Short Term Goals To Improve Writing Career

[jasonandrew]

Today I took a bit of time and thought about what I need to do to hit the next stage as a writer.

I came up with a couple more goals.

I need to read more. Read more fiction. Read more of everything. I love the idiot box a little too much. I need to read more of what is being published now rather than ten years ago. The last couple of years I have slacked.

Network, Network, Network. This shouldn’t be hard for me. I have been doing this technical writing for twelve years. I know people in the business. I have decent connections. Why do I find excuses to not do conventions? I think it boils down to a lack of confidence. I’m reminding myself that you have to work and push to make things happen.

Improve my wiki and use it to push myself a bit more. I can add skins and other interesting bits.

Comments

[gaaneden.livejournal.com]

Fine a webzine you really like and read regularly and offer to become a slush reader.

[highway-west.livejournal.com]

That's not a bad way to do some networking.

[gaaneden.livejournal.com]

It's also a fabulous way to improve your writing, reading and submission skills. I've learned a LOT about these skills since I started reading slush.

[sasjhwa.livejournal.com]

I have a few YA modern real world books (John Green and Maureen Johnson) and a ton of fantasy books (Mercedes Lackey, Katherine Kerr, Jennifer Roberson, etc.) if you ever want to borrow any. My manga selection is also rather large. Just let me know.

I'm working on finishing those edits too. Life keeps getting in the way.

[sasjhwa.livejournal.com]

I forgot to mention, the Writing Excuses podcast did a couple of episodes recently about how to get the most out of a writer's convention and also what not to do. I would highly recommend it. Check out Season 3 episodes 9 & 10

http://www.writingexcuses.com/