goals

Writer’s Wisdom 53

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Writing your New Year

The New Year is here, and for some of us, quicker than we thought, or at least that is the way it feels.  Going back and reviewing our goals, and discovering that we did not finish that novel, or edited that manuscript, or sent those queries, tempt us to start 2010, feeling a bit  incomplete or disorganized.

Well, let’s not duel on the past.  Instead, let’s focus on our writing in the present – everyday.  It is great to have big writing goals for this year; but unless we focus on our writing a bit each day, the year will continue to pass by, and our writing time, well, not as productive as we planned.

Forget about all the articles that you did not write, or the chapters …  Start a blank page and make each day a writing day.

Writer’s Wisdom 50

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 Tracing your path to success

What is a successful writer?  How do your define your own success as a writer?  Do you have to compare yourself to other writers?  Do you measure your success against Best-selling authors?  These questions will make you ponder about what you truly think of yourself as a writer.  Sometimes, it is a subject that we avoid, and a mirror that we cover because we don’t want to see our own reflection.

The measure of success is different for everyone.  It could be as simple as going throughout the day and being able to write a chapter or a few pages of that novel that you have inside – you did it!  Or it could be the first contract that you land as a freelance writer – your first paid project.  Or maybe, your book is getting published!

Whatever it is for you, success doesn’t happen without effort.  Best selling author Dan Brown sits to write in his office at 4:00 am.  In an interview with Borders, he said that he sits down to write “the best book he can possibly write, whether it is for one reader or millions.”  That is the attitude with which we should approach our writing. 

Mapping our success as writers, should include more than projects, and future goals, it should include the now, the approach and effort that we put every day.  Is the material that we put out there in writing sites for everyone to see, free of errors (to the best of our ability)?  Have I revealed too much from my private life and affairs?  Will it hurt me in the future or will it help my writing?  Every step that you take as a writer, will either help or hinder your future development. 

So, let’s approach our craft with a similar attitude to how Dan Brown approaches his writing – repeat with me:  “whether it is for one reader or millions, I will produce the best work I am capable of at this moment.”

Happy Writing!

Writer’s Wisdom 30

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Writing for the Long Run

A writer’s road is long, and sometimes, full of many obstacles and rejections.  For the love of writing, you are willing to submit yourself to the long lonely hours, the cash shortage, the many trials, the not so glamorous life, and for some, carpal tunnel syndrome.

A true writer realizes that he/she is in it for the long run.  Writing is not for the impatient soul, or those who long for the quick and easy buck.  Writing takes much trial and error, a lot of editing and learning, taking criticism (and surviving your ego) – a lot of work and dedication.

In your obsession for the written word (and its long awaited rewards), you forego many things and luxuries, and money becomes a long lost goal – secondary to being published.  The writer becomes like the starving artist – hypnotized by the craft.

But suddenly he/she realizes that the path becomes sweeter, with each written piece – eternal bliss.

Writer’s Wisdom 27

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Writer’s Time Management and Discipline

If you write for a living,  you know how important it is to keep a schedule.  No matter how you get paid:  by the contract, assignments, upfront, or any other method, time truly becomes money.  As a freelancer, you know that if you don’t put the time, you don’t get the dough.  Any minute wasted is a penny wasted, or a contract.

It is very tempting to wake up late, lolling, have a late breakfast and watch a little TV, turning on your PC and checking out your social networking sites, going into forums, and surfing the net – you get the idea.  By the time you are done playing, you feel the need to check your email again, and again; suddenly realizing that it is time for lunch.  Time flies, you think to yourself (I’m no saint here either).  It is mid afternoon and you are staring at a piece of blank paper or at a blank screen.  You end up feeling guilty, and there goes your inspiration.

If you are serious about earning money while freelancing, then the above picture tells you why it is so important to keep a schedule.  When I started working out of my home, I made up a sign that read:  Working hours from 8-6, please come back later, after 6.00 pm, except for UPS, USPS, Fed EX, and other deliveries.  Thank you.  For me, it was necessary to do this.  I woke up early, got dressed like I was going to a full-time outside job, and kept a working schedule.  That is what works for me.  You have to find your own system, and follow it.

If you listen to some interviews of Best Selling Authors, they mention that they keep a schedule, rise early, and writing is first on the to do list.  Learning to manage your priorities as a freelance writer is of the essence.

Once you become disciplined at this –  and I think this is the hard part – your workday will flow, and you won’t waste precious generating income time.  Also, family members and friends, should be made aware that just because you happen to be home, it does not mean that they can drop by at any time.  This you have to do very subtle, because feelings can be hurt easily.

Sometimes, signs are better than spoken words.

My review of THE ABC’s OF GETTING OUT OF DEBT By Robert Kiyosaki

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In a straight forward, simple manner, Robert Kiyosaki takes you on a journey to review your financial situation, goals, dreams, and to prepare a plan for your future, based on your own assessment according to some pointers and guidelines. Flavored with anecdotes and clear observations, this book can help you develop real goals to start on the road of financial freedom. Not a how to guide, but instead, a base for the reader to start analyzing his/her own financial situation, set up goals, and a plan that is “self” created. An excellent book that will jumpstart the gears of your mind.