All the Extras

Let's talk about all of the writing extras we want. I suggest you make a wish list. When people ask what they can get you for a gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Suggest they look at your wish list, or donate money toward its purchase.

Business cards and a professional letterhead
You can design a letterhead at no cost on your computer, and save it as a file to use for whatever correspondence needs arrive. You can also have it printed at a local print shop if you prefer, include your name, address, phone, fax and e-mail. Avoid cute logos like pens, quills or parchments, and don't use a title, like author or freelance writer on your stationary, these are signs of an amateur. I recommend using a linen or parchment stock in a neutral color such as ivory or gray for letters, but not for manuscripts.

You can design and print your own business cards at home as well. Just make certain they look professional and are printed on a quality card stock. I now have some of my cards professionally printed, but I still print cards that I include with my books, or hand out at personal appearances and events at home.

A fax machine
Some editors prefer the ability to fax contracts or galley proofs of your article to you. Being able to receive and send faxes can save time in correspondence and at times your sanity. A fax is also a good way to send an editor last-minute changes or materials. Never fax queries or manuscripts, unless the publication's guidelines specifically states they accept them.

A copier
Do you find you are constantly running someplace to copy contracts, clips, correspondence, and any number of other things. By having my own copy machine I save valuable time, money and energy.

You might want to invest in an all in one machine. You can purchase one for about $150. In the last seven years, I have gone through three Hewlett-Packard machines that have printing, copying, fax, and some even have scanning capabilities. Not because they are of poor quality, but because I flat wore them out. No need to worry about repair, it cost more to repair a printer than it does to buy a new one. My HPs have easily paid for themselves within a couple of months. They are also a tax deduction. I recommend you research the machine which works best for you.

An external hard drive
This is the most efficient way to back up your files, particularly if you have a lot of them. They can be purchased with variable memory size options and you can upgrade within reason for more memory.

A flash stick or jump drive
These are similar, and are inexpensive alternatives for smaller and more regular backups. They are small thumb sized devices which come with a wide range of memory storage. Each one works from a USB port, and I've found them extremely helpful in file maintenance.

A label-maker
There's really no easy way to print single labels or envelopes on a printer without a hassle, and unless you have easy access to a typewriter (what's that?) it's a pain to do it. There is a handy new tool which lets you print mailing labels with the touch of a button... just paste the address for a letter into the labelmaker window, and viola it's done.

A scanner
This is the easiest way to convert images and copied documents to electronic files.

Just remember this is a wish list. You can always leave the list out or circle photos in your office supply catalog as subtle hints.

My next big wish on my list is a laser printer, but the one I want is pricey; so I have to get busy writing, or gets lots of birthday and Christmas money.

Still in our write mind,
Dara

Office Basics

We almost are complete with our writing space, but we do need to talk about basic office writing supplies.
We're going to need the following:

• Several reams of good-quality, 20-lb. white bond paper
• A box of 9x12 mailing envelopes
• A box of #10 (business size) envelopes
• Extra computer disks (both for back-up and for submissions)
• Postage in various denominations. (As you can invest in an inexpensive postage scale that can program current postal rates up to one pound, and buy postage that corresponds to those rates.)
• A supply of pens, pencils, felt pens/markers, in a variety of colors.

Standard office supplies...

• Paper clips,(large and small ones) I also recommend butterfly clips for large manuscripts.
• Erasers, small ones for pencils and a large gum one.
• Rubber bands, multiple sizes and I recommend wider width bands.
• Rulers,I recommend both a 6 inch and a 12 inch ruler.
• Post-it notes, lots and lots of notes. I mainly have small and medium size to write myself notes on my manuscripts.
• File folders, also hanging folders if your file cabinet uses them. BTW I am very much into recycling so there is nothing wrong with scavenging used file folders for your office. I encourage it.
• Labels, you can reuse folders by using adhesive labels to rename the file. You can also have a different color label assigned to the different genre or projects you are working on, whatever makes sense to you. Address labels with your return address are helpful if you like them. I still usually hand address mine. You can also reuse the large mailing envelopes by covering the old address label with a new adhesive one. I normally recycle my envelopes like this when I am sending info to a writing buddy or family.
• Note-pads or spiral notebooks, both large and small. Large note-pads are great for jotting down interviews or research notes; small ones are good to keep by your computer (and everywhere else) to jot down ideas, reminders, etc.

These basics should get us ready to write. I am off to our office supply store to restock.

Dara

Writing Resource Books

A working writer develops a writer's bookshelf, whether it be a physical shelf or an online one, resources are a necessity.

I am listing some of the most necessary books here. Start with the basics and build as you can accommodate them in your budget. I prefer hard cover books. I love handling my resource books. It allows me to flip back and forth. I know you can flip on the web, but it is usually from site to site. It is merely my personal preference, do what is best for you.

A good dictionary that defines obscure words as well as everyday words is essential. I actually have three, they were gifts. A Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, The New Oxford American Dictionary, and Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged. These links will take you to Amazon, so you can compare prices and features of each. You'll also want a thesaurus,Roget's is good, as is Webster's.

If you plan to write technical, medical, or scientific articles, it's wise to invest in the appropriate dictionaries for those, too. If you choose to write multi-cultural articles, you will want to invest in dictionaries of the languages you will be researching. You can usually find any of these at second hand or close out tables in bookstores for reduced prices..

A note if you are just translating your work to another foreign language, there are free translation programs available online. One major word of caution, these are literal word translations, if you use them be aware the translation may not be saying what you want it to say. As with colloquial expressions, a translation is not always as it is meant to be understood.

A few more essentials you will need to invest in as soon as possible are style guides and markets guides.

Market guides gives you detailed information about the markets you will be writing for. You will need access to the most current information available. Most market guides have annual editions, You will need to stay current, editors' info changes rapidly.

Here are the first ones I recommend:
Christian Writers' Market Guide 2007: The Essential Reference Tool for the Christian Writer (Christian Writers' Market Guide) by Sally Stuart
2007 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market By Alice Pope
2007 Artist's & Graphic Designer's MarketBy Mary Cox
2007 Writer's MarketBy Robert Brewer

A style guide is basically a rule book for how to write well. Some of the best style guides, which editors base their standards of writing on, are:
The Elements of Style: A Style Guide for Writers by William Strunk Jr.
The Chicago Manual of Style by University of Chicago Press Staff
The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage : The Official Style Guide Used by the Writers and Editors of the World's Most Authoritative Newspaper by Allan M. Siegal and William G. Connolly

As time and budgets permit you'll want to expand your library to include writing reference books as well as books that relate to your particular areas of interest or expertise.

Here are some worthwhile books for writers:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books, Second Edition by Harold D. Underdown
The Essential Writer's Companion: A Concise Guide to Writing Effectively for School, Home, or Office by Editors of The American Heritage Dictionaries
Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals by Moira Allen
Writer's Digest Guide to Manuscript Formats
The Little Style Guide to Great Christian Writing and Publishing by Leonard G. Goss and Carolyn Goss
Childrens Writers Word Book (Children's Writer's Word Book) by Alijandra Mogilner and Tayopa Mogilner
Every Writer's Guide to Copyright & Publishing Law, by Ellen Kozak
How to Write a Book Proposal, by Michael Larsen
The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, by Tom and Marilyn Ross
The Self-Publishing Manual, by Dan Poynter
The Portable Writer's Conference, edited by Stephen Mettee

Here are three must reads for writers, (IMHO). They all have been out for many years so you can find used copies for minimal expense. I have read them many times over. Hope you enjoy them as well. They are:
On Writing by Stephen King
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
WRITING DOWN THE BONES-FREEING THE WRITER WITHIN by Natalie Goldberg

Good reading and writing.
Dara

Writing Necessities - The Computer

The computer is a writing necessity. We need to acquire one specifically for writing as soon as possible. The majority of our potential markets expect us to be able to submit material electronically, either on a CD or via e-mail. Editors and publishers also expect to communicate with us by e-mail, and expect writers to be able to review their guidelines on the web. If a writer is serious about a freelancing writing business having his or her own computer is essential.

Did you notice I said, “own computer.” Most households have a home computer, usually shared by all family members. If your home is as mine was, then you may find your writing time plays second fiddle to homework, games, paying bills, downloading music, reading blogs and general surfing. I found it was difficult enough to find time to write without having to compete with my husband and children for computer time as well.

A writing computer should be a first priority, if you don't have your own computer. It will be your most important business investment. It doesn't have to be an expensive model with all of the bells and whistles to start. You can purchase a basic model that includes a printer, modem, screen, and all the software you'll need to start writing for around $500 or less now. You may be able to get good deals on used computers. Many computer outlets sell reconditioned computers. You can also find computers and laptops online along with used hardware and software. There are legitimate dealers, but also plenty of scammers. In any case, shop around, compare, and know what you are buying. Buyer beware!

I recommend your computer be equipped with Microsoft Word; this is the most commonly used program by publishers. Word documents can be produced by both PCs (Windows) and Macs (Macintosh), so use whichever platform you're most comfortable with. Most Macs today produce PC disks, so you don't have to worry about publications with incompatible systems.
Many writers, don't have space for a full size PC, and buy laptops. Current laptops now have the same capabilities, or more than some older PCs. Most have as much power and memory as a PC, with the added portability advantage.

I also recommend getting a separate keyboard and mouse. I find a full-size keyboard much more comfortable and ergonomic than a laptop keyboard particular on my long writing session. I also recommend getting a large full-size flat screen when you can afford it. The flat screen takes up so much less desk space than my old screen.

Most new computer systems come bundled with an inkjet printer. Depending your system some are good, some just mediocre. If you are not happy with your printer, consider investing in another one, saving the current one for a back up or selling it to upgrade to a better quality model. You can find high quality inkjet printers for less than $150. Watch for sales and get the bonus of rebates.

One tip: In most cases, it will cost more to repair a printer than by a new one. I have been through three printers in the last seven years. I eventually upgraded to an all-in-one printer/copier/scanner/and Fax machine for around $350 after rebates. This saves me time and money not having to pay for copies, scans, and faxs. I get fast, near laser quality printing, plus the option of lesser quality draft printing copies, which saves ink, and money in the long run.

Most of us feel we can't justify the expense of a new computer until we’re earning money from our writing. Businesses do require certain start-up expenses, writing is our business. Know your own computer is the best start-up investment a writer can make; it will also be tax-deductible, which family computers are not.

Get one as soon as you can. You are already creative, so get busy and think of ways to raise the funds to buy your first big investment. Have a garage or yard sale when you clean out the extra room you will be using as your office. Have marathon writing sessions and sell 20 articles instead of 10 each month for a couple of months; at $10 an article, there’s $200 you didn’t think you had.

Still in our write mind,
Dara

Creating A Work Space

A career in freelance writing requires very little startup investment. It does require a few basic tools, equipment, resources, and supplies. A place to work is essential. Over the next few weeks, we’ll blog about some of the things we’ll need to set up our writing office, even if the office is just a corner of a room.

These tools and resources fall into two categories: necessities and optional extras. The necessities are items we’ll need to acquire before we can go very far in our work, even if this means buying them before we earn any income. The extras are important, but can usually wait until we see a profit.

The first thing we need to establish is a place to write. Each writer is different, some of us need quiet, and others need to work where there is activity and background noise. You may need to experiment to see in which environment you thrive. With the advent of laptops, more writing environments have opened up, libraries, coffee shops, beaches or parks, chose one and write. Many writers have several preferred locations to write or research. I prefer to sit on the little deck off my office with a cup of tea early in the morning, jotting notes from my research. I write better in my office with music geared toward the scene I am writing playing quietly in the background.

Some writers start their careers from a corner of the kitchen table or a spare room, it helps tremendously to have a space, even a small one you can call your own, devoted just to writing. Most writers feel this space requires a door that can be closed against interruptions, distractions, and family and friends. Another advantage of a separate workspace is it usually qualifies for the home office tax deduction.

In your office, you will need some basics:

• A desk or table for your computer
  
• Good lighting for your computer, reading and work areas
  
• A flat surface to spread out notes, books, and other materials
  
• A file cabinet or boxes to file research notes, articles, correspondence, etc.
  
• A drawer or container to store your writing supplies
  
• A shelf or book case for reference books
• A chair with good back support
  

Don’t rush out and buy the mahogany desk, unless you are independent wealthy. I do recommend getting a good chair because hopefully you will be writing a lot. I started out with a salvaged kitchen tabletop laid across two old file cabinets, and a dining room chair. I gradually was able to by a cheap computer desk from a local discount store. Many months later, I purchased an expensive high back swivel chair at a closeout sale at an office supply store. This how I operated for over 20 years.

Six years ago, I did earn enough to buy my two new desks, and a new chair. One desk is for my computer only. A second desk… because I like to spread all of my research, notes, papers, and outline cards out when I am writing. I write my rough drafts in long hand. This allows for room to work. The key is personalization: make the space yours; and make sure your family and friends respect the times you’re working in that space.

I write this not to brag about my office, but to say to start where you are and build as I did.

Heading to organize my cluttered desk,
Dara

Long-term and Short-term Goals

Now that we have covered the three criteria for writing a goal, we shall discuss short term and long-term goals today. The wisest writing strategy includes a mixture of short-term goals and long-term goals. Examples: I will write two hours each day, four days a week. (short-term) I will write a 300 page young adult novel in one year. (long-term)

In addition, a good way to determine long-term goals is to ask ourselves where you want to be in six months, one year, five years, and ten years. By answering this question, we define our vision for a writing career or our lives. We will become better able to determine which writing projects will contribute to or detract from our long-term goals.

Most times long-term goals build upon one another. If you are a freelance writer as I am, a long-term goal might be to collect 30 plus clips your first year. The next step once you've established a portfolio from varied sources, you might choose to devote your second year to targeting better-paying magazine or newspaper markets. You might decide to remain a generalist, or chose to specialize. It can be lucrative to establish yourself as an expert in one focused field, yet conversely, there is a definite need for writers who can give voice to more diverse topics.

Long-term goals help us decide our end destination; short-term goals help us decide the correct route to get there. If our first year goal is to collect 30 clips, our short term goals would include conducting market research, writing queries, and writing and submitting a certain number of articles per month.

Usually short-term goals are measured by output. Within control realms, these output goals are those in which we alone have sole control over results. Only we can control that, we mail five queries per week, or write ten articles or stories per month. Note… good short-term goals have specific time frames some examples would include:

• Number of hours we spend writing per day or week
  
• Number of pages we produce per day or week
  
• Number of queries we submit per week or month
  
• Number of projects, articles, stories, or chapters we write per month or year
  

Long-term goals are measured by results, not by output. The main difference is while you can control your output, most times, you cannot control the results. Even when you meet your weekly goal of mailing out five queries, you can't control the editorial decisions or marketing factors that determine which queries are accepted. Writers rarely succeed 100% of the time.

As writers, we must continually assess our goals, have we set them too high, too low? Are we on track, ahead of schedule, or falling behind in meeting our goals? It's important to take stock of our progress regularly. As we meet these goals, are we closer to our long-term goal, or are they still out of reach?

Making these regular assessments will help us if we need to change our long-term goals, or to see if our short-term plans are working to support them. If while assessing our one-year goal we find we accomplished it after three months, it's time to set a new long-term goal.

On the other hand, if after we assess our weekly goal, and find we have sent out two queries per week for the last three months and have yet to receive a positive response, it is time to reevaluate our short-term goal. Maybe we need to take a class on effective query letter writing at a conference or online course. Alternatively, perhaps we need to change genre or ideas we’re pitching, and/or target different markets. In other words, don't waste another day doing the same thing if your efforts haven't brought you closer to your long-term goal.

This is the beauty of goal setting, when we make them our own, they are not carved in stone, and we can change them. If a goal is becoming burdening to us, it needs to be re-evaluated. Many times a goal, morphs into something else before we realize it happened. A goal with special significance for us last year may have lost importance now, yet what we dared not aspire to is suddenly within reach.

Our interests change, our dreams may change, our skills will change as our writing matures; with these changes our goals should change as well. Goals are only highly effective tools, which we utilize to reach our dreams and aspirations.

We should look to our goals with a positive attitude. Each time we reach a goal, we are afforded the opportunity to look back and see our progress on our journey. We can see how far we have come, how much we have learned and achieved, and how our efforts and hard work have paid dividends. Even if we fail to meet a particular goal, we can garner lessons from mistakes. By working to reach our goals, we are putting forth serious and productive efforts in our writing journey.

Continued progress,
Dara

Attainable Goals

As new writers, setting realistic goals will help you get started with your writing, and for us more seasoned writers realistic goals keep us on track when the daily grind sets in. Setting attainable goals at times seems like a daunting task. The gap between where we currently are in our writing career and where want to be can seem insurmountable. I try to look at it as a mile run, broken down into small attainable steps.

You say you want to become the next J.K. Rowling or Stephen King, but you have yet to commit the first word to paper. One immediate attainable goal is to read a book on novel writing. You might choose to take a writing course on-line or at a local college or university instead. These are all realistic and measurable steps in reaching your long-term goal to be a novelist.

Your next goal might be to write your first story, write the outline of your novel, or actually write your first chapter. Following that, you might seek feedback, by joining a critique group or by sending your story to an editor. Each short-term goal marks a step toward your long-term dream. Each goal stands as attainable on its own.

When setting attainable goals, we must be honest with ourselves with what we are capable of achieving at this stage in our writing careers. If we have yet to earn a dime from writing, it is unrealistic to set the goal of becoming self-supporting in six months. If we've never written more than a passionate letter to the editor on the litter in our neighborhood, it is unrealistic to expect our 500-page Great American novel to be completed and sold within the year.

Setting attainable goals isn’t always easy. We are in a hurry to obtain success, so we initially are tempted to strive for overly ambitious goals. The more ambitious and unrealistic a goal the bigger chance we will fall short of meeting the goal, become discouraged and quit, resigning ourselves to failure. We must remember these are our goals, solely for our own benefit and not based on others expectations.

Attainability also means recognizing what is realistic in writing markets. If there is an upswing in science fiction, and we don’t write in the science fiction genre, it is unrealistic to expect to be self-supporting writing science fiction stories.

In the end, like running a mile, our realistic and attainable goals start by taking a small step, are tough enough to make us sweat and stretch to reach the end, yet not too difficult to cause us to throw our hands up and quit.

Challenge: List your attainable goals, including the small steps to reach them.

Keep running and writing,
Dara

Measurable Goals

Did you bring your tape measure? We’re talking about measurable goals today. Just joking about pulling out the tape unless you decide your goal is to write six yards of paper a day (that’s 6 ½ pages BTW). For goal setting, a measurable goal is one that is specific and concrete.

Many of us qualify our goals. Some examples:

• To be a better writer.
  
• To be a successful, self-supporting writer.
  
• To be a good writer who produces interesting and worthwhile books.
  
• To write five short essays on parenting.
  
• To spend two hours a day doing something with writing.
  
• To put down my parenting ideas on paper.
  

These are all wonderful ideas and well intentioned, but too unfocused and unspecific to be useful goals. Is your definition of better, successful, good or self-supporting the same as mine? Does the editor have the same definition of interesting and worthwhile? With terms like these so difficult to define, our goals always seem just out of reach and unfulfilled.

Our goals are useless when we can’t decide if we’ve actually met the goal. Isn’t it always possible to become a better writer as we grow in our writer’s life? We must then quantify our goals ---goals that have measurable forms of output or results.

Some examples of clear and measurable goals might be:

• To write three pages a day for six months.
  
• To compose and send out two queries per week.
  
• To write five parenting articles in the next two months.
  
• To spend two hours each day, four days a week, experimenting with writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry or essays.
  
• To create a writer’s notebook for a minimum of six months, exploring ideas on parenting and other topics, and to use the ideas to create at least six polished pieces.
  
• To be self-supporting within 18 months by earning $3000 per month.
  

Our writing goals should reflect our own values and decisions about our lifestyle, and not the judgments, expectations, or recommendations of others around us. Each goal must be based solely on our abilities, efforts, and desires, not the wishes of well-intentioned family and friends.

Our challenge now is to list some measurable writing goals. Remember you can also list measurable life goals.

In my write mind,
Dara

Meaningful Goals

By now, hopefully you have committed your dreams to paper. While we are talking about writing goals here, these steps can be used to define goals in all areas of our life. So how does one define a meaningful goal?

In reality, it is easy to get off track with someone else’s goals for you, or even suggestions and recommendations for each of us on how we to obtain success. Writing magazines, books, courses, and yes, even blogs all have formulas and keys to successful goal setting. Most fail to mention these suggestions and formulas will not work in every scenario or for every writer. Our job is to research and study what has significant meaning in our writing life.

For each of us to be consistent in pursuing a writing goal it must be valued and make sense to us. A meaningful goal will spur a writer to continue when the drudgery of a writing task occurs. Writers are told to write every day, keep a journal, and to schedule a time to write by getting up early or staying up late. What if you are more productive at night, but can’t schedule any time late at night due to a job schedule where you get off at 2 AM? Or if you are Susie or Sam Sunshine in the mornings, but your mornings are filled with endless tasks of getting lunches packed, breakfast cooked and all three kids carpooled to school prior to working a day job, what then? The journal and assigned writing times are not meaningful or realistic for you. You will have to re-evaluate what works for YOU and implement it into a specific goal which does work.

After defining your goal, be wary of getting sidetracked by what appears to be a worthy goal, but really does not lead you in a direction you want to go. Let’s say you want to become a children’s picture book writer, while a wonderful dream, you are also faced with feeding and clothing three children of your own. What to do? Most children’s writers cannot support their families solely with their children’s stories; so it is easy to postpone writing the picture book. After all one isn’t paid a penny of an advance until after the book is in under contract, but yet there are bound to be more lucrative jobs, which will pay the bills.

Turn these competing projects into a win/win situation. You might spend 25% of your writing time working on your picture book, and the other 75% writing articles for various paying markets and genre, and still work a "day" job. Each writer will have to ascertain what a meaningful balance is; but be care not to pass up an opportunity because it doesn’t seem immediately meaningful and fulfilling. Taking a writing course on researching may seem tedious, but it could be the best investment in reaching a long-term goal.

Our writing challenge is to honestly look at our writing life and define what is most meaningful to us. What can we change to enhance our writing goals leading to our ultimate success?

Be strong; find the meaning best for you,
Dara

Goals - Intro

Why goals? What’s the big deal, I just want to write we say. Writing without setting goals is similar to leaving for vacation without a destination; we will eventually get somewhere, but most likely after wasting valuable time, energy and money.

One of the greatest challenges for writers is a lack of consistent structure in our workplace, wherever that may be. There normally is not someone there to keep us on task. No one telling us how to write, when we have to do it, and what exactly we have to write, much less if we have completed the task well.

There are many ways to lose sight of a goal. An important point to remember is while acceptance and publication are definitely signs of success, rejections are not ultimate failure. Writers are not in control of editorial decisions and the market factors that determine whose submissions will be accepted. There are suggestions to employ which will increase acceptance. These we will save for another day.

Writers long, dream and even lust for publication. One way to obtain that dream is to learn to set realistic goals. Goals are not our dreams, longings, or lusts. They must be meaningful, measurable, and attainable definitions for our work.

Over the next few weeks, we will explore each step to setting realistic goals in more detail. I have decided to devote one blog entry to each step in setting our goals. Our dreams will be fulfilled, as we map our specific goals to reach them.

If you haven't already, commit your dream to paper; remember to dream big. Start brainstorming steps you might take to fulfill your dream.

Next up what is a meaningful goal?

Here's to fulfilled dreams.
Dara

Red Letter Day Goals

It's your Red Letter Day - open your favorite calendar, and circle today's date. It's the first day of your new writing year. What... you say...it's the end of January. I know, but how many times have we made New Year's resolutions, and never kept them. Today we are going to resolve to set our writing goals and keep them.

If you have not already done so buy yourself a calendar. Make certain it is something your will use. It can be an expensive date book with multiple features or a dime store special, both still have 365 days in them.

You may choose to have one calendar for a master overview, and then do a calendar for each project as I do. With one project I bought a long spiral bound lined notebook for $1.00. I divided each page into thirds and numbered them with days and months. The notebook gave me ample room needed for specific notes, goals, and deadlines for the project.

Clear goals help us stay focused as a writer. When we know and choose what we want to accomplish we can arrange our time and priorities to get everything done. It helps alleviate and manage the stress in our lives.

Many of us are procrastinators; some of are afraid of success, sabotaging it with inaction. Others are overwhelmed with commitments. Some overachievers; some of us are just lazy. The sage advice on how to eat an elephant... one bite at a time, in applicable here. The most effective writers have clear organized goals, which can be baby steps to a long term goal.

Over the next few weeks we will be blogging about starting anew with our writing. We will start from square one, even us seasoned writers can stand a good review.

Today start with a clean slate, outline some realistic goals you want to accomplish this year, and look at your calendar to see how you can divvy up your schedule to take one step at a time to accomplish all of your gaols.

Ready, Set, Go to a great writing year!

Dara

So You Want To Be A Writer...

Most of us set out with a romanticized idea of what a writer is, winning awards, hob-nobbing with the rich and famous, book signings with lines of fans out the door, insanely large advances, and plots and words pouring from our soul effortlessly. Then we sit down and attempt to write our first great American novel, nothing comes or what does is rubbish. How did this happen? What now? Where do I start? These are all things most of us have experienced. I thought it would be helpful to share some insights I have garnered from my writing life.

First, a bit of my history… I went through a period of total self-doubt. I have been writing stories since I was a kid. I was a very active, somewhat gangly kid. I have always been curious. I loved exploring anything and everything. Books became my solace when others teased me; they also provided an outlet for my insatiable desire for mystery and adventure. I truly had plans to become an Air Force fighter pilot (like my Dad) or a Navy SEAL. Unfortunately, early in my life, my dreams were squashed. I lived in an era where young girls were encouraged to be teachers, nurses, or wives. Not that there is anything wrong with those life choices, but I wanted more.

I devoured books on many eclectic subjects. My favorite subjects were science and math. Yet again, girls were not supposed to like those subjects, so I turned to books. I read books on science, math and geography. I love the mystery and adventure of far away places and how things work. I read probably two biographies a week, too. In addition, you guess it; my favorite works of fiction were mysteries.

How is this relevant to our current writing? A common piece of advice is to write what you know. Sounds simple, but it can be more complicated. I know a fair amount about non-fiction material, but you have to be able to share the info with others without talking down to them, particularly if writing for children; and not be preachy, teachy, either. We can come away looking aloof. With fiction, it can be trickier; we have to make it believable, but entertaining and captivating.

So how does one walk this tightrope? I wish I had a magic wand, potion, or formula, but I do not. I can tell you the first thing we must do is being willing to fail, because we will. We all feel devastated when the first rejection letter arrives. After a few, we usually start doubting our abilities, and feel that everyone who reads our work will soon know we are a fraud. I used to ask my husband, “Who in their right mind would believe I am a writer? They all know I’m a fraud, right?” Fortunately, we had been married long enough, he knew better than to answer those two questions.

So what should we do first? I have found planning is the key. Over the next few weeks, I hope to share some ideas, which have worked for others and me. For now, try writing everyday. I know some people cannot, but even if you write for 15 minutes a day, it is practice. Practice leads to accomplishment, in whatever you practice.

I am learning to play the guitar; if I do not practice, I am certain I will not succeed in playing songs. Trust me, I have healthy skepticism friends will not be able to distinguish what I play as a song even with my practice. With that aside, I do encourage you to write.

Finally, realize other writers do like to hear of your success. It gives them the opportunity to have hope they too will succeed. And with some of us, it may even be … “Well, if she (he) can get published then I know I can!” LOL Seriously, know most writers will be our best resource, even before our family and friends. The ones closest to us tend to tell us what we want to hear.

My challenge for us today is to write for 15 minutes, and commit to paper what our writing goals are for the next 3 months, 6 months, year, 5 years, and 10 years. We will not worry how silly we think they are… dream big! We will discuss goals next time.

Remember we are in our write mind.
Dara

Brand New Blogger

I have tried blogging in the past, but mainly for fun and to stay in touch with family and friends. This is my first attempt as a professional blogger. I plan on sharing my experiences and info about our writing profession. Writing is a tough business, definitely not for the faint of heart. With diligence and hard work, we can succeed.

As we progress through the next months, you will see new things develop. I want to offer writing quotes to inspire and ponder. I plan on providing writing tips, hints, and writing prompts shared with me. I also have plans to link us to professional sites and resources.

My goal is to develop a blog we can share with each other....and support our write mind.

Keep writing,
Dara