One of the books I've read lately is Get Known Before the Book Deal by Christina Katz. I really like this book. It discusses how to use your personal strengths to grow an author platform. And it's actually something that we can start thinking about now so I highly recommend the book if you are serious about a career as a writer.
One thing I that really struck a chord with me is the fact that I am 100% responsible for the success of my writing career, 100% of the time. There are so many things that I can control in my quest to become the best writer possible. Yes, there are things I can't control such as the market and what's selling and what's not but my job is to write the best book possible, then find the right agent or publisher for it. If I've done the writing part correct, selling will take care of itself.
James Scott Bell wrote a post on The Kill Zone about this very thing not long ago. Check it out when it get the chance...and if you write mystery or thrillers, then add this to your favorites list. They have a LOT of great info.
My thought for the day is...decide what you want from your writing. Do you want that brass ring, best selling novel or will you be happy with a small press or even self-publishing? Set some goals. Then, make your writing a priority.
Set a daily word count quota as mentioned in the last post. Then stick to it. Figure out when your best time to write is and set an appointment with your computer and write. Tell those who would distract you that you have to write. Don't let the day to day things rob you of your writing dream.
I love this post! I was going to write something similiar at The Aspiring Author today based upon the words President Obama spoke to our school children.
ReplyDeleteI'm paraphrasing here, but he said that they can have the best schools and teachers, with supportive parents, and the government making sure schools are the best, but the kids need to be responsible for themselves. They are the ones who need to stay in school, make the grades, set goals, and reach for their dreams.
The same goes for writing. I can attend the best writer's conferences, be part of amazing critique groups, and read a million books to hone my craft, but if I'm not working toward my goal of being published, then I'm not taking that responsiblity on myself.
Great post!
Cheryl
Exactly!!! I can't make you or anyone else write. If they don't want to do it for themselves, then all the prodding, pulling, pushing I do, won't matter in the least.
ReplyDeleteToo true. Especially so with making your writing a priority. If you don't, no one will. And I think that viewing your writing as a valid career choice is important as well. I can't recall how many times people have given me "that look" when they found out what I wanted to do. It was only until I took myself seriously that other people did as well. And yeah, I so want the brass ring! lol.
ReplyDeleteI started reading on the 13th about writing and goals and left a small post. Now what is being said about taking responsibility for yourself is perfect and true. I have tried everything except sit and write daily. I confess to writing on and off; doesn't work, nothing goes together, ideas and thoughts are lost and not completely worked out. I end up with a lot of inspirational tid- bits. Recently I've started to 'sit in front of my keyboard' as many days as possible at a special time; words and thoughts are coming together much better. There is hope for me yet. "smile'
ReplyDeleteYou are all authors and I feel privileged to be able to read your advice and ideas that help you write. Thank you.
Cora, it's like anything else: practice makes perfect. :D
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