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Challenges and Goals in Writing
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My biggest challenge is motivating myself to start. Once I start, I'm fanatical. I'll do nothing but write for hours on end. It can quickly get me in trouble with my family. So I have to prep my writing periods, because once the flood gates open, they don't shut until a rough draft is complete and the first layer of polish has been applied.My desire is to have people read my books and let me know what they think. I try to have unpredictable twists (so far, the handful that have finished have told me they're working), but without discussion, I don't know if what I'm doing is working as well as I believe. Money would be great, but just having someone discuss my work with me is one of the greatest jewels of life.
My biggest challenges is getting past feeling like my work isn't worth reading. The next challenge is the time to get it all done. Then the marketing. I keep putting that part off as I'm scared I'll make a mess of it as it is all new to me. I finally made contact with other writers in my area, but they are 56 miles away (one way) so I can't go every weeks. Money is also an issue with the costs of covers (my designs suck), editing (I'm decent but need help there) and then turning the book loose. What if no one likes it?
I goal is to be a respected author. Best selling would be great, but decent steady sales would work just as good. I would like some of my books to make a difference. The books are fiction, but I've discovered, hidden away in the novels, are lessons on life. Nothing is planned, but they are there.
1. My biggest challenge is that first freaking line. I can get down the original idea, no prob. Notes, "plot treatment" (term from Anne Lamott), character sketches, no sweat. That first line is hell, though; there's that sense of the scope of the project plus the idea that "I haven't a clue where to start". Once that first line's down, I can at least set myself a goal for each day so there's some progress and something from the previous day to work off of, but I can't go anywhere without the groundwork of that first line.2. If we're being honest, I'd like to get on a "bestseller list" at some point (even in dreams, I can't imagine higher than spot 5 or 6). That being said, the stuff I write and eventually self-publish are stories in my head that I want to share, and some sign that someone, somewhere out there is reading this crazy idea I had in my head that sounded neat, would be awesome.
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As for what I'd like to achieve... well, people liking my story would be nice. I write as a hobby which alone brings me joy but the best feeling would be to know that there are people who enjoy reading what I write. Considering how many books exist, I'd take the top 1000 in my genre as a success. Hell, I'd probably take selling 1000 copies as a success...
My biggest writing problem is probably structure and plot. I'm always worried I have a meandering, sagging middle. Outlines help a lot with this (I used to hate outlines, now I can't live without them). I just want people to buy and enjoy my books, and I want to be able to help pay our bills with the income.
B.A. wrote: "My biggest challenges is getting past feeling like my work isn't worth reading. The next challenge is the time to get it all done. Then the marketing. I keep putting that part off as I'm scared I'l..."Marketing is so hard for me too! It's so confusing...
And money, too. There are so many services that would probably be good for me, like writing classes, conferences or professional editing/critiquing, but I hesitate to invest so much money in something that might not pay off... but putting the best product possible out there increases your chances of success *insert inspirational speech about believing in yourself here*
The actual writing doesn't challenge me in any way that I dislike, but when it comes to the publishing side, I don't really know what I'm doing marketing-wise and don't really have the money to spend on it in any case.All I really want to accomplish is getting the stories I write into the hands of the people who will enjoy reading. Honestly, the ultimate goal would to be able to make a living writing fiction, but yes, mostly I just like the idea of sharing pieces of my imagination with others and bringing them entertainment and joy.
My goal this year is 360,000 words. Publish 4 more novels and 4 more short stories for anthologies. So far I am at 35,242 words.
Biggest challenge? Not letting the 'what ifs' overwhelm. A lot of people have commented the same (self-doubt /marketing confusion and fears) and I definitely fall into that category! Being persistent is key to being an author, so courage everyone and keep on writing!Writing goals? To ultimately be able to publish multiple novels and have a solid base of readers who enjoy the works.
It's encouraging to hear responses from other writers. Seeing how writers are working through their struggles is just awesome!
My biggest challenge is reining myself in. I have a lot of crazy ideas, and sometimes knowing which ones to keep and cut is a challenge for me because I enjoy maximum crazy and sometimes can't tell when it gets in the way of the story.My biggest goal is just to grow a cult following of people who appreciate my particular brand of dark-humored, horror-infused fantasy. I don't need to conquer the literary world, I just want a little corner of it where I can give people strange stories that they can't get elsewhere.
The distillation of quite general feelings and opinions into a hopefully quite crisp written structure is super hard in my view. To me writing is a way to explore arguments and express views that are hopefully interesting.
My biggest problem is just sitting down with a blank page in front of me and getting started. I know that once I do, I'll be lost to time and people - so I procrastinate! I can find SO many other things that just have to be done first - it's terrible. But once I get started...oh man.. I can really get in the grove.My desire is to have my writing read and enjoyed. If I make a little money too, thats great but secondary. I had a friend ask me why I published indie and one of the reason was, I don't want a contract for additional books. The pressure of having to perform would squelch my muse for sure. If I write another book, then I do, but if not, so be it. Right now I'm writing a short story
N.L. wrote: "My biggest writing problem is probably structure and plot. I'm always worried I have a meandering, sagging middle. Outlines help a lot with this (I used to hate outlines, now I can't live without t..."I can totally relate to this! Middles are my nemesis in writing. I remember reading somewhere, I can't think where now, about writers often hitting the wall around 30% of the way through writing a book, and that is definitely what happens to me. Actually, it's more like I hit the wall about 30% of the way in, painstakingly drill through the wall for the next 30-40% then finally emerge on the other side with a huge sigh of relief and get on with the ending! I think the problem is that I have a good idea of the beginning and ending when I start writing but not the middle, so I end up having to do rewrites of big sections of my books and it can get frustrating! So far, although I've written 5 books now, I haven't managed to properly get to grips with outlining yet. I find it so encouraging that you have managed to change from somebody who hates outlines into somebody who embraces them, maybe there is hope for me after all! I'm really hoping book 6 will be the one where I manage to do some effective outlining and planning so I can streamline my writing process a bit!
As for my desire with writing, I guess it's really to continue publishing more books and build up more and more of a following. It makes me so happy when I hear that people have enjoyed my books and are excited for the next one :)
1. My biggest challenge is making the time to sit down and write (which is where goal-setting and time-management would help me a lot!) Since writing is a hobby for me, it often gets put on the back-burner for more pressing things like work, family, community service, etc.2. After writing my first two novels, I was surprised that what I enjoyed the most along the way was simply learning where the story went. When I started my first novel, I thought I knew where it was going, but it took me in so many different enjoyable directions. That joy of discovery is what I enjoy the most.
A second accomplishment for me is having others read and provide feedback as well. I even enjoy the bad reviews! I find the trolls entertaining, and the positive criticism is very productive and educational.
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2. I want to keep learning the craft and I never want to think I've figured it all out.
My biggest challenge: Staying motivated. I have stories, I want them out there, but sometimes I just have a hard time keeping up the effort.What I wish to accomplish is to entertain people with my unique stories.
Biggest challenge: writing every day. Life keeps getting in the way: kids, work, problem, etc. I try to keep going but, sometimes, it can be very difficult.What I want to achieve: sharing the worlds I have in my mind with other.
Biggest challenge: writing in English. I depend a lot on my editors and sometimes I need to explain my ideas with gestures.My desire is to eventually reach my target market and become a respected horror author.
Burn out! After publishing 8 books in 5 years, I just had to take a break. Now it's hard to get going again.My short term goal is to get more exposure for my books, more reviews, and grow my email list.
My long term goal is to consistently make a certain amount a month. My sales are like a rollercoaster - up and down.
Biggest issue-- I have a lot of ideas, but I don't give myself time to let the ideas work a course that will help me with a more polished draft. I will end up taking a ton of time in the revising stage. I wouldn't need to if I would just slow down and let the idea blossom. I also outline which in theory should help this issue, but it has not thus far. I can always make it better... says my neurotic self.My goal: to surprise people and lead them into my story world. No matter where they are, take them away and give them entertainment. I just love to write.
Staying organized. Getting organized isn't too hard but staying organized is a challenge.Goal for the year, publish something. I have a couple 'somethings' that are close to ready but it's hard to let go of them. :) So maybe one for the year. I don't write if the weather is nice--rather be outside--and in So Cal it's usually nice. :)
1. What is your biggest challenge with writing?
2. What do you desire most to accomplish with writing?