Jun 01 2008
Create a Writing Project
The online writing community can be a tough neighborhood, especially for new writers. It’s harder for unestablished writers to get their work noticed, even if they’re experts in their genre. You might have a ton of ideas, but not sure where to go with them. My advice is to start your own projects.
If you write poetry or short stories, try starting a critique group or discussion group. There are several options for this online, or you can get one started in your own community. Another idea is to start create a forum or message board for those who write in your genre. If you’re a non-fiction writer, you might look into ghost writing. Another option is to talk to some of your local businesses about doing ad copy for them. You’ll be amazed at how many store owners know nothing about advertising.
Some writers have created their own author pages, giving details about their achievements and an upcoming events. Some have used their knowledge to create online e-courses, while others have created their own writing services. Just remember that if you do something along these lines, always check your facts. No matter how much you know, or think you know, there is always someone out there ready to point out your mistakes.
Whatever project you create, set goals for yourself. Start out small and work your way up to bigger and better things. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they sound dumb to you. There are lots of other writers out there who are more than happy to help. Most importantly, never give up. Even if you only work on your project for an hour a day, keep at it. You might just end up creating something that the rest of the world has been waiting for.
Exactly. Setting realistic goals is the key in this. Like David Allen author of Getting Things Done often says reduce everything to a widget because you know what to do with a widget, and if you know what to do with it, it’ll get done! So don’t say you’re going to write a novel, that’s a project. Say you’re going to write a summary paragraph that sums up the novel you’re going to write. Or you’re going to create your main character. Or perhaps you’re going to write the last sentence of your novel first. Whatever it is, small goals get you closer to your destination first because they are achievable, and what’s achieved motivates us to rally against procrastination. Widgets Rule!
LOL, I agree. Widgets are way cool.
I’ve found that if you work at smaller goal, you end up getting a lot more done. Meeting 25 small goals is the same as conquerering 1 major goal.
Goals are very important with everything, but even more so with writing!
You have some great advice for those who are trying to get into the world of writing. It is nice to see encouragenment with sound advice included.
Thanks that is great advice… My major problem is i’m dyslectic on ontop of a few “other things” Yet I love to write, and I can write some amazing stuff… the problem is you just can understand it…
So i draw.
Chato B. Stewart
Mental Health Advocate - Cartoonist - and a few other things!
Web Log: http://mentalhealthhumor.today.com
Web Site: http://www.mentalhealthhumor.com
Great ideas! Thanks for the inspiration.
Jen @
www. happyfibrofamily.today.com