As the year is heading to a close and we’re about to see in another year, this months’ question is appropriate. It’s one that, as writers, we need to consider every year. When it comes to making long term plans, sometimes life can get in the way, steers us off course and before we know it, time has passed us by.
So in terms of writing, where do I see myself five years from now? The answer to that is: published. That has always been the goal for me. Unfortunately, fear has prevented me from doing so, long before now. I’ll be honest with you; I’ve let fear and the negativity of others prevent me from moving forward.
So, how do I plan to get there? By writing like crazy (and yes, writing can make us a bit that way at times too 😉 )!
I have some incomplete novels, novelettes/novellas and short stories waiting to be worked on. I also have a list of story ideas that have been waiting (some impatiently) to be told and there is always the new shiny idea that is prepared to show itself. So, as it stands, the ideas are there, they just need to be written or improved upon.
I plan to start getting published by sending out my short stories. My husband has read over them for me recently, and believes with a little bit of tweaking, they will be good to go (one he says can be sent out already). This is just the first step in swallowing that fear in letting others read my writing and I’m hoping to find some other beta readers before I hit that ‘send’ button. This will, I hope give me the courage to begin the road to self-publication.
Of-course, there is also a lot of reading to be done to help improve my craft, as well as attending courses and conferences, learning as much as I can about the publishing industry and being part of a writing community.
The road to publication is a long one, which is why in order to succeed we need to be in this for the long haul. As the industry changes so rapidly these days, we must also be adaptable and that can sometimes include our writing goals.
In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now? What’s your plan to get there? Do you stick to your New Year Resolutions?
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Debbie, you’re so correct. The road to publishing is a long one. You never know how long, but I am sure that you will succeed if you don’t give up. So move ahead with your wonderful goals.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G
Thanks so much for your support Patricia! To be a writer, I think you have to be both stubborn and determined. I think I’ve got that covered! 😉
Good luck with your short stories. Remember: just because one publication doesn’t want it, doesn’t mean the other hundred won’t 😉
Thanks miladyronel! You’re so right. It’s a matter of keep sending work out until we find someone who likes it and we don’t know unless we keep on trying. Thanks for stopping by – it’s good to meet you. 🙂
You too 🙂
I have no doubt you will meet your goal! It is so hard to swallow that fear but you can do it. I bet that soon we will be here celebrating your first publication! Good luck!:)
Thanks so much for your kind words Julie, it’s much appreciated! Taking that first big step is the worst, but I’d like to think that after that, it will just become a habit. 🙂
Getting published is a great goal. It sounds like you’re ready. Swallowing your fears is first. Just do it. What’s the worst that can happen? Your work (not you) will be rejected. Every writer has been there. We cry, moan & groan, have a glass of our fav beverage, then grit our teeth and send that puppy out again. The best that can happen is acceptance. Whoo-hoo. But you won’t get that unless you submit. Good luck!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family.
December co-host
Thanks for your support Diane! I’ve found that in the past whenever I’m worried about doing something, it usually turns out it was never as bad as I had imagined. Hopefully it will be the same with sending out my writing and I won’t know unless I do. Thanks for stopping by – it’s good to meet you. Merry Christmas to you and your family too! 🙂
Oh, yes, fear. I know it well. Hang in there, and keep learning and growing in the craft. Good luck with everything!
Hi Madeline. Fear is a curse, which does nothing but keep holding us back. Thanks for the encouragement and I wish you all the best with your own endeavours. Thanks for stopping by – it’s good to meet you! 🙂
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
I’ve always loved that quote, so I’m passing it on to you! After a while you’ve just got to say screw it. Anyway, I can’t commit to full-length novels as my schedule doesn’t allow it, but if you ever need a beta read for a short story, don’t hesitate to ask. 😉
Hi cgcoppola. I haven’t heard that quote before and it’s so true – I think I have finally reached that point of saying ‘screw it’. Thanks so much for the offer to beta read, that’s very kind of you! Thanks also for stopping by – it’s good to meet you. 🙂