What Holds Our Writing Together?

GOALS

For me it starts with my goals and the importance of writing in my life. Here are some questions for you to consider.

What do you want to do with your writing? 
Write for publication?
Write for pleasure?
Write for your job?
Write for your church or organization needs?

How important is writing to you? Is it a job, hobby, ministry, or?

I like this quote from Seneca, “Our plans miscarry because they have no aim.  When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” Know what you want to do with your writing.
 
PLAN
 
The next step is planning. What, how, when, where, and who. Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.”
 
What do you want to write? Books? Magazines? Both? Fiction, nonfiction? What topics and themes do you want to cover? What genres are you interested in writing? A hint may be what you like to read. I’m an eclectic reader and writer. I write for adults and children, fiction and nonfiction, secular and Christian.
 
How are you going to write? By longhand, using a computer word processor, recording your words, or using a voice recognition program? Having the materials ready is the first necessary action to get started. I know writers who write or edit longhand then transcribe. I mostly work in Word directly on my computer. When revising I often have hand edits on printed copies from my critique group.
 
When are you going to write? Daily, weekly, or some other time span? If you stretch it out further than weekly, I doubt you’ll make much progress. I usually do some writing Monday through Friday with an occasional Saturday thrown in. Some week days life interferes and I don’t get much done. One morning a week during the school year, I meet other writers in a coffee shop to write. Summers we have a more intermittent schedule
 
Where are you going to write? Do you have a space at home? A corner, an office? Or do you write better in a coffee shop or library? I mostly write at home, sitting in a recliner with my laptop. I also have a standing desk, but my husband and I share the office and he’s been on too many conference calls.
 
Who may sound odd, but it is important. Who is going to support your writing endeavors? Family, friends, boss, coworkers, church or organization staff? These are great to start with. But for me, the best support is from other writers. I’ve found them through organizations, going to conferences and workshops, and even in Facebook groups and other online groups. These writers are the ones who really understand. They also can help you, motivate you, challenge you.
 
Don’t Know What to Write?
Pray for guidance.
Ask yourself questions.

1. What do I like to read?
2. What do I want to share?
3. What am I excited about?
4. What hobbies or insights do I have?
5. Have you ever said, “I wish someone would write about…”? Maybe you’re the one to do it.

Remember you aren’t limited to one thing. I write or have written: articles, books, short stories, book reviews, fillers, activities, and puzzles.
Try various genres and categories.
Visit writing groups/organizations and go to conferences.
Check out classes at community colleges.
 
Something in all that will inspire you. And if not, maybe you only like the idea of being a writer. *wink*
 
ACTION
 
The final thing that holds our writing together is the actual doing it. I’m a fan of this quote: “Writers, your job today is to sit down and start. Finishing, getting better, getting through it--that will happen on its own. Just start.” – John M. Cusick

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