeleteHi Jeffrey - sounds like you've worked out what's needed. And where you can write ... I live on my own and prefer silence and my computer ...
ReplyDeleteBut do lots of drafting in my head -not always helpful .. as it's sitting up here! .. and not where my fingers are now - but I'm going to sort that out this year too ..
Take care and good luck - all will be well ... cheers Hilary
I think there are still a few more things I need to work out. There is still something holding me back, and I really need to get to the root of it.
DeleteNow that you've put your goal in writing for all of us to see, you've got to do it now. :) eeps me writing is the fear that if I ever stop I'll never finish my story.
ReplyDeleteI shall be working on it this weekend. I'm hoping to get some time away to work on my writing.
DeleteI get a lot of my writing at Starbucks, I think because I'm under pressure because Mary (who does all the driving now) gets antsy and wants to leave after 2-3 hours. I set a goal to blog at least once every day, and I start getting nervous when I haven't done it. I also find I don't have writer's block anywhere near as often since I have that "have to get the column out" pressure.
ReplyDeleteGood luck getting your episode out....
Thanks for the insight. I have written a few times at Starbucks, usually it's before I go into work. So there is a bit of pressure to do 'something' before I have to leave. It's worked in the past.
DeleteI've only ever written at home, but distractions aren't a problem for me. I can disappear in a crowd.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great New Year!
I've actually started a quest to discover the best place for me to do my writing. It shouldn't be so hard. I live alone.
DeleteExactly why I don't make lists. Pfft! I take opportunities when I get them. Happy New Year and lots of writing to you!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of just taking an opportunity when you get it. I just need to schedule more opportunities. LOL
DeleteI usually write at home. I like to draw in many different environments. I haven't tried writing in different places though, so I don't know if it is something that would work for me. Good luck with your writing!
ReplyDelete~Jess
I used to draw a lot. In school I even took a cartoon class. Nothing really became of it. Well, it has become a location in one of my stories. So I guess something good came out of that class.
DeleteWriting is all about experimenting too. When something works, great, when it doesn't, well, start again. Like you say, writing is the important part.
ReplyDeleteI write best at home, with nobody bugging me. I use everything as a distraction, and while I hate them, I do need an actual deadline to keep my butt in the chair and fingers on the keyboard. When I'm writing, I love it and want to do nothing else. Its just getting started that is hard.
Isn't it funny how deadlines keep us on task?
DeleteWow, that sounds a bit like me. I drag my heels to get to my computer to write, but when I start I love it and can't stop.
Jeffrey, I think "I" stand in the way of myself. My biggest insecurity is I don't have a story to tell, but I know that isn't true. There are bits and pieces waiting to get out, but I suppress it...burying deep inside....hoping one day it'll just spill out on its own. Yeah, like that's gonna happen! Right? The next insecurity is, I continual question myself, "Do I really want to write a book?" Obviously, I like to write that's why I blog, but I haven't found my footing to spend any length of time putting my ideas into written form. *sigh* For now, I'll do what makes me happy in the moment. Who knows a novel might be in my future yet?! Thanks for the encouragement and I hope all the best for you as you edit your work. I think you've pinned down some valuable points that you know works for you and that you want to get back to it. Happy New Year, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI suggest keeping a journal or log book of all your ideas. That's what I do. Revisit it frequently and when you do, jot down another idea. This should help keep you motivated and you always have ideas. They don't 'run away'.
DeleteI love that thinking--set goals for where we'll be the next time IWSG comes around. Because it seems like it's here before we know it!
ReplyDeleteSo true, so true. At least I can say I accomplished my goal already. Published my chapter yesterday. :)
DeleteCongrats on at least getting some of your 2015 writing goals done! I didn't get any of mine, hah. And good luck for this year :)
ReplyDeleteWhere do I like to write? I once wrote in a coffee shop with my headphones on and an iced coffee nearby... it was fantastic. I haven't been able to do it again since. I think writing in the library would be nice, too. I've done it at my school library and that's just icy quiet goodness. Mostly, I just write in random spots at home, nothing particularly favorite or whatever.
So far the first goal I set is in motion. Now too keep the ball rolling.
DeleteDo you mean you haven't been able to do that again because it didn't work a second time, or you never tried it again being busy? Currently, I'm also doing the random spot writing. I'd love to find a place I'm really comfortable in. But I can never find that golden spot.
Hi Jeffrey, I love the look of your blog. As far as where I write? I like it quiet, so no coffeeshops or public places for me. I write at the desk, at the kitchen table, at the dining room table and sometimes I'm in the recliner with laptop on my lap tapping away. Favorite spot is at the dining room table so I can spread out everything around me. Wishing you continued success in your writing and achieving your goals.
ReplyDeleteKitchen table sounds like a great place. I'm still looking for my perfect spot. Noise isn't that much of a problem, unless it's loud music or television. Background noise is fine for me, and at times it is somewhat helpful.
DeleteHi Jeffrey!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog!
I'm not really the kind of person who makes resolutions...or long lists. I just do things as they crop up. Not to say I don't have a plan of sorts because I do.
Writing space? At home. At a table or on my lap. I'm flexible in that respect.
I've been experimenting with using the laptop on my lap. Go figure.
DeleteAt home I have a desk which is really high and/or my chair is really low, so I'm not getting much comfort which makes writing a hassle. Kitchen table is okay, but the chairs there are horrible for great lengths of time.