Early on, the idea of having something published can be such a motivator that the “big vision” is an unknown. And in some ways it is, until you get into your own pattern of writing, self-editing, being edited, promo, etc. That’s why novice writers are encouraged to engage in those activities before getting published.
Unproductive approaches:
- Denial. This way of looking at a “Big Vision” chooses to overlook what is required. Or could result in passive-aggressive behavior. An example, instead of going over the editor’s comments and making the corrections, this person might simply accept all suggestions and then blame any mistakes on the editor, ditto when their galley edits come. Or this author may choose to stick their head in the sand when it is time to promote their new release. Facebook party scheduled? –they don’t show up. Blog hops set up – they never bother to comment nor share. You get the picture.
- Avoidance. This looks a lot like hand-wringing. “I don’t know what to do.” So no proposals are submitted. Lots of ideas are flung around but the blurbs are never written for the proposals that others have offered to submit. Going AWOL from all social media then popping up once in a while.
- Blaming. It’s your husband’s, children’s, or someone else’s fault that you can’t put in the planning for your project. I don’t mean reality intruding. I’m going to address that in a moment.
Productive:
- Realistic appraisal of your schedule for writing, based upon the facts as you know them. Daughter getting married? Upcoming surgery? Parent in serious medical problems? Building a new home? Things that take a lot of focus and attention are going to cut into your writing. That’s reality. Plan accordingly. Take some time off. A sabbatical might be exactly what you need to come back refreshed.
- Acceptance. “If I don’t keep putting in proposals I won’t get another contract and I’ll be dropped…” See #1 under Productive. You live on earth in a mortal body with real life going on around you. Story world will wait. Sometimes we have to accept that publishers and fans might not. And acceptance is needed.
- Confidence. Because you know the real cost of everything that it will take to get your novel out there you can have confidence that you have what is needed to make it happen, with God’s help.
- Trusting in God. He’s got a plan. Trust in Him. He’ll help you get your “Big Vision” just right, in His good time!
Do you have any tips to add for new writers or those struggling to be productive?
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New releases – “His Anchor” in The First Love Forever collection and
“Shenandoah Hearts” in The Backcountry
Brides collection – both from Barbour.
Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett
Pagels
Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com
Blogs: Overcoming
With God and Colonial
Quills
My Pinterest page for 18th Century clothing https://www.pinterest.com/carriefpagels/18th-century-clothing/
