So I’ve had some time to think about my writing/blogging dilemma (and I’ve received some great feedback and advice from people too). Instead of pitting one against the other, trying to sort out what’s more important, I’ve been thinking of ways to better use them to support each other.
One of my problems with my story writing, I think, is I don’t have any sort of deadline. It’s one of those things that gets done when it has to but if something else comes up (with a deadline) then that writing gets put aside. And the more I put it aside, the easier it gets to not pick it up. So, starting now, I’m going to set myself deadlines for my writing. And to make sure I follow through, I’m going to post them here, on my blog, every Monday. See. See how I’m using my blog to help my writing? Clever? Okay, maybe not. And this might not work, but I’m going to give it a try.
So here’s this weeks Next Steps:
- Renew my library card. I can’t believe my library card has expired. I spend so much time there and seem to take out a lot of books (so my library fines indicate) but I’ve been using the kids library cards. I tried to reserve some writing books, which you can’t reserve with a child’s library card, and was told I couldn’t until I came in to renew my card. So that’s first on my list, renew my card.
- Finalize magazine stories. I’ve written two stories for two different children’s magazines and have done nothing with them. I need to review them and finalized them and send them out.
- Revise my picture book manuscript. I need to revise and get some comments on a picture book story I’ve been working on.
- Research the differences between easy reader/chapter books and middle grade books. I have another story idea that I really like, but I’m not sure if the material is too much for an EA book. Need to get a better handle on determining which route to go.
Okay, there it is, spelled out for me (and anyone else who’s reading). Hopefully by next Monday I will have accomplished these and be ready to set a new list of Next Steps. Wish me luck.
Trying to balance life at home with my 3 kids (all under 7), while building my business and developing my writing. Oh and throw a load of laundry in and a dinner that isn't burnt. Wasn't working from home suppose to be easier?
Another day, another thought...or two. 
Posted by Belle on July 13, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I think using your blog to help you with your writing is a great idea! The best thing for my writing was when I started blogging about my daily writing goal. I went from not writing, to writing daily. Good luck!
Posted by CA on July 14, 2009 at 8:22 am
Thanks Belle, that’s what I’m hoping. Cheers, Carrie Anne
Posted by Erin @ Closing Time on July 14, 2009 at 11:17 am
I am definitely a person who needs deadlines too. If I don’t have them, projects stretch on and on forever. Your “next steps” sound really good to me…hope all goes well with your writing!
Posted by Brie on July 14, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I think that is a great list. I will be back next Monday, probably before, to check and see how you are going.
The blogging thing is helping me with my writing too, but I enjoy writing about my life so much now that I could never imagine writing fiction.
I will have to take a look at your other posts so I can learn more about you. Glad to have found your blog!
Posted by Next Steps – July 20/09 « Another day, another thought…or two. on July 19, 2009 at 9:37 pm
[…] Tags: My writing process, Writing for Children It’s been a week since I first outlined my Next Steps for working on my writing. So let’s see, how did I do with last weeks […]