Tag: Writing life

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Rather than change my list, I’m distilling it.

1. I will be more strategic in my fiction writing.

This means writing for specific open calls and target venues. My strategy in the past has been simply to write regularly. That, of course, is important. But now I’ll sharpen my focus. And keep a better writing calendar.

2. I will put my energy where it belongs, and strive not to waste it where it ultimately matters less.

I’m re-defining my perception of who I want to be—and though it may not appear so, it’s a big change.

Specifically, I am going to worry less about my day job. It will be a tremendous challenge for me. I’ve long defined myself by what I do for a living, in large part because I’ve been a professional writer (though not of fiction) for about 25 years and counting. 2024 was a rough year at work in some ways. I’ve fretted, fumed and ranted, felt overwhelmed by anxiety and struggled with resentment. I’ve lost sleep. I’ve worried myself sick. I need to shift my focus. I have plenty of professional pride wrapped up in my job, and that won’t change. But it’s my job, not my life.

Putting it another way: I wouldn’t give up having a horse for my job—but I have in order to pursue being an author. It’s time to make that sacrifice count. I need to focus my energy on  what’s important to my career long-term, and stop flinging myself at brick walls, however tempting they may be.

3. Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum

Walk more. Stretch more. Do yoga. Be present.

4. Keep up my dang website better! See ya here more often. 🙂

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My writing comfort zone is flash fiction. It’s where I found my voice. And my first writing community. The process of writing a novel is vastly different from flash. I really love both processes. Writing this novel makes me appreciate the freedom of flash, and renews my respect for the creative process that happens there.

I approached the novel methodically. Or so I thought. I had a multi-page annotated outline to guide me. As it turns out, I hadn’t planned and plotted nearly enough! About 2/3 of the way in, I realized I had not thoroughly considered some of the most important plot points—like, why do you have TWO ghosts? Also, if you want the reader to like your main character, maybe spend some time making her likeable?

With flash, I rarely have even a smidge of an idea when I sit down to write. I use random-word prompts or picture prompts. When I start writing, I don’t know where I’m going. It’s free-falling. Sometimes it works and the words soar. Sometimes it’s more of a crash and burn. But it’s exhilarating. Even the flailing around can sometimes produce a nugget of a story.

I’m friends with and know so many writers, I feel kinda precious being all excited about draft 1, novel 1. But, having gotten this far, I can say I’ve learned tons about my own processes. For me, flash is instinct followed by thinking. Novel-writing begins with thinking and is aided by instinct.

I’m excited to dive into the second draft. I plan to have it in hand by AuthorCon St. Louis.