It was nice to accomplish one task, but I realized I have many more goals which need fulfilling. It's like the series, 'Lost'. To any who followed that show as much as I did, each episode delighted and angered you. They promised to answer a question we had about the cast-aways, but in answering the question, a few more popped up. But that was smart for them to do. For me, it's what kept the series interesting. However, in the writing process, it can be annoying, frustrating and maddening. I solve one rewrite problem, only for two more to arise. It's a never ending battle.
And that is just the story itself, never mind the additional tasks I need to start trying to solve. When the story is finished, what do I do with it? Is it a good idea to publish myself on-line (I mean to my blog)? Should I find test readers? These and many others goals I need to work on.
Yes, I know I need to continue my previous goal of finishing the next chapter. Each month I should be working on that. But if I am to move forward, I need to keep working on new goals. Additionally, I need to start identifying additional questions I need answering. So from here on out, each month I'm going to continue to work on one old goal and one new goal. It's what will keep me motivated and as I answer each question or complete each goal, I'll feel less and less lost.
My Goals:
Old Goal: Finish the next chapter in my 'Writer's Block' series.
New Goal: Start compiling a list of what I need to be working on and questions I should be researching in regards to my writing and what to do with it.
My Encouragement:
You are never to old to start. Laura Ingalls Wilder was 44 when she began her writing career as a columnist. It wasn't till she was 64 her "Little House on the Prairie" books began to be published.
Questions:
Do you ever feel lost working on your writing?
Do you think posting stories online is a good thing?
Is there one question you feel every writer should ask himself?
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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.
Are you an insecure writer? Why not join the group? Find out more information via the group HERE.
The site is founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh - Thanks for all the support!
Find some critique partners to look over it for you. I wouldn't post it online unless you don't intend to submit it anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI felt it was time I start taking care of some business and correcting some errors I may be making. Thanks for the advice.
DeleteOh yes. It's seems you don't stop finding problems until you've edited it with beta readers, a real editor, and have had it published. And done who didn't do all that still find problems after publishing. Just take your time. Tackle one problem at a time. And, as Alex said, when you're done or need advice critique partners are the best.
ReplyDeleteI will add that to my list then; find a critiquing partner. That and one of the other suggestions Alex listed are now top on my new list. Thanks for your input!!!
DeleteHi Jeffrey - I know Elizabeth Spann Craig has posted about the Wattpad 'system' ... that might be worth while looking at. But as both Alex and Chrys have said - it's one step at a time .. as long as you move forward - and keep a note of all things ..
ReplyDeleteCheers and good luck - Hilary
I do have a notebook. I try to keep a list of important things I need to work on there.
DeleteThe tried and tested certain way for writing produces a best selling novel. The thing is everyone wants to do it their way - but whatever qualifies as the only "certain way" still intrigues me, even now. I know theres lots of factors to consider like getting your name "out there" but probably the No1 rule in sci-fi writing is show the details don't tell which is harder than it seems. Oh yeah and don't forget the creatures, elves, empaths, BEM and blogforms!
ReplyDeleteEveryone seems to have their own way. It gets complicated because what works for one person, doesn't always work for another. So difficult to find a tried and true method that works for everyone. Thanks for the input.
DeleteI feel lost and overwhelmed trying to write my first book! Ugh. February co host visit (smile) Blessings Jeffrey!
ReplyDeleteSame goes for me. So many questions.
DeleteI agree with Alex, if you intend to publish elsewhere do so, what you post online keep for your collections or self-publishing goals. A teaser is fine, all publishers like you to attract readers that way.
ReplyDeleteGreat insight. Thanks for the comment. I'll take it to heart.
DeleteLearning the craft is a never ending journey. I always feel I'm missing a step or getting it wrong. I publish writing samples on my blog, and would publish online elsewhere (like wattpad) if I was more dedicated to writing. I've been published in anthologies a few times, and entered contests.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is any "right" way to do it. I produce something different/original for every venue - blog hops, anthologies, contests. The act of writing is what is important to me. Hopefully someday it will all be a step closer to being famous :)
I just hope one day to be published. I hope one day, famous or not, someone besides me appreciates my writing.
DeleteSometimes I do get lost within my own writing. Right now, it's because I'm doing a monster re-write of a novel, and trying to chop/slice/Julian/French fry this manuscript into something extremely readable is very mind numbing at times.
ReplyDeleteI have posted short stories online. back in 2009-10, I got the flash fiction bug and posted almost 5 dozen short stories on a short story blog. Most were mediocre, but I gleaned a slew of writing tips/advice from them all.
Father Nature's Corner
Editing takes so much work. I think it's harder than the actual writing at times because we are rereading our own story time and time again. It's so easy to get lazy when looking or ways to edit what we write.
DeleteI may have to post a few of my fan-ficture stories. I know there is one site that allows you to post there. I've been thinking of that mostly because I don't ever see my fan-fiction stories to ever be published anywhere else.
Congratulations on meeting your goal! Sounds like you have some good motivational ideas. Thank for visiting my blog and sorry it took so long to get to yours, but better late than never right? Also, The Martian (movie and now novel) was first published on a blog in chapters. Pluses and minuses there...
DeleteYes, I appreciate the visit, no matter when it happens. ;)
DeleteHmmmm, that's interesting about the Martian. Thanks for the bit of trivia.
Thanks for the info on Laura Ingalls Wilder. So I'm not too old for the gig!
ReplyDeleteThe info encourages me as well. In my mid 40's and noting to show for it yet. Literary speaking.
DeleteI don't think anyone should post chapters online...a beta reading group or a critique group is better. People will take your work seriously when you're reviewing theirs, as well. If I see someone post a chapter on their blog, I'll often skip reading unless it's along with something else they've posted. I don't read books when people ask, either, unless I know them well--a bestselling author advised us never to do that early in our career (unless we want a plagiarism lawsuit). I think it's different when it's peer to peer, as in a critique group...
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for the information. Definitely going to take your advice.
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