Here we are folks, the last Round Robin post of 2013! (#rndrob1213). Grab a cup of tea and a cookie, I know you still have some in the house, and settle back to join in the fun!
This month's topic is: What have you learned from writing? And what are your goals for 2014 and further into the future?
When
I started to write many, many years ago I was proud of my ability and loved to
tell a good story. Over the years, I've had many fans and even more critics.
Still, I persevered. My happiest day was finding out I had won the Murder in
Ink contest put on through Wynterblue Publishing. Not only had I won a contest,
but with my first murder mystery that is now an e-book and a novella!
Then
I got my agent (Dawn Dowdle, Blue Ridge Literary Agency!) and sold my first novel. The fact The Bookstore Lady is
published as an e-book and not actually "in print" was a bit of a letdown at first, but it is published and I am getting my name out there
while I work on my next novels. How encouraging! That some people still don't take me seriously, hurts, but I refuse to give up!
The
main things I have learned from writing: 1) Keep an open mind. You never know who you will get ideas from and who can help you hone your craft and further your career.
2) Never give up! You never know when
something great will happen. Even it it's not what you expect.
3) Be selective as to what advice you take.
Critics can make or break you, not so much career wise as mentally. Don't let
one harsh criticism defeat you. So what lies ahead for my writing career in 2014?
I am happy to say I have an exciting year ahead!
My agent likes my latest cozy mystery and I have edits to work on in January.
My publisher is awaiting the second book in my Wild Blue Mysteries series: The Mystery Lady.
I also have a collection of short stories that a I would love to publish.
Beyond that, I plan to organize and revamp old manuscripts as well as making more time to write and make my dream happen!!
P.S. I also plan to grade in karate for my blue belt.
Happy New Year!
And now off to the lovely Ginger Simpson to see what her goals for 2014 are!
Please don't forget to visit my fellow bloggers!!
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca
Ginger Simpson http://mizging.blogspot.com
Aimee Heil http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/ writing as A.J. Maguire
Connie Vines http://connievines.blogspot.com/
Beverly Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Robin Courtright http://rhobinleecourtright.com
I like your advice. Blue belt, huh? That ought to give critics pause!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and there is nothing that makes you prouder than recognition of your writing. This was a great ending topic, and it's been fun to see what everyone has learned and where they plan to go with it. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved your tips, especially keep an open mind. Good luck with your books in 2014 and your blue belt.
ReplyDelete