In The Know: Pt 1
Writing is both craft and expression, both art and business.
When we begin this journey, I think it's important to know what our purpose is in writing. Most of us probably started writing in some form at young ages. Journals, essays, poetry. We poured ourselves into our words.
One of the most important things we must ask ourselves is why are we writing? Artistic expression or with the goal of being published? It will make a huge impact on the level and focus of our writing. Being "in the know" about the heart of our writing will shape our futures.
Do you know your purpose in writing? When or how did you discover your goals?
When we begin this journey, I think it's important to know what our purpose is in writing. Most of us probably started writing in some form at young ages. Journals, essays, poetry. We poured ourselves into our words.
One of the most important things we must ask ourselves is why are we writing? Artistic expression or with the goal of being published? It will make a huge impact on the level and focus of our writing. Being "in the know" about the heart of our writing will shape our futures.
Do you know your purpose in writing? When or how did you discover your goals?
Comments
I've been writing with the goal of publication for about 4 years, but the reason I want to get published is so that my words can get a wider audience. I want to entertain people!
I agree. Publishing is a great perk. :-) It's great that you love it. I really believe passionate authors write better than ones who've lost their flare.
You already entertain me. I can't wait to read your book when it comes out!
That's always a good thing. A need can't be ignored as much as a desire or whim. :-)
I'm a fan of twists and have to agree. If I start getting bored with my story, my solution is always to introduce some new conflict or character to liven things up. :-)
I'm kind of the same way, in that I never really needed someone to read my stories. I'm satisfied in the writing. But if someone else does read them, well, like MaryBeth said, that's an added perk.
What if so fun! :-)
Now I'd like to do the same thing but make a difference for someone too. Hoepfully??
In my own case, my writing style changed completely once I became a Christian. Suddenly the purpose behind my writing was different and, therefore, so were my stories.
I'm sure you do make a difference in people's lives. :-) Diaries and journals was my thing too.
It is an exciting challenge. :-) The creativity is wonderful. We get to make our own worlds!
It's interesting that you're good at math.
That's a worthy enough goal. I feel the same way.
I like that you want to do it an a relatable way. Nothing turns me off more than a preachy book.
Lynnette Labelle
”Lynnette Labelle’s Blog”
Lynnette Labelle
”Lynnette Labelle’s Blog”
My writing goals have changed over the last hmmm... forty-five or so years.
I started writing just because i loved it, some friends encouraged me to try and get published, I've had some success at that, and am now branching out with books.
I would love to have a book or more published, but my main goal is to minister to the people God puts in my path, whether they be few or many.
To hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant" is my #1 goal. I could publish 76 books and not do what God wants, and that would make me sad.
Love jen
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com
I snuck books too! I would go to my aunt's house in the summer (Jr.High-HS_ and she was part of a Harlequin book club. She would give me a big bag of books to take home, but I knew my mom wouldn't like it so I stuffed them in my luggage and hid them away at home. Later, she found out and (gasp) was horrified. ;) She probably let my aunt "have it"! lol
Goals= Motivation. :-)
I think that would make God sad too. You have a great "eternal" outlook.
That's a good thing to remember too, that we're writing for others. Thanks for stopping by!
You're right about wonderful books. There are some that are just so incredible, I fly through them. I want to do that too. To give someone an evening of pure mental/emotional pleasure. :-)
I used to think that I only wanted to write to express my heart. That if I ventured into the successful "formulaic" waters, I would be betraying myself and get eaten by the sharks of shame. :-)
But I've matured since, and realize that I actually want to be published AND widely read. I also want to make money for my kids' college funds. That means more than just pleasing mom and dad and cousins and friends who are going to love anything I pen.
To be published and successful, sometimes we have to mold our work around forms that are tried and true, while still maintaining that quality that makes our stories unique and special. Though I've written five books, I'm just now working on my first WIP ever with saleability utmost in mind, and it is different than straight following my heart. I'm having to master a balancing act between what is me and what sells, without compromising my heart.
I think it's going pretty well thus far. And I don't anticipate ever regretting this decision, because I some day I'll have my stories read by hundreds (or more!) of strangers and glean satisfaction in that. Not to mention I can finally bag some pay for something I've been doing for free far too long.
I got it from Anita. She's a very bad influence.
Snort, snort.
:-)
You said it awesomely. :-)
Simply stated, my purpose is to honor the Lord through both non-fiction and fiction. I discovered my goals as I wrote and prayed.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Thanks for stopping by Susan!
Great advice you offer here, thanks!
smooches,
Larie
In school, I was so terrible at math and I seemed to naturally do well with writing(tho not grammar), so I worked on that-it became my "niche". Tho- I could never say it would have escalated unless I focused on it as much as I did...
SO-I've always written just for myself-almost as a way to be something. I put myself into the writing, and it became me.
I spoke to my bf about this the other day--the idea that I feel writing is what I have. He plays piano, does olympic level tae kwon do, is an award winning teacher, and graduated suma caude laude from college- but I feel I only have writing and psychology. Not that they're not enough, but the potential to fail at what I think of myself "as" is bigger.
That conversation(that I could FAIL at writing) made me start to wonder if I was wanting the validation of publication--and-honestly- I think I am. Is that wrong? To want the validation? It reminds me of people needing to be skinny for validation-tho I'd write even if I never got any...
My current manuscript is a "wish fulfillment"- I've heard a lot about that with first books-that they're the author's wish fantasies, and it's true. My dad had a terrible experience I've always wished I could fix and go back in time to help him with...I realized one day that I had a time machine in writing- I COULD be there. That's a motivational and amazing feeling.
...I hope I made sense--dunno if I know my real answer...
Sure you can. :-) Sometimes they align really nicely. LOL
Thanks for stopping by. :-)
Made sense to me. I think it's pretty cool that you rewrote both Rudolph and your dad's experience. LOL Are you a fixer? :-)
In a way, publishing is a validation. It shouldn't validate our worth as a person, but it does confirm that others want to read our writing. As long as you separate YOU and STORY then I think you'll be fine. :-)
I'd love to be published and have validated that I can write. LOL Nothing wrong with that, imo.
Great comment!
Not sure how I discovered my goals. Mainly I'm just inspired by something (an event, mainly, or more recently, a legend) and then write a brief summary of whatever tumbles out of my head. I think it's mainly for me, artistic expression. I can't guarantee I'll be published but I have to get the story out somehow--even if it means only close friends and family read it.
Of course I do aim to be published and see my book on a shelf in a store, but my true "guiding light" is just getting the story down on paper. :)
I don't know if any of that made sense; I'm still in "story fog" mode--I was completely taken over by another idea today and my mind is still there :)
Have fun with your new idea! I love it when that happens.
(and how cute about your saved stories)
Yep. That's what I know!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :-)