How Serious are You About Writing?

I've been writing for a bit over two years now and recently realized that writing is serious business. Don't get me wrong, I have always talked about making writing a career and dedicating time to it. I have researched agents, publishers and various stages in the process of publishing a book. I've two manuscripts (which I've delegated back to the rewrite stage), several rejected queries and an immense memory bank of ideas. But despite my obvious efforts as a writer, I've come to the realization that I haven't truly treated writing as a serious business.

Truth be told, I'm not sure I would have changed anything these last couple years. I've learned so much and with the passing time, I feel I am able to improve my craft. But at this point I have reached a crossroads. I, like many writers, have a day job that pays the bills. I am good at this job and I enjoy it but it is not my passion. Problem is I won't be writing as my career unless I am able to write faster, write more, write better and study the craft. And yet, I can't find more time to write without pushing around other things in my life.  Less time going out, watching movies, reading books. Maybe waking up earlier…bottom line, there needs to be more hours in a day.

Now that I've realized that, it's made me really want to prioritize things in my life a bit more. I consider agents and ask myself if I would even represent myself. Right now, my habits aren't making me a money maker. If I want to go the agent route, I need to make the change. I know I've said this before but for once I feel like I truly, truly get it. Writing is my passion but in order to make it my job I need to treat it as such. I need to be serious.

So overall, this week I've become more self-aware in not just the goals I set but also how I set them. I realize that changes need to be made to attain my dream of telling stories. I don't mind it taking time as I really want quality material out there when I do get published, but I also need to be working towards that goal in a more active manner. And what about you all. Do you take writing seriously? Are you prioritizing what you need to in order to meet your goals?

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life, Writing Topics