December is usually the time of the year for reflection. With that thought, came the realization that I had an anniversary of sorts last month. I owe myself a present. I missed it because I was driving myself nuts to “win” my first go at NaNoWriMo. And yes, I did “win.”
Many of you are published and can look back fondly on your time as a novice (I hope). For me, though, I’m still in the honeymoon stage of being a writer. You know, that first year when you love every aspect of the craft and the job. I haven’t become jaded, yet, and I hope I never do. I love what I do. This is the best job ever.
Thirteen months ago, I decided that it was time to pursue my writing career full-time. I tried twice before. However, I bombed big time because I wasn’t being true to my heart and style. So, here I am taking the time to look back and see where I was, where I am and where I’m going.
• Where I Was
I was questioning my future and purpose. I knew I had the desire to write but I hadn’t done very well the first times around, and was worried I didn’t have what it took to write something of which I could be proud. Then I figured out, that I was going about it the wrong way. I was writing what I thought was expected of me and not what was in my heart.
On my website, I’ve chronicled some of what I’ve learned about the craft of writing and the sci-fi genre. Looking back at some of my posts, I actually see my growth. I watch movies, read books and am able to spot things such as foreshadowing and scene conflict and resolution as it pertains to the main plot. I’m getting better at looking at my work and seeing the gaping Grand Canyon sized holes as well as the tiny pinpricks in the story. I even found myself developing the ability to create mutli-dimensional characters. I couldn’t do that the first two times around.
• Where I Am
I participated for the first time in NaNoWriMo and “won.” Having done so, I got a taste for what it feels like to accomplish a writing goal. You see, for the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time learning. I’ve attempted to utilize what I’ve learned in the novel that I’ve been working on as well as my blogs and short stories. However, I’ve yet to truly finish anything other than poems and two flash fiction pieces. NaNo gave me the confidence that I needed. I now know that I do have the drive, strength and talent to achieve the big goal of publishing. First, I need to come up with a few bite sized attainable goals for the New Year.
• Where I’m Headed
I’m headed into a new phase of my adventure. In the next year, I have set goals that include more learning, publishing some of my poetry in journals and magazines, completing at least ten short stories and attempting to publish half. Finally, to complete the first draft of three novels and begin revisions on the first one.
Now, why am I not stating publication of one of the novels as a goal? Simple. Because, one of the many lessons I’ve learned over the past year is that you can’t and shouldn’t rush to publication. Too many novice writers don’t learn that lesson and end up paying for it big time. I have made mistakes and will make more; however, that’s one error I plan to avoid like the bird flu.
My second year of pursuing my writing career will be one of new heights and discoveries. Yeah, I’m sure there will be a few bumps and bruises along the way. When I do publish my first novel, I will happily join the ranks of Indie Authors who have successfully made their mark. And as The Chairman of the Board sang, “I’ll do it my way.”
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Learn more about Yolanda Washington and her writing at her website. You can also find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
Great post! And you're right. You absolutely should do it your way and in your timing.
Thank you Yves! I'm looking forward to the New Year!