Prioritizing
In one of my earlier post, I talked about going back to “why-I-started-writing.” I have a tendency to run in circles for a long time. My mind is my own worst enemy. I hash and rehash the same issues over and over again. Some times, it seems I get to a place where I think, I’m okay. But in reality I’m just in a different spot on the circular track. If you’re like me, the problem with being on the hamster wheel is that we don’t get any forward motion. We’re essentially stuck in the same spot.
Being an author/writer comes with a lot of responsibilities — especially for indies. It’s actually a bit overwhelming.
When I first started writing, I was told being an author meant running a business. I didn’t understand that. Isn’t writing just about writing books and pursuing your art? No, it’s not and I’ll talk about this in another post at a later time. Being an indie means so much more than just writing.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There are authors who write for the pure love of it and don’t care whether they make money or not. They’re not in it for the business of writing. They write for their soul and to feed their passion. Their long term goal is about leaving a legacy — sort of an immortality. It’s beautiful and poetic. Once their work is published, whether it makes money or not, will be in existence for generations to come. I admire those people. I want to be like them someday.
While I love the art of writing, I do have ulterior motives. I’ve said this before. I’d like to make a little money from my writing. I don’t need to get wealthy off of it, but some extra income would be nice. Self publishing is not cheap. Sure, there are ways to publish with minimal costs, but in order to become visible and find readers — money must be spent.
Where am I with my authoring business? At this point, it’s not really a business, but more of an expensive hobby.
It’s shameful really. I started in 2012 and I haven’t figured out how to make sales consistently. But, I need to be really honest here. Have I put true and consistent effort into building a business? No, I haven’t. Inconsistency has been the only consistent thing I’ve done. I put myself in the hamster wheel. What’s worse is that I haven’t put the effort I should have into the art itself.
It’s shameful that after six years, all I’ve done is worn out the hamster wheel. I want to get off the wheel now. I need a different view. I’m tired of seeing the same blur and unclear path before me. It’s shameful that I’ve been given this dream and I’m wasting it!
So… it’s back to the magic question, “Why did I start writing?”
Because my heart ached and I needed a way to express myself. Writing connected me with a part of my soul I’d pushed down and denied so long ago. Writing woke me up in ways that has made me feel re-connected with the world.
You know, when I look at the statement I made above; you know what I notice?
There’s no mention of money.
I’m smiling to myself right now, because the statement feels so good in my heart. I know it to be true. That tells me I’m on the right path.
The hamster wheel has stopped and I can see through the slats. There’s a winding road laid out before me and I’ve never noticed it. (Forehead slap)
I’m taking my first steps out of the hamster wheel and my priority is to improve my craft. This will take discipline and a conscious effort on my part. Writing everyday has always been a challenge for me. I’m one of those writers who only write when the muse is talking. My muse is fickle and lately– she’s been on the quiet side. But, that’s okay. No journey is without its struggles, right? Besides, I’m getting to a point in my life that I need to live in authenticity. I’m getting too old to be on the hamster wheel.
Mantra time. Prioritizing is my friend 🙂 Prioritizing will help me achieve my goal(s).
What’s my “authoring” priority list look like?
- Write something everyday. My word wizard said I have to write even if I have to write ugly. LOL! This activity, I HAVE to do — no matter what.
- Read more books in my genre. Nerd alert!! I love reading as much as writing.
- Study — craft of writing type books, author motivation type books, webinars on writing, online classes, etc.
- I have to carve out time for these activities. And I need to be okay with doing things in small, manageable chunks and not getting overzealous, and then burning out. It’s about sustainability.
- I have to remind myself to be patient. Skill building doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time. Not all of us can be JK Rowling. Some of us have to work much harder to put together a pretty sentence.
Well, that’s the plan. Hopefully, it’s enough to get me moving forward and start seeing new sights in this authoring journey.
If you find yourself in your own hamster wheel, ask yourself what’s the most important thing to you about your writing? Is it the craft or the business? Be honest with yourself. There are no right or wrong answers. We have the same love and we may even start out in the same boat. But each of our destinations is different and the journey that takes us there will be each beautifully unique.
Happy writing!
Wishing you much success.
