Goal Setting: Writers' Series 1

Hi everyone!

So over the past few months, I've been receiving questions about writing, the self-publishing process, and Fictionpress, and I've finally found the time to answer the questions in more detail on the blog now.  This is a series - we'll test the waters and see how everyone responds to it - and you can expect updates for it Mondays and Fridays (on top of my personal updates as well).  I wouldn't necessarily consider this advice; it's just what I do that seems to work for me.  It very well may not work for you.  And you know what?  That's totally fine.  Either way, I'd love to hear your take on everything in the comments section!

One question I receive the most is: How do you write so many stories?  (On Fictionpress, I have over 20 stories, which I eventually plan to remove in order to publish.)

I know writing a novel/story seems like a scary thought.  It's a huge process that can be incredibly intimidating.  That's why it's so important to commit doing what you can do every single day.  You don't need to write 3,000 words a day if you can't write that amount.  Would 2,000 be easier for you?  What about 1,000?  What about 500?  Don't kid yourself, and don't feel guilty if you can't write a lot.  Commit to what you can do.

When I was still active on Fictionpress, I committed to 1,500 words a day.  No matter what, I made sure to type them up because I knew I could do that.  Pick a number.  Commit to it.  And then - write your goals down.

I love planning.  I love writing deadlines and daily writing tasks in my planner.  The process of writing everything down triggers something in me where I'm more motivated to complete my task.  That's why it's important for me to write my goals down.  Once I complete my goal, I get to feel the satisfaction of crossing the task off.

Your goals don't have to be crazy.  Or unreachable.  Or intimidating.  All they require is your commitment.  Be honest with yourself.  What can you do every day to make your writing dreams possible?  Figure it out, then write it down.  When you complete it, cross it off and smile.  Get a treat.  Take a walk.  You deserve it.

If writing was easy, everyone would do it.  It's such a solitary hobby/career, so advice is completely subjective and you can only do what's best for you.

Baby steps.  That's all you need.  And sooner or later, you'll have a first draft on your hands.