#IWSG July 2018: My Ultimate Writing Goals

Posted July 3, 2018 in Creative Writing / 10 Comments

The Insecure Writer's Support Group badgeIt’s time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post to boost my confidence and encourage myself to engage with the writing community. The IWSG post on the first Wednesday of every month.

This month’s co-hosts are: Nicki Elson, Juneta Key, Tamara Narayan, and Patricia Lynne.

Today is the start of Camp NaNoWriMo-I’ve signed up and am ready to get some work done on my Sci-Fi/Fantasy crossover novel, tentatively titled Glasswalker. I’ve chosen a modest goal of 15000 words (500 a day) as I feel like that’s achievable right now. You can find my profile here if you’d like to look me up.

I faced my fear of sharing my work last week by posting a short story for National Writing Day, called “No People, No War“. I was really proud of myself for getting it done on time and having the courage to share it as I’m always nervous about what others will think. Some of the positive comments I got have really helped to improve my confidence.

 

What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?

 

I’ve been writing since childhood, but I think my ultimate goals have largely remained the same. I would really love to:

  • Publish at least three novels
  • Publish at least one poetry collection
  • Publish at least one non-fiction book 
  • Write my autobiography (for my daughter, not for publication)

 

However, my plan for achieving these goals have changed. When I was younger I thought that it would be easy to write and publish books very quickly. Now I realise just how long and laborious the cycle of writing and editing is before you even get to querying. I’m now more realistic about my goals and understand that they will take time to accomplish. Instead of furiously writing a novel in a couple of months and then neglecting it, I’m trying to do a little writing every day, for however long it takes.

 

You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page.

 

I also used to automatically think about traditional publishing, but the more I learn about the process the more I’m drawn towards self-publishing. I know the marketing, proofreading and cover design are expensive and time-consuming to organise, but I like the flexibility that self-publishing offers, so it’s definitely something I’m considering.

 

Before you go…

What are your ultimate writing (or blogging) goals?

 

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10 responses to “#IWSG July 2018: My Ultimate Writing Goals

  1. That’s a great meme. I know writers that are self published, indie published, and went the traditional route. And some that have used more than one method to get their books out. Different people like different things. There’s no one right way.

    My goals are pretty simple. Keep writing, finish my series, and publish two more books that are in the works. That’s my 3-year plan. In three years I will have brand new goals, I’m sure. 😀

    • Yes, it’s so great that there are lots of options available nowadays, I will just have to find the one that’s right for me. Good luck with your writing goals!

  2. I hope that you never give up on your dream! I agree that my impression of publishing a book has changed a lot. Like you, I didn’t quite realize how long you spend before even querying! I’ve been thinking of writing a post about that, actually,

    • I hope not too. Right now, I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been. Whether it’s popular or not, I’ll just feel satisfied if I manage to publish something and even one person likes it. You should definitely write that post if you haven’t already.

    • True! There’s a lot of work to be done even once the writing is finished. That’s something I definitely didn’t appreciate when I was younger.

  3. I hope you keep at it!! There are so many people self-publishing nowadays, I feel like it will be the future trend.

    I’m a terrible writer! So I’m always envious of people who do write like yourself!!

    • It’s getting more and more popular, I just wish it was more respected as indie authors are still not eligible for some types of award and so on. Maddie, judging by your blog you’re a very good writer! I can’t say I have any outstanding writing talent, but I’m always trying to learn and improve.

  4. Olivia Roach

    Good for you for sharing it and congratulations for coming through that first step! Those are some good goals and I like that you have one for your daughter as well. I would like to publish my YA trilogy and poetry collection someday in the future. Those are my goals!

    • Thanks, Olivia. I am sure you will reach your goals because from what I’ve seen on your blog and Youtube channel you are really determined; when you set yourself a challenge you get on with it and get the job done. I will be on the lookout for your books in the future.

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