Resources for Writers
| Someday, I want to write a novel . . . That's a phrase that I'm sure you've heard, and have probably uttered either out loud or in a whisper in your head. Sure, it's a great dream. But how do you make that dream a reality? Here are my tips, for what they're worth. Set goals. Goals are simply dreams with deadlines. Sit down and write out your goals for the next year. Make them big, lofty goals, if that's what you want to do. But make sure they are within reach. If they are big, lofty goals, break them into smaller goals that can be reached in a reasonable amount of time. Accept that you are a writer. You want to call yourself a writer? DO IT! A writer writes, pure and simple. Doesn't matter if it gets published or not. One thing I did that helped me was to actually subscribe to Writer's Digest. And I joined their book club. When people ask what I do, I tell them my day job, but often include "and I'm a writer". It starts a conversation. And you'll be surprised how many people confide, "me, too!" I had a wonderful conversation with the cable guy, who showed me (with pink creeping up his cheeks) the little notebook he carries with him so he can jot ideas when they hit him while he's at work. Surround yourself with writers. Join a writing group, online or in person. Personally, I wouldn't get anywhere if it wasn't for Book-in-a-Week. Contact me for more info if you're interested. Our motto is BIC HOK TAM! (butt in chair, hands on keyboard, typing away madly). This group is solely responsible for my 2 finished novels - without my fellow BIW'ers, I never would have locked my Internal Editor in the closet. |
