A little note before we dig in … I use the singular they. Since some writers and editors don’t care for it, I felt a heads-up was a good idea. No need to make readers unnecessarily twitchy.
Hitting the bestsellers list. Earning a fulltime living as a
writer. Getting that blog post written.
What are your writing dreams?
Whatever your dreams, there are steps you can take on the
journey to making those dreams come true.
Here are five suggestions to point you in the right
direction:
Determine your personal definition of success.
Fluid. Changing. As unique as the individual writer.
One writer may not feel that sense of satisfaction until their
work is picked up by a traditional publisher. Another may choose the indie
route.
One blogger may post new content regularly. Another may post
only when they have something pressing on their mind.
One author may be overjoyed to see their first (and only)
book in print. Another may throw a celebration when they’re able to resign from
their 9-5 job.
What is your definition of success?
Determine to celebrate the small (and not so small) wins.
Did you post in your Facebook group each day this week?
Excellent!
Did you finally get that promised guest post fired off to
your friend? Good for you!
Did you just sign a publishing contract or upload your first
book? Party time!
How and when do you celebrate?
Determine to make a plan.
Kudos to each of you who make a detailed plan and, for the
most part, stick with it! Scheduled posts? Check. Write x number of words per
day? Double check. Set short- and long-term goals? Triple check.
Some writers can only stay on track if they have a dated game
plan culminating in the finished product. Others prefer fewer constrictions but
still need a rough idea of where they’re headed and how to get there.
What does your planning look like?
Determine to be flexible.
Make a plan. Be flexible. Make up your mind.
As we all know, Robert Burns was correct when he said, “The best-laid
plans of mice and men often go awry.” If COVID has taught us nothing else …
Still, there are many things beyond the writer’s control,
but they press on and take responsibility for what they can control.
Do you “go with the flow” or does a change to your plan give
you hives?
Determine to persevere.
During the last five months or so, some have buckled down and
achieved long-unrealized dreams. For others, victory has entailed getting out
of bed in the morning. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re among the latter group.
Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one
step.” I have also heard it said that a better translation would be, “The
journey of a thousand miles begins with the ground beneath your feet.”
So, whether you’re making steady progress or simply standing
up is progress, determine today to persevere. Take one more step on the journey
to achieving your writing goals.
How will you persevere today?
Share in the comments
what steps you’re taking to achieve your writing dreams.
