This seems to be the time of the year when I reevaluate my writing journey, so here I go.
I am enjoying my life, and writing is a part of that. It may not be as important as I intended when I began this journey a few years ago, but I still have many goals. I still wonder if a part-time writer can become a very good writer. I guess I’ll find out.
I enjoy my blog and plan to write more often as long as it doesn’t interfere with writing for publication. I love the interaction with other bloggers and followers.
As far as publication, I did release my grandmother’s poetry earlier in the year. The work was 95% hers, but doing the editing, layout and formatting for Kindle enhanced my skills in those areas.
I think it’s important to publish at least once a year so I will be expanding two of the articles I’ve written on this blog into e-books during the next year. More about the first one will come soon.
The novel that I’ve referred to several times on this blog is 75% complete. I’m talking about the first draft so it will still be a while before it sits on a bookshelf anywhere. I am planning to self-publish with Balboa Press because I am so aligned with Hay House in my thinking and the types of spiritual things I write about. Besides, it doesn’t hurt that Hay House takes a look at the books coming through Balboa to find selections they may want to publish.
When I get to the point where I am ready to send it to Balboa I will talk more about the topic. At this point, I will say that it was inspired by a true story and has a very spiritual theme – that of reincarnation and the love that travels through many lifetimes and never dies.
Last, but not least, it’s important I that I continue to learn about writing so I take a course or attend a conference every year. This year I am taking an online course – James Patterson’s MasterClass. It’s reasonably priced, and I am getting a lot of great tips from a best-selling author. Applying some of them to my own work is slowing me down, but I am trying to avoid my tendency to overthink and stay focused on what’s most important to the novel.
How are things going with those of you who publish your work or aspire to? I can’t be inspirational and say to do something I don’t do myself, like write everyday. What I can say is… if you have a goal in mind, don’t give up until you reach it. The journey may not be what you expect, but it will be worthwhile and in some ways may become more important than the goal.
Photo credit: Copyright: <a href=’http://www.123rf.com/profile_aleutie’>aleutie / 123RF Stock Photo
I like reading your yearly updates on writing. They often inspire me to give something a try. I saw a link for James Patterson’s MasterClass, and thought about signing up for it, but I don’t think I’m in the “master” league when it comes to writing, no matter how much I love it.
I look forward to hearing more about the book you plan to publish through Balboa. It sounds like it is right up my spiritual alley. 🙂
Robin, you don’t have to be in the “master” league for James’ course. Anyone interested in writing, especially fiction, can benefit from it. I’m happy to hear that you find my book appealing. Maybe that will inspire me to speed things up! 🙂
This is such great advice Shirley! You are doing very well as a writer too… 🙂
Thanks so much, Meg! 🙂
I can relate to your journey, Shirley. I have three books (a poetry collection, a memoir from my years in Africa, and a photo story about the Osprey family) in works at the same time, but the progress is very slow as I have periods of full-time work and travel. And I like to blog too 🙂 We have an old say in Scandinavia “just keep working on it slowly, and it will be good” I wish you the best in getting your novel out, it sounds really interesting and right in my alley too.
I like your Scandinavian saying, Tiny. We will get there eventually even if it’s not as soon as we would like! 🙂 Best wishes with your books! The memoir from Africa sounds fascinating.