How bad do you want it?
I really asked myself this question.
All my life, I’ve wanted to be a writer and a mother. I’m working on both goals. And no that is not an announcement.
I write because I want to, I love it, I have to. Just like I’ve always wanted to be a writer/author, there has never been a question that I would reach my goal.
Technically, I have 2 books published. A collection of poetry I self-published at a friend’s request. As well as my first e-book.
Yes, sales have been discouraging but it hasn’t made me give up. I just have to work, harder and longer. It may take me awhile to get cross the finish line but I will do it.
I have a great support network at Romance Divas (RD) where I’ve met a lot of great cyber friends. I’m Phoenix Ford over at RD. Since coming online I’ve learned there seemed to be a lot of division, conflict and relationship dynamics within the writing and romance communities. It’s disheartening at times but still I plug ahead.
I have my day job, my other obligations and a whole host of other things that should probably make me stop and question is this a realistic goal.
So I can only say that, yes maybe I’m crazy, maybe it’s my work ethic, I don’t know but I will be published again and again.
My goals:
- To be a multipubbed author.
- To see my book and name among the titles and authors on amazon.com and other sites.
- To walk into the small brick-and-mortar shop in Detroit which hosts great booksignings and see my book.
- To walk into Barnes and Noble or Borders or Waldens and see my book.
How will I get there? It’s simple - keep writing. Write everyday.
What have I given up? Clubbing, Partying, TV (I tivo a lot and use it as a reward and break), Reading for pure pleasure without a deadline (I do reviews and they are pleasurable (mostly)), a completely clutter-free, clean house (I have organized clutter piles).
For more inspiration: Check out these articles - Wanting It by Stephanie Tyler or Lifetus Interruptus - No Matter What Just Keep Writing by Me aka Jayna Gardner (my first pen name - maybe I’ll do a post on how Angeleque came to be later).
So the questions to ask yourself are - How bad do you want it? and What are you willing to sacrifice or give up to get there?
You have the right attitude. This week, I finally am “there” with a book in stores, etc, and it’s happened because of exactly what you’re posting about–writing every day no matter what, giving up time-wasters, and writing through all the form rejections (10 books written before I sold) and self-doubt until I finally “made it.” Of course now there’s a whole new set of hurdles and goals, but hey, that’s life
My 5 yo DD summed up my motto the other day, as she struggled against the odds to pull a very tight pair of glittery jeans onto her Bratz doll. “I never give up. I’m tenacious.”
Jen
When it becomes akin to a fever in the gut, the words–blisters from being held back for so long, then you will see, grasshopper.
Which does your soul cry out for more? Then you’ll know it was worth it. ((hugs))
Thanks.
Is that why it’s hard to sleep sometimes because my brain refuses to quiet down until I get the writing down and out onto the page?
My soul cries out for three things - writing, books and chocolate. I’m hopeless addicted (in a good way) to all three.
Great post! Very inspiring! Keep at it!