I've read lots of how to books on writing (See Bookshelf blog tab) nevertheless I've found that the comments, feedback, experience and challenge of writing blogfest pieces have taught me so much in such a short space of time.
Practicing my writing plus the advice of others has been invaluable through their own blogposts too with trials and tribulations, methods and vices.
I think we can read all the help books in the world, but practice and experience brings them to life. I confess that I only began to really learn what it all meant when I began blogging and entering challenges.
Okay on to my goals set in previous IWSG post.
1. To write at least 200 words daily. Not quite, but I have written more lately
2. To search for short story competitions and enter them. Yes I've submitted some work!
3. Accept that getting published isn't easy and just get on with it! Yes
4. Focus on getting better by reading and writing more. I went to a writing workshop on Thursday, though as I slept badly and had to travel for 2.5 hrs I didn't perform/interact as well as I'd've liked. Also the group didn't stay behind afterwards to chat and share, which was disappointing. People broke off and exited in small groups and pairings instead.
5.Don't obsess over each entry sent. Forget about them once they've been submitted. I'm better than I have been about this.
6. Develop some writing determination. I'm working on this too.
7. Focus on my stories and plots to blot out other temptation/distractions such as blogging. Hmmm, life has a habit of re-routing my best writing intentions with health probs and everyday dramas!
8. Enjoy the process rather than stress about the outcome. Again, I'm working on this one.
How about you?
i agree completely on not obsessing over every sentence! wait--was this a good sentence??
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I so agree that practice and gaining experience to hone in those writerly skills are so important!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your workshop - but you made the effort which is fab!!
Good luck with all your submissions!
Take care
x
Hi Madeleine. You're so positive with your writing goals. I read recently that once you've sent off your submission get on with the next project and forget about it! Easy? No!
ReplyDeleteDenise
good job following up on your goals!
ReplyDeletekeep up the good work!
Hi Madeleine .. pity about the workshop but just sometimes that's the way it is. It is keep practising isn't it ..
ReplyDeleteI've started doing volunteer work up at the Nursing Centre - and things are developing there .. so I'll have more ideas to put into a story folder for them.
Good luck with all things .. cheers Hilary
It's so important to enjoy the process: the journey. The highs and lows all make the finish worth while.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're making progress on your goals. I definitely agree with #5. I submit and try to forget about it. Sometimes it works better than others.
ReplyDeleteI have found much useful information on blogs. Help books are often good but also sometimes contradictary. We have to settle for whose opinions are best for us since writing is art and not science. Your systematic approach sounds excellent.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Twitter hashtag: #atozchallenge
I am adding your number six and making it my number one in my own goals. Great post!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from HER WORLD -
http://muruginjehia.blogspot.com/
Such a shame about the workshop - sometimes it happens.
ReplyDeleteSome great goals and progress made. Keep belieiving and keep writing!
You're making forward progress, and that's what it's all about. I give you a gold star!
ReplyDeleteIt's all about practice! The more you hone a craft, the better you get.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've made some good progress on your goals.
It sounds like you've made some great progress this month, especially impressive when you think of all that you've had going on.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the not obsessing over everything bit. Hope your health is doing good.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult not to obsess, but having lots of other projects to work on while waiting is a big help!
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