It’s the last Wednesday of January 2012 and a lot of New Year’s Resolutions are starting to loose their glitter and shine.
You still want to write a book this year or finish your current novel project. It is a writer’s dream to complete this task.
But it can be frustrating at times.
This is when you must step back and remember that dreams can be fulfilled by maybe not in the instant gratification way our society says it should.
Here are some reminders to hold fast to your dream:
You are the only writer who can tell this story
Every one has a unique voice. You are the only one in the Universe who has this certain voice. And although there are no new stories under the sun, only your voice can tell this story you want to write. Only you.
Remember why you wanted to write
Writing can be hard but you came to this story for a reason. You were compelled to get it into words and out in the world. That reason, however small you may think it is, is enough. Remember this reason while you write. It brought you here. So keep writing.
Everyone starts from the bottom
It can be hard seeing all the other novels that have been written when you’re first starting out. But remember all of these novels started with a blank page and an idea. Everyone starts at the bottom — and makes their way to the goal. It’s a journey all writers must take.
Consistency in small steps make big progress
Although January is coming to a close, there are still 11 months left in 2012. So much can be completed. But you must be realistic. There is family, work, and life. Duties and responsibilities. Writing can still be in the mix but in a manageable way. Set small goals and be consistent with them. You will be surprised how much writing can get done with this practice.
So a writer’s dream does not have to end when difficulties arise. Remember that anything worth accomplishing will be challenging but if you want it, you can make it happen.
My hope for you is that you never give up on the dream of your novel.
What great tips. And sometimes it’s too easy to lose sight of the dream when plot gives us a difficult time or we’re lost in revisions!
It’s so easy sometimes to give up when you hit a snag. I know that has happened to me on many occasions! This is when I try to remember that it’s part of the journey.
Thanks for the inspiration, Karen! I am close to finishin a revision of a novel, and feeling a little “stuck”, even though I know what needs to happen, because doubts are starting to creep in.
I know that you’re working hard on revisions. I know that you’ll get unstuck and finish. Your subconscious is probably working out the problem. :)
Your optimism is contagious! I love this.
Yep, my eternal optimist is coming out. :) This is a self pep-talk I give myself and wanted to share with you guys! :)
What great advice! It’s so hard sometimes to remember that all those minutes really do add up to pages upon pages and even completed novels.
I used to feel really bad when I couldn’t devote hours of time to my writing. But this is my reality. I just have limited time — but you can make the most of the little time you do have. It really adds up!
Wonderful reminders, especially at this time of the year. Perseverance is so important in the writer’s journey.
It is so important. I’ve really been working on my “instant gratification” in the last few months. Some things really do take time. Writing a novel is one of them for sure. :)
Thanks for all of these reminders! I especially like the last one. It’s easy to get frustrated with how long it takes to get through a revision, but every day you work on it, you’re getting closer to your end result.
Revisions do take time especially if you have a day job and a family. Telling this to myself has saved my sanity many times. My time has been so limited in the last year and has been frustrating.
Thanks for these motivating tips, Karen! I was just thinking last night how I can’t believe it’s the end of January already. 2012 is already flying by! But you’re right, there’s still plenty of time to reach our goals but it’s up to our ourselves to make the most of it. :)
Absolutely! :) There is still plenty of time to get some SERIOUS writing done in 2012.
Amen. I think the last one (consistency in small steps) is a great one to keep in mind. I know you’ll show 2012 who’s boss. :-)
Ha, ha. I’m going to try my best Book Twin. Best of luck to you on writing Book #2 in your series. :)
Great reminders for sure. Keep the Emerald Palace in sight, but continue to walk the yellow brick road, I like to think :)
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
I like this analogy. :) The yellow brick road can be very long and winding.
Fantastic pointers, Karen.
I always see my work as being done in increments, with a big goal in mind. The increments are doable, so I’m not daunted. And I don’t beat myself up if I don’t meet the big goal.
This is a good practice. It has saved me much grief. I focus on scenes. Thinking about a whole novel just makes me want to take a nap.
So far I’m not having any problems with motivation. I’m addicted to writing my first draft (usually I hate writing first drafts. I love doing revisions). Once I realized I had to unplug the internet from the basement (so it required more effort for me to turn it back on again), I was much more productive with my daily word count. :)
I love your first point about voice. So true!
I loathe a first draft. It’s like pulling teeth to me. I love doing revisions. I think it’s because of my issues with perfectionism and the blank page.
Glad that you are addicted to writing this draft. It must be something you’re really passionate about. :)
These are AWESOME things to remember. For me, the biggest is that no one else can tell this story. Even if I gave someone my outline, it would be totally different. This inspires me to get busy and tell this story! Thanks, Karen :D
I try to tell myself things things all the time to keep me going. But it’s true! Only YOU can tell your story — no one else! :)
Now I’m totally inspired. Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed to keep me on track.
You are SO welcome! :) I’m glad that what inspires me can be inspiring to you too.
I love how you are reminding us to hold onto our dreams and stay focused. Please do another one of these in JULY!!!!! Thanks!
Ooooh, now you’ve peaked my interest! I hope this means that you’ll be finished with the project you’re currently writing. :) Good luck!