Creating Your Personal and Business Road Map to Success as an Author!

By Pamela Ebel

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One of the most daunting tasks I faced starting my fifth career, with the intention of becoming a published fiction author, was two-fold:

First, I had to decide on my long term goals. 

Six years later I laugh every time I look at the list -  a) finish my novel and find a traditional publisher and b) arrange book tours while writing book two.

Everyone who has been writing and publishing for any amount of time recognizes the problem immediately – a complete lack of understanding that to be a successful fiction writer it is not enough to create a physical space to write in and carve out the time to use that space to write something publishable.

Like most fiction writers, I had written stories for many years. When I decided to turn to writing as my fifth career, I failed to do a deep dive into the skills and tools needed to create a road map for success. 

Writer groups that I joined spent little time on craft specific discussions and practically no time on the one issue every professional needs to understand. I felt the need to help correct the omission.

I developed an approach to the writing journey that informs my work. I hope this series of articles will be helpful to those who are starting to or currently are making decisions about career goals that will lead to success. 

My journey started at the beginning of the Pandemic. During lockdown I examined writing processes by tuning in to a number of ZOOM presentations offered by writers with different years of experience, writing in different genres, and offering widely divergent suggestions and opinions about what ‘you must do to be successful.’

Watching videos and reading online articles, I realized there was little advice about what we should do before starting a writing career. What was missing from many of those presentations was ‘the notorious backstory.’ ‘Why’ and ‘How’ the presenters got started was glossed over, if covered at all. This led to my second task:

As I worked on understanding the ins and outs of the publishing world it hit me that missing was a clear statement that writing and publishing is a Business! 

Working to learn and hone’s one craft is a part of the Business. Finding groups, conferences, and other resources to assist us in honing the craft is a part of the Business. Learning how traditional publisher operations differ from smaller publishing houses, how those both differ from hybrid publishers, and how being Indie or self-published differs from all the rest is a part of the Business.  

Determining if and what type of legal entities we might need to create is a part of the Business. Understanding contractual obligations and how to relate to agents, editors and other professionals in the publishing world is a part of the Business. Understanding what type of costs and expenses will be incurred is a part of the Business.  We can’t make goal decisions without this information.

Before creating the perfect model, we need to understand that all businesses have one thing in common: a concrete list of the goals to be achieved and the planning skills to make those goals happen.

Those skills involve: a) avoiding ‘The One Right Answer’ when outlining career goals; b) creating a structure to keep on track to achieve those goals; c) developing ‘situational awareness’ to respond to the impact that time and events, both professional and personal, will have on the original career goals and d) being able to answer five questions to understand the business of writing and how to respond to each. 

In this article we consider the first skill: Avoiding  “The One Right Answer” 

Most of our educational experiences teach us to look for the “one right answer.”  It is a “teach to the test” approach that unfortunately does not account for the fact that life is ambiguous and frequently awash with many “right answers” and often “no right answers”. 

So, it is with goal setting. Assuming that the first goal or list of goals is the “one right answer” is a mistake. Most of our personal and professional journeys are not linear. Thinking that the first career goals are set in stone and if not met, or not met exactly as planned, leads us to believe we have failed. 

Learning to recalibrate based on changes in our personal and professional lives will prevent a sense of failure based on “the one right answer.” We will be able to remove stumbling blocks in the original path or create new paths to continue our journeys.  

Taking time to assess the current demands on our personal lives allows us to understand that any goals that create a change in the status quo will have a direct impact on our family and friends.                                       

Ask three questions: What do I want on my tombstone? What do I want to leave to those I love, to those whom I respect and to the world I will leave behind? How will I explain this new career to my family, friends, and acquaintances ?

The answers to these questions will define our personal goals and start us on our journey.  Next, consider the impact the move to professional writer will have on our current monetary and employment obligations. This step is where many writers fail because they have yet to understand that writing is a BUSNESS!

Calculating what is needed to keep up the current standard of living, while adding the expenses required to function professionally allows us to create a budget that responds to these changes.

It may well be that the current standard of living, the time spent with family and friends and on personal activities will all have to be adjusted to accommodate new demands on income and time. 

Learning how to make those adjustments and explain them to those directly impacted is crucial to successful career changes. Securing approval for life altering actions requires us to show that the decisions are based on improving the quality of life for all. Finding ways to garner acceptance and support of the decisions will be explained in the second article -  Creating a Structure to Gain Acceptance of New Goals and learning when to recalibrate those goals based on Changing Circumstances.

Using a 500-Word Diet to Complete Your First Draft

By Terri Bowen

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There are a lot of fun aspects to being a writer: creating imaginary worlds, bringing fascinating characters to life, feeling like a rockstar when someone says they dig your work, and conducting weird research that would look downright creepy under normal circumstances, to name a few. On the other end of that are the not-so-fun parts: writer’s block, wrestling with self-doubt, carving out time to write, or discovering a major plot hole halfway through. Still, if you’re anything like me, you’ve been daydreaming about seeing your book in print since you were a kid. With the gusto of a caffeinated jackrabbit, you decide it’s time to crank out that first novel. You’ve done all the meticulous outlining of a plotter, complete with storyboards and music playlists. Or maybe you’re a rebel, a pantser, prepared to fly by the seat of your, well, pants, occasionally utilizing barely legible notes scribbled on grocery receipts. Either way, you’re ready to dive in. Splash!

Things go along swimmingly at first. Then one day, your regular job gets a little too hectic, leaving you too tired to write. The next day, you have too many errands to run, leaving you with no time to crank out a few pages. Another day, you’ve managed to catch the latest bug circulating in your house, and you can barely breathe through one nostril, let alone work on your book. And so on. Suddenly, two weeks have gone by, and your characters are left feeling abandoned while you berate your lack of discipline and time management. When you finally pick back up where you left off, your momentum is gone, and everything you write sounds more mind numbing than tax return instructions. Then you end up marinating in a vat of imposter syndrome while glumly scrolling through social media to watch the latest viral cat videos.

Sound familiar? If so, you’re probably beyond frustrated and wondering how to get back on track. (And if not, then carry on, you shining star!) I’ve had a lot of writing ups and downs in my day, and the biggest reason for the latter is this: life happens. As Scottish poet Robert Burns once said, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” And since I can function—more or less—without writing, my goal of authoring a book amidst the chaos ends up at the bottom of my to-do list. It starts to feel like a distant, arduous task at best, and a frivolous, ridiculous pipedream at worst. 

As I pondered this predicament a few months ago, I wondered, what if I treat writing as a necessity, as something I require in my life to be the best, most authentic version of me? What realistic, sustainable steps could I take to make that a reality? Would a drastic change in my perspective set things back in motion and keep them there? Bearing in mind my desire to finish my first draft by December 31st, I did the math to see how much I need to write daily to achieve that goal. This led to the creation of the 500-Word Diet. Allow me to explain.

As I recently wrote in an Instagram post, I’m now treating my writing journey like a health regimen. For me, 500 literary calories a day will keep me on a solid path to a finished draft by year’s end. It has become a reasonable daily word count that feels manageable and satisfactory. Instead of adhering to a specific amount of time, I’ve found that I can crank out 500 words even on my busiest, most exhausting days. It frequently ends up being more than that, but even when it’s the minimum, I feel good about my progress.

Like any dietary wellness plan worth its salt, there needs to be some flexibility, cheat days included. If I know I have a day coming up when it will be nearly impossible to accomplish my minimum daily word count, I make a point to cover it in the days beforehand. If I truly need a break, I take one knowing that I need to double my word count the next day. So far, the most I’ve accumulated is 1500 words due to missing two days. In those scenarios, I reminded myself how discouraged and depleted I would feel if I let it snowball any further. To keep myself happy and mentally nourished, I fed my brain—er, worked on my book—and caught back up. And if I’m feeling stuck, I throw in a placeholder note and push forward like I’m plowing my way through a plate of kale. I might not enjoy that particular “meal,” but I know it’s good for me, and I’m not sabotaging my regimen. Put in the work, get it down, and edit later. 

I’m happy to say that this approach has truly changed things for me, not just in terms of productivity, but also my mindset. Each word-count milestone I meet gives me a boost of confidence. I’m doing what I’ve always dreamed of, and it feels pretty good. 

I should also acknowledge that writing a first draft in bite-size pieces isn't particularly new or revolutionary. However, adjusting your perspective and categorizing your writing project as a need—especially if you have a full-time day job, are a parent, or have regular obligations that take up large portions of your schedule—gives you permission to make writing a priority, instead of something to be continuously shuffled until it gets lost in a creative black hole. We have all heard the importance of self-care, and how it enables us to be our best selves, and it's important to remember that dreams and goals are part of that self-care.

Now go tackle that first draft with the attention it deserves—even if it's 500 words at a time.

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Terri Bowen is a writer in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has authored countless poems, short stories, essays, press releases, human interest & financial articles, personal blogs, and screenplays and has nearly completed the first draft of her first novel, a suspense thriller. She is chronicling her writing journey on Instagram (@terribowenauthor).

Gotta Go Through It

By Chrissy Hicks

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Have you ever heard the children’s song, “Going on a Bear Hunt?” My toddler requests this often—either for me to sing the tune for her or play it during car rides.

The main plotline involves a group of people (or a couple, depending on the version) going on a bear hunt, claiming they’re “not scared.” However, after overcoming several roadblocks and approaching the bear in a cave, they realize the terrifying result of their actions and run away. As they face each obstacle, they sing the same chorus, “We can’t go over it, can’t go under it, gotta go through it,” before proceeding through the barrier. 

It had me thinking—partly because this song is frequently stuck in my head—that this idea of going through obstacles is a lot like the writing journey. The initial blocks you might face when starting out might be: finding ideas, getting the first draft fully written, carving out time to write, determining whether you’re a plotter or pantser (or somewhere in between), finding a supportive writing community. Once you get past this, your next hurdle is to polish your manuscript so shiny you’re not sure you want to look at it anymore; this often involves the recruitment of beta readers and editors. Once you’ve leaped over all that, you have yet another hill to climb: how will you share this book with the world? Self-publish? Hybrid? Approach small publishers directly? Find an agent? Each of these options presents an entire list of risks and rewards each, but let’s take finding an agent as an option, for the sake of example. You decide to query your novel—this book you’ve spent countless hours writing, revising, rewriting, revising again—and you spend an incredible chunk of time researching agents, perfecting your query, and emailing these agents, hoping you get a “yes.” When you do finally get your acceptance and you sign with an agent, it feels like Christmas. You’ve found your “bear.” The hunt is over.

Except it’s not. It’s only just begun.

Agents get rejected by editors and publishing houses too. They deal with their own set of setbacks. And what happens when a publisher accepts the manuscript? And it’s published? There’s yet another slew of expectations for the writer when it comes to marketing their book (or at least assisting with the process). Plus, the publisher will likely want more material (not just a single book), so you find yourself back to the beginning, with a fresh page and a whole new set of challenges. When you find yourself in this place, so close to your goals, terrifying as it all may seem, will this scare you away? Or will you stay the course?

The point of this brief exposition isn’t to deter you from writing. The point is simply this: there’s not much you can control outside of your writing and your dedication to the craft. You can’t control whether agents will sign with you, whether readers will like your work, whether you hit the New York Times Bestseller list or barely earn out your advance. So, what will you do when you face these obstacles? If you can’t go over it, can’t go under it, will you move through it?

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Chrissy’s work has appeared in three consecutive issues of Bridgewater State University’s “Embracing Writing” book for first-year freshmen. Her writing portfolio also includes publications in The Broadkill Review, SUSIE Mag, The Storyteller, and informative pieces for a local online newspaper. One of her unpublished novels, Foul Play, was a Suspense Finalist for the 2022 Claymore Award, and an excerpt from her unpublished novel Overshadow won Top Three Finalist of the 2024 Thomas Mabry Creative Writing Award. Though her background is in counseling, having earned a master’s degree in this field, when it comes to the art of writing, she’s an autodidact. She studies books she loves and enjoys completing various creative writing classes online, and attending writer’s conferences whenever she can; Killer Nashville is one of her favorites. Additionally, she’s volunteered since 2023 as a general editor for the Killer Nashville Magazine. She resides in Tennessee with her family, their talkative Husky, and a frenetic cat. You can find her online here: https://chrissyhicks.wordpress.com/ where she occasionally blogs about the writing life and reviews craft books.

Prepping for Killer Nashville: Top Tips for Attendees

By Chrissy Hicks

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This is your year! You’ve taken a tremendous leap to make writing a priority and take your author career seriously. You’re ready to step up your game and attend Killer Nashville—or any writer’s conference, for that matter. Whether this is your first or fifteenth conference, you may find some of the following tips a useful review of “do’s” and “dont’s” as you prepare for conference attendance. 

3+ Months BEFORE

1․ Set Attainable Goals

A simple yet not-so-simple task. What are your goals for the conference? (Hopefully, you have at least a couple in mind. If not, please don’t skip this section!) 

Does your list of goals look something like this? 

• Get a book deal! 

• Perfect my writing skills this weekend

• Get personal feedback on my manuscript from an attending author

• Pitch every agent and publisher

• Build a large following

You’ve got some great ideas, but they are more suited for long-term goals rather than something that can be achieved during a weekend conference. Think of those things within your control (you can’t control whether an agent will request your manuscript, but you can ask for feedback or attend a pitch session), and consider what you most want to learn, improve, or accomplish to build success. Just as a house is constructed one board and brick at a time, so is a writing career. 

A new writer might set goals such as these:

• Connect with peers to share support and advice

• Seek seasoned authors for possible mentoring

• Attend workshops designed to hone writing skills (character development, plot structure, building tension, etc.)

• Gain inspiration and motivation from keynote speakers

• Explore different genres and writing styles, and participate in discussions that might spark new ideas for your work

• Learn about writing contests, anthologies, and other opportunities to get your work published and recognized (consider submitting to the Killer Nashville Magazine, for example)

• Consider signing up as a volunteer and learn more about what it takes to make a large-scale event successful 

A writer who has written a book or two and is seeking publication might set goals such as these:

• Meet industry professionals to gain insights into the publishing world and establish professional contacts

• Gain industry knowledge through workshops and panel discussions to learn about current trends, marketing strategies, and the business side of writing

• Receive critiques and get feedback on your writing from experienced authors and peers, who can provide valuable perspectives and suggestions for improvement

• Take advantage of opportunities to pitch your manuscript or book ideas to agents and publishers

• Explore publishing options: Learn about traditional and self-publishing routes, including the pros and cons of each

• Meet with other writers and those in the business to build your professional network

A seasoned author may set goals such as these:

• Learn about effective ways to build your author brand, use social media, and market your books

• Develop or refine your elevator pitch, author bio, and other materials that present you as a professional writer

• Find collaboration opportunities: Look for potential co-authors, writing groups, or other collaborative projects

• Be present by offering to moderate a panel or present at the conference, actively take part in book signings, engage audience members and fellow writers

• Volunteer to judge contest entries, contribute to scholarships, or advertise your books or services on conference materials

By setting achievable goals, you can maximize the benefits of attending a writers’ conference, ensuring that you leave with valuable knowledge, connections, and inspiration to advance your writing career.

2․ Design and print your business card

Business cards, you say? Yes. Whether you’re published doesn’t matter. You are attending a conference because you are a serious writer. You are a professional. Professionals carry business cards. You need them to exchange with other writers. You need them to hand out to industry professionals. You need them. Grab yourself a nice business card holder (these cost little, you can find a decent one for under $20), then study sample business cards. If you’re new to marketing yourself, keep it simple. Often simpler is better anyway, whether you’re a new writer or seasoned author. 

Here’s a quick list of the essentials to include: your name, email, phone number, website, and social media. Optionally, you can add your face (I prefer this because I often forget names, but I don’t forget a face). You can also add a QR code that links to your email, website, or social media platform (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter X, Instagram). And if your name is the same across all platforms, you could simply put the icons for each platform on which you have a profile. There are many sites where you can create and order business cards for low cost—consider starting with 50. Think that’s too much? Probably not; you’d be surprised. You could print them up through your local print shop or UPS store, or use an online service such as Vistaprint, Canva, Shutterfly…there are many options, and often they have basic templates you can customize to make the job even easier. Compare reviews, costs (for both cards + shipping), and see what works best for you. It doesn’t need to cost you hundreds of dollars. As a personal example: my order of 100 cards on premium paper, plus a card holder (both with economy, free shipping) cost $35. Not bad for post-inflation. 

3․ Research

Do your homework before you go! Learn what agents are attending (agents and special guests like keynote speakers are often listed on a dedicated webpage such as the “Who’s Who”). See which agents might be appropriate for your book and check their websites, wish lists, and social media for any updates. Often, even agents that are closed will request manuscripts at a conference! If you find an agent or two (or five) that would be a perfect match for your project, add them to your notes, along with their website and wish list, and consider adding a manuscript critique and/or agent roundtable with them. They don’t bite—promise!

Don’t forget to look at the keynote speakers as well—are they authors you recognize? Have you read their books? If not, grab a book or two they’ve written. The reason for this is twofold: they’re a keynote speaker for a reason, and reading their works may inspire you and teach you something about the craft. Two, it will give you a chance to meet them “up close” during their book signing. Remember, you’re there to learn and they’re there to offer wisdom. This is a great time to ask that burning question about how did they do it! Other poignant questions you might ask are:

• What character did they relate to the most?

• Do they outline or pants it?

• What was the most challenging part of writing the book?

• How do you handle writers’ block or creative burnout?

• How do your personal experiences inspire your writing?

• What advice would you give an aspiring author?

You could ask a question like one of these at the book signing or at a panel the author might present at. Be sure to ask questions that will help everyone, not just something very specific to your own situation (which also may be difficult to answer). And don’t ask all six items in the bulleted list above! Keep it simple, be polite. Pick your top one (maybe two) burning questions, and move on. There are hundreds of other people in attendance, and often many will cram into panels with popular authors, thus, taking up loads of time and not giving others a chance to ask their questions is like cutting in line: it ain’t cool y’all. 

1 to 3 Months BEFORE

4․ Create Your Schedule

Most conferences will have a plethora of workshops and panels to choose from, with topics ranging from improving your skill set to the business side of writing. Killer Nashville is no different. Which means there are often multiple panels running concurrently. How do you choose when there are so many options—often hundreds of lectures—and you can only pick a handful? Here’s a handy guide to do just that:

A․ Set your goals (see #2). If your goals are to learn more about the craft, plan to focus most of your attention on that area. If it’s the business-side of writing, or a mix of both, then you’ll want to split your time accordingly.

B․ Print out the schedule (yes, even in the tech-fancy world we live in, I still print things because it’s easier to work with a printed version than a screen) OR copy/paste it into a Word document for editing digitally. 

C․ Go through each hour of each day and carefully review the panels and workshops. Highlight the ones that instantly resonate with you. Don’t worry about highlighting more than one that run at the same time. For now, just mark the ones you want to attend.

D․ Take a break, then go through the list again, this time remaining objective and keeping your goals in mind. If you’ve got three panels highlighted at the 9:00AM-9:45AM slot on Saturday morning, you know you can’t do all three (unless you’ve cloned yourself). Prioritize by selecting the top panel based on your writing goals, and what you think would benefit you most this year. Label your selections as #1, #2, #3, for first/second/third choice.

E․ A couple days before the conference, recheck the schedule online and see what, if anything, has shifted. There’s always a potential for speakers to cancel, panels to get switched, or topics to be deleted or added. Compare it to what you have (especially your top choices—ensure those still exist) and change your current selections if needed.

If possible, get a map of the hotel meeting rooms ahead of time so you know what’s where. By following the steps above, you can confidently walk into the conference on Day 1, prepared with a plan to attend the sessions that will help you grow in your career. Remember to be flexible: things can change in real time too! Sometimes, due to unforeseeable events, your top choice panel could wind up canceled. Hence why choosing more than one panel to attend is helpful. If the primary one disappeared, you’ve got an alternate ready. 

At the Conference

5․ Show Up

This seems like a no brainer. But “showing up” means more than simply being physically present. You need to show up with the right attitude to be both physically and mentally present. If your attitude is “I better get an agent at this conference or else…”, or “If I don’t win something, this was all a waste,” then you may need to step back and consider why you’re attending in the first place. Where do your thoughts settle? Do you find yourself focused on the past and what you could’ve/should’ve/didn’t do? Or are you constantly in the future—what needs to be done, what you will do, what your hopes are? A focus on the past or future isn’t inherently wrong or unhealthy. We all need time to reflect on the past for self-discovery and learning, and we need to consider the future to visualize our goals. But when attending a big event like Killer Nashville, focusing on the present is going to keep you grounded and be the most helpful as you navigate panels, listen to speakers, meet with authors, speak with agents, and network with fellow writers. 

There will be a lot going on at once, and a mind that remains in the past or the future will miss the moment and recall it only as a blur. It may still feel like a blur, no matter how “in the present” you keep yourself, but you’ll recall much more and experience it better if you keep yourself in the moment. 

Finally, don’t forget to breathe. Remember why you’re here. Take a minute to catch your breath now and then, between panels, take a walk or sit in a quiet place if you need to. This is an exhilarating time, so if you’re not enjoying yourself, take a “time out” to reassess, and get back into it.

6․ R.E.S.P.E.C.T

You made it, and so did your favorite author. They’re signing books and there’s a line out the door. Now it’s your turn! Don’t be “that” guy. You know, the one that holds up the line because they want to ask several questions about the characters and plot choices and how the author started and who’s their agent and…. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to ask questions, but remember to be considerate of others’ time (both the authors/speakers and other conference attendees). Always be respectful to industry professionals too—do not corner an agent in the bathroom or stalk them to their room or car. It’s one thing to ask an agent if they don’t mind hearing your 30-second pitch (assuming you’ve researched them and ensured they’re an appropriate fit for your project), it’s another to shove a paper copy of your full manuscript in their direction, or attempt to hold them ‘hostage’ in a conversation.

7․ Dress professionally comfortable

Typical attire for a conference will vary, but it’s always safe to assume business casual. Other tidbits of advice: check the weather ahead of time, and even if it doesn’t look like rain, it can’t hurt to pack a raincoat! Bring a light jacket, blazer, or cardigan: sometimes meeting rooms can be chilly. And have deodorant and breath mints at the ready (in your purse or the canvas bags often provided during registration). You never know when you might need a touch up or a breath refresher—especially before a pitch session! Now is not the time for crocs and beach shorts, nor do you need to dress in a tux.

For men: polos, button-downs, sweaters, or even a conference-related t-shirt, khakis, chinos, dress slacks or dark jeans. Shoes could be loafers or stylish sneakers.

For women: blouses, sweaters, or other nice tops, including a conference-related t-shirt, slacks, skirts, dress pants or dark jeans. Unless you’re comfortable in high-heels for long periods of time, flats, low heels or stylish boots are a good go-to.

Remember: there will often be frequent walking, standing, and sitting, so comfortable shoes and clothes are a must! Dressing in layers can help with fluctuating temperatures inside and out. Accessories should be simple and functional—though at Killer Nashville, you’ll likely get a stylish tote bag at registration to keep your notebook, pens, pencils, and business cards.

Though the atmosphere at Killer Nashville, and any writers’ conference, is relaxed and welcoming, having a professional and polished look can make a good impression on peers and industry professionals. 

About 2 Weeks Post-Conference 

8․ Follow-ups and Thank yous

The conference is such an exciting event, and you’ll likely meet countless people—agents, editors, new writers, seasoned authors, career professionals with unique expertise (retired FBI agents, doctors, forensics experts, etc.) When you have friendly conversations and make connections, you want to keep those folks in your network. You do that by following-up. About two weeks after the conference, email the people who’ve provided you business cards. If you need to, write something memorable in your notebook or on the card itself so you can remember why you exchanged business cards or to spark your memory about your conversation and questions you may have had for them. You won’t have time (and neither will most attendees) to ask all the questions or plan a writers’ meet up. Save that for later, and do so in the follow-up.

If an agent requested materials (woohoo!), take a second look at your manuscript. Do not send anything that’s not 100% ready. I wish I could tell you they’re dying to read what you’ve got and are sitting by their empty inbox waiting for it to come through. Sadly, this isn’t the case. There’s nothing wrong with waiting a couple more months to get your materials in order and as close to perfect as possible, then send it to them with a reminder that you met at the conference (following their guidelines, of course).

Send thank yous to agents you’ve met who took time to chat with you. Send the authors and keynote speakers a “thank you.” There are probably a hundred people you could thank, but sending it to the people who you connected with or did something meaningful should be adequate. Be sure to be as specific as possible (what is it they said or did that made you grateful enough to reach out?). 

Often, the lifelong connections are formed in these follow-ups. (Maybe not always with agents, but certainly possible with other writers!). Connections don’t happen overnight, and relationships don’t forge over a weekend, but they can certainly start there.

Whatever your goals, whatever your stage in the writing journey, I hope you make it out to Killer Nashville this year! If you’re attending the conference, I’d love to meet you! 

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Chrissy’s work has appeared in three consecutive issues of Bridgewater State University’s “Embracing Writing” book for first-year freshmen. Her writing portfolio also includes publications in The Broadkill Review, SUSIE Mag, The Storyteller, and informative pieces for a local online newspaper. One of her unpublished novels, Foul Play, was a Suspense Finalist for the 2022 Claymore Award, and an excerpt from her unpublished novel Overshadow won Top Three Finalist of the 2024 Thomas Mabry Creative Writing Award. Though her background is in counseling, having earned a master’s degree in this field, when it comes to the art of writing, she’s an autodidact. She studies books she loves and enjoys completing various creative writing classes online, and attending writer’s conferences whenever she can; Killer Nashville is one of her favorites. Additionally, she’s volunteered since 2023 as a general editor for the Killer Nashville Magazine. She resides in Tennessee with her family, their talkative Husky, and a frenetic cat. You can find her online here: https://chrissyhicks.wordpress.com/ where she occasionally blogs about the writing life and reviews craft books.

The Art of Writing Fast (Part III)

By Chrissy Hicks

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This is the last article of my three-part series on the Art of Writing Fast. Previously, we discussed what is fast-writing, and why you ought to consider trying this technique. Then we dove into the “how” behind this method. Without further ado, I introduce to you <insert drum roll here> the WHEN and WHERE to fast writing. 

When to Fast Write

If you’ve skimmed over the first two parts to the series, you’ll likely see a pattern of what you need to fast write: time, dedication, and practice. So, when do you dedicate the time to practice? 

First, let’s define dedication in the context of skill improvement. Think of any talented person you know or have seen perform, whether in sports, theater, music, etc. Nobody sits at a piano for the first piece and cranks out Beethoven. Nobody takes to the baseball field swinging a bat for the first time and scores home runs. Nobody steps onto a stage without having any background knowledge in theater, performs the role of Juliet, and wins an Oscar. Nobody slips into running shoes without ever having hit the track and breaks the ribbon at the end of a marathon. And neither will you pen your first draft and receive offers from the Big 5 (Big 4?) Publishers. 

Start small. Start with the basics. Learn your craft. Not sure how close you are? Find beta readers who will give you honest feedback. Submit some short stories or an excerpt from your book to magazines or contests. Do your readers feel it’s well-polished? Are you finding some publishing success or making the list of winners (no matter whether it’s finalist or honorable mention or top winner)? If you’re seeing a pattern of interest and mostly positive feedback, then your work is ready. Till then, keep working at it. 

And by the way, the learning never stops. Even writers who “made it” will continue reading in their genre and studying their craft. There’s always room for improvement. It’s the writers that understand the importance of commitment and persistence that become authors.

Time management is another key component. Remember when I mentioned scheduling your time in the “how” of fast writing? Well, this will be the area that makes or breaks you. Whether you have a routine where you write at the same time every day, or you write sporadically when you can squeeze it in, finding time and managing it effectively will be your solution to finishing that first draft fast and polishing it to near perfection.

Sample time budget:

Monday

0600-0630 Wake up–make bed/shower

0630-0700 Finish hygiene/ get kids up / ready for school

0700-0830 Breakfast / drop off kids / drive to work

0830-Noon Work

Noon-1245 Lunch break (30 minutes writing time!)

1245-1700 Work

1700-1800 Pick up kids, drive home

1800-1900 Dinner / prep kids for bed

1900-1930 Cleaning

1930-2200 (2.5 hours writing time!)

Even for a busy Monday, we could squeeze in 3 hours of writing time!

Tuesday

0530-0600 Wake up–exercise

0600-0700 Finish hygiene/ get kids up / ready for school

0700-0730 Breakfast (spouse drops off kids)

0730-0800 (30 minutes writing time!)

0800-0830 Commute (listens to writing podcast)

0830-Noon Work

Noon-1245 Lunch break (30 minutes writing time!)

1245-1700 Work

1700-1730 Commute (listens to writing podcast) (spouse picks up kids)

1730 - 1900 Cleaning house / Dinner / prep kids for bed

1900-1930 Cleaning

Let’s say, hypothetically, this was your schedule, and Mondays and Tuesdays were the only days you could write. That’s still 4 hours of writing time! If we use the example of 54 hours of time to complete a rough draft (from the example in Part II of this article), then you’d have a completed draft of approximately 80k words in 13 ½ weeks, that’s roughly 3.5 months! I think most of us could squeeze in a little over 4 hours a week, but either way, determine your “when” for writing time so you can make the most of these sessions.

Deliberate practice + achievable goals and benchmarks = success in completing a first draft fast!

Mindset is Everything

Besides finding the time to write, you need to be in the write mindset (pun intended). Some people find performing a ritual before starting helps them zone in (starting with a song, wearing a certain hat or fingerless gloves). For others, it may be a specific place (i.e., when I sit at my writing desk, my mind is automatically ready to go because I’ve done this so many times before). You may need to try a few things before settling on what works best for you, but whatever you do, find a rhythm and stick with it—at least for the duration of this initial rough draft. You can always change it up later or tweak it for your writing sessions for the next fast draft, but sticking with some sort of rhythm will get you into a solid habit and help your brain connect with the idea that you are ready to write. 

Here are some strategies to get into a rhythm and maintain focus:

• Create a playlist of songs (with or without lyrics) that set the mood of your story

• Create a mood board and/or list of pictures (perhaps a Pinterest page?) of anything that inspires you and your story (settings, characters, plot points, etc.) and keep it handy (print it and post it near your laptop or have the link opened in a tab on your computer)

• Start each session with a few minutes of deep breathing, with your eyes closed, perhaps as part of a short meditation session, and visualize your scene, characters, or setting

• Have a snack or special drink beforehand (perhaps starting with a nutritious breakfast, or the same cup of coffee/flavor of tea will prepare your mind for an intense focused session)

• If the room you write in is also used for something else (a workspace, kitchen, living room) adjust furniture or lighting so it becomes specific for your writing sessions: open or close the shades to dim or brighten the area, move a chair so you face a window…whatever you need to do. Then rearrange everything once you’re done 

• Review what you previously wrote in the last scene as your “start up,” then set a Pomodoro timer and dive in to the next scene

You can use all or none of the above strategies, but whatever you do, find a way to prepare yourself psychologically and physically for a fast-writing session. After some practice, you’ll find it easier to shift from the day-to-day routine into a writing rhythm.

What happens if I lose focus?

Don’t fret too much about this—it happens to everyone. One of the best ways to mitigate distractions is to determine what will most likely disrupt your writing flow ahead of time, and prevent these interruptions in the first place, if at all possible. When this doesn’t work, or you find yourself distracted due to unforeseen circumstances (or perhaps your own chaotic mind), try one or all of the following:

Start where you left off and try again. Take a moment to close your eyes and breathe deeply. Go for a walk. Stretch. Try walking (or jogging) up and down a set of stairs a few times. Get your blood pumping. Find a new playlist. Reset yourself by getting up, leaving the room, then coming back into it with whatever strategy you typically use to start your writing session. 

It’s also okay to take a day off. If you scheduled 3 hours to write on Mondays and barely squeezed in 30 minutes, maybe you’re just having an “off day.” Give yourself grace and remind yourself that today is just today, there’s always tomorrow to try again. Every writer has had these road blocks. Consider it a *write* of passage. 

Where to Fast Write

At this point, you’ve got a decent grasp of fast writing—what it is, why you should do it, how you can do it, when you can accomplish it. Now, let’s talk about where. Where do you set up to write fast?

You might find a cozy nook at your local coffee shop is perfect. Or perhaps you have a setup at home. Consider the following questions when determining where you should best set up for the most efficient writing sessions:

• Do you mind background noise or do you need absolute silence?

• If you don’t mind noise, what types of background sounds are okay: traffic, people, nature, music?

• What kind of lighting do you prefer? Natural outdoor light, overhead light, dim lighting? 

• Are you sensitive to certain temperatures? Do you prefer heat/warmth or cooler weather? Would you need a fan running (to stay cool, for the white noise, or both?)

• What are your preferred seating arrangements? An ergonomic chair at a desk or could you write at a picnic table? Or do you use a standing desk?

• Do you prefer writing at home, in a public space, or elsewhere?

• Are you inspired by certain types of settings, such as cafes, libraries, museums, universities, or parks? Do you prefer urban settings or a quieter spot surrounded by nature?

• Do you have access to a designated writing space, and if so, what amenities does it offer?

• Are you a morning person, or do you prefer writing in the afternoon or evening?

• Do you have a specific time of day when you feel most creative or focused?

• What devices or tools do you use for writing (e.g., laptop, tablet, pen and paper)?

• Are you reliant on specific software or apps for writing, organizing, or editing your work? Do you use speech-to-text and “talk out” your stories?

• Do you have any preferences or requirements regarding internet access or connectivity while writing? Can you use a hotspot on your phone or do you need free internet access? (i.e., through the library or complimentary Wi-Fi from a cafe—though you may be required to purchase a beverage). 

External factors will affect some of this, such as work or family obligations, which may impact your preferred writing time. Your writing routine—and how you balance this around your daily responsibilities—will probably play a role in where you choose to write. You may prefer to write in a peaceful study room of the local library, but if you’re only able to do this on the weekend, and you’re writing during lunch break at work, your only options may be to use the outdoor picnic table where people and passing traffic cause disruptive noises. Consider how you might set yourself up for success, despite the less preferable circumstances: can you bring noise-canceling headphones to work and use them during this time? Maybe you can find a spot far away from people and traffic, or maybe you sit in your car, turning the back seat into a mini writing area? There are a million potential situations that aren’t ideal, and though you can (and should) answer the questions above to learn what your ideal situation is, you’ll also need to learn how to work in less ideal environments. This might mean that your word count for a writing session isn’t as high as normal, but that’s okay! You’re still hacking away at your book, and you’ll wind up with a few sentences or a few hundred words more than you had the day before.

Personally, I’ve written in libraries, my home office (both ideal), my car (less ideal), cafes, picnic tables, in a tent, on a barracks bunk bed, on a commuter train, in an airport, on a plane, during car trips, in a stairwell, late at night in the field by the porta-johns where there was the tiniest internet signal…

When you want to write fast and knock out that draft so you can get to the good stuff (editing and publishing), sometimes you’ve just gotta hunker down and get it done, wherever that may be. (Though, hopefully not in a camp chair by the porta-johns).

To wrap up, I’d like to show you a handful of some of the most prolific authors as of today:

Ryoki Inoue made the Guinness Book of World Records for most prolific writer. To date, he’s written 1,283 books, but he wrote 999 of these in 6 years, equating to approximately 167 books per year!

Robert J. Randisi has had a book published every month since January 1982, in 1984 alone he wrote 27 books in 12 months, authoring just over 650 books (and counting…), which means his output is around 19 books a year.

R.L. Stine, most famously known for his “Goosebumps” series, has written about 450 books since his first novel published in 1986. As of 2001, he was writing installments for five different book series. Starting at 1986, this would equate to approximately 12 books a year.

James Patterson published his first book in 1976 and as of this year has 389 books out, averaging 8 books a year.

Though many of these other authors have since passed, this LIST shows many others who’ve penned hundreds of books (and some have over a thousand to their name). Want to know a secret? THERE IS NO SECRET! You can do the same thing. And why not? Once you get the knack for it, you, too, can have your name listed among the world’s most prolific authors.

I wish you all the best! Now get back to writing!

The Art of Writing Fast (Part II)

By Chrissy Hicks

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In Part I of The Art of Writing Fast series, I discussed the benefits of Fast Writing (both what it is and why it’s awesome sauce!) Now, I’d like to share the “how” behind this technique…

The “How” of Fast Writing

1) You need a plan

Yes—YOU! You need one. Period. Whether you’re a pantser, planner, or plantser, one of the most effective ways to write fast is to have an outline. And before you throw a fit about outlines…ultimately, whatever process works best for you is what you should stick with. Can you speed through a 50,000+ word first draft with no outline and only an idea in your brain? Absolutely. Just because I don’t, or some people find that difficult, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t if you can. However, it does make it a lot easier to provide direction and can help avoid writer’s block if you get stuck somewhere along the way. But it’s not impossible. So yes, this method can work for everyone. However, I still suggest creating an outline. It does NOT need to comprise an elaborate blue print with character worksheets and maps and a play-by-play of every action. But it should at least include a basic 3-act structure. What happens in the beginning? How do things get harder in the middle—what’s the big setback/challenge? And how does it end? You can do this at the beginning, before writing, or you can do it during your writing. Just keep a notebook or other document open on your screen and note what happens in each chapter as you go. This way, when you get to the end, you can review it and see if the structure still makes sense. Or, if you get stuck somewhere along the way, you can review the outline and see if it still makes sense, if you should take a different turn somewhere, or if you notice a pattern or theme emerge that will help you decide what happens next. Whatever the case, a guideline of some sort will only help, not hinder, your progress as you sprint toward “The End.”

2) Figure out how long it will take

Like with any goal, this will require dedicated time, energy, and discipline. Try this exercise to see how long it might take you to complete a novel:

• Set aside an hour where you know you will not be interrupted (turn off your phone/TV, etc…). Lock yourself in a room and ensure you have everything you need (water, coffee, etc.)

• Prep your computer (or notebook/pen) and set yourself up however you prefer to write

• Have a timer ready and set to go off at one (1) hour

• Start the timer and write for an hour. You can write about anything you want, but preferably in the genre you enjoy most (or are most comfortable writing in). You can use a prompt book or prompt generator to get you started. Here are a couple of good ones: 

• Reedsy: https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-exercises/ 

• The Nudge: https://thorncraftpublishing.com/nudge#305d26da-b9cd-4d7d-859d-48335e22ff02

• The 3AM Epiphany: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/263288.The_3_A_M_Epiphany

• The only rule is DO NOT STOP! If you must (such as, all that coffee you chugged before starting just hit your bladder something fierce), pause the timer and restart as soon as possible. But overall, focus on getting as many words on paper as possible 

• At the hour mark, check your word count. Most programs will have a word count built in, but if doing this by hand, you’ll need to physically count the words

If you’re able to do this 3 times, whether the same day or on 3 separate days, you should have a good average number for your “hourly word count average.” Doing so on 3 separate days will provide a more accurate number, mainly because, if you have one superb day with 3 hours to spare, the words you knock out might not reflect your average word count…thus, spreading out your days will give you a more accurate picture.

My average word count in one hour, without too many breaks, is about 1500-2000 words. Some days are better than others, but that’s about what I’ve been able to achieve. I’m not throwing this out there as a comparison—if you can do much more, that’s awesome! If you came up with much less—no worries! If it’s your goal to achieve a higher word count average in an hour, there’s no better time to practice than now while writing your next book. ( ;

3) Schedule your writing time

Once you’ve got an idea of how many words you can achieve in an hour (give or take), divide that by the word count goal for your book. 

Example: 80,000 / 1500 (avg hrly words) = 53.3 hours. 

For the sake of keeping this simple, let’s say it takes 54 hours for you to write an 80,000-word rough draft. Now all you need to do is look at your schedule and find 54 hours. Easy peasy. 

Okay, so it’s not that peasy. For some people who are currently adulting (i.e., work full-time and have kids and responsibilities, like moi), 54 hours can seem overwhelming. But I guarantee you, it’s not as bad as you think. I’ll bet you can find time to squeeze it in amidst the daily grind. Do you commute to work by train or bus? You could write during that time. Maybe during lunch break? How about after the kids are tucked in? As you study your daily habits and the average day-to-day schedule, you’ll likely find places where you could substitute an activity for writing. If you binge-watch Netflix shows for 4 hours on a Saturday night, cut that to 2 hours and spend the other 2 on writing.

4) Use all the tools (or none of them)

Consider doing word count sprints. Or using a Pomodoro timer while you write. Bribe yourself with treats when you hit word count goals! Example: Once I make it to 30,000 words, I’m getting an hour-long massage. / For every 5,000 words I hit, I’m eating a chocolate chip cookie.

5) Support

Having others support you and your goals is always important. And I hope you have those people in your life. Tell your close friends, your spouse, your kids, etc., that you’re working to accomplish this goal of finishing a rough draft. Doing so will give you accountability, but also (hopefully) show those around you that you’re not ignoring them when you turn down a lunch date or night out. Rather, you’re working hard to complete a project that has a lot of meaning to you. This doesn’t mean you should isolate yourself from everyone and neglect your family (and if you’re Googling things like “At what age can children be left alone before DCS intervenes?” Then you might need to rethink some priorities…). But overall, you’ll likely turn down invites you wouldn’t normally, or be less available during the time you’re focused on speeding through a first draft. It’s good for those who care about you to know what you’re up to. After all, they may be your greatest cheerleaders along the way.

Self-care is another important focus here. It’s easy to lose sight of everything else when you’re hyper-focused on something. But don’t forget to get up, stretch, go for a walk, hit the gym, and take breaks as needed! Your body will thank you for it. If you’re writing the entire draft by hand (bless you), you’ll want to do regular wrist-stretching exercises to avoid writer’s cramp. (In fact, you may want to do these for long periods of typing too…). If you need to schedule in these breaks, then by all means, do so!

If you’ve stuck around for this long, you might be thinking “Hey! Maybe I can do this!” And yes, the answer is absolutely 100% you can. You’ve got the what, the why, and the how. Up next: WHEN and WHERE to Fast Write (in Part III of the Art of Writing Fast series).

Making Your Plan

By Dale T. Phillips

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“The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

Sometimes attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (though it may be someone else’s)

Since success is far more likely when you have a good plan and follow it, you’ll want to work on this critical part a bit. Realize that the plan will likely change along the way, and that’s okay, as various life events and opportunities arise, especially if you have schedules, which you should. The plan needs to be recorded in some format: I use basic office software spreadsheets. Writing down things makes them real, and sets it more firmly in your mind. Charting your progress keeps you focused and motivated. Do what works for you, and make it easily accessible, because you’ll refer to this frequently, to keep following the plan. 

The plan isn’t hopes or simply dreams, it’s achievable goals that are within your power. You can certainly write down your dreams, or incorporate them as part of a Vision Board, but your plan is doable steps to success. Winning awards, selling 100 thousand copies, being on Oprah, these are outside of your control. What is within your control is easy: what you’ll produce, by when, and how you’ll get it out to the world, and what other steps you’ll take. All while you’re learning more and creating your business. Work by work, win by win, you set each foundation stone to build that house of success.

Series

Series are a great way to get more books out quicker, as you don’t have to rebuild the novel world each time. They’re more likely to get you repeat readers and build your fan base. One writer I know is a smart cookie who has all the keywords and ad campaigns down, knows some of how to market, but all five of his novels are in different genres with no connection. A reader finds one of his books they enjoy, but nothing else like it by the same author, so sales are one-offs. That’s why the books don’t sell, but he doesn’t do anything about it, except gripe about how they’re not selling. So he’s discouraged and wants to give up. People buy my entire mystery series, because when they find a fictional world they like, they enjoy returning to it again and again. Remember, there are many series which survived past the demise of their creator, because people enjoy those worlds, even when written by others. One reason why fanfic is so popular. 

Stories

If you can add stories and collections to your output, that gets you to success quicker. Each story publication is another showcase ad for you when it comes out, as well as a chance for more promotion (and some form of payment). They can be finished and published quicker than novels, and serve as good credit-building. They get you through the long haul between books, and keep you going, a refreshing change of pace from the long grind of a novel. If you get a story into an anthology or collection with other writers, there are good connections to make. Having a book of your stories is a good resume addition, and an inexpensive way for new readers to find you. More in the store! 

Start with making a goal of writing one story a month. At that pace, you’ve got enough in a year and a half to Indie publish a couple of collections. That lets you easily get into the publishing process, and puts some product up, apart from one novel or two. It helps to get the ball rolling. Momentum is nice to have. It’s good to keep a list of ideas and titles for future works, be they novels, stories, or whatever. If I need an idea for a targeted anthology story or get stuck on what to write, I look at the ideas and titles I’ve recorded to see if anything sparks me to begin on that. I always have material to write.

For the master plan, break it down into large segments. First, what you expect to have done by a year from the start date. You can do a lot in a year, more than you think. Second, what you’ll have done three years from now. That gives you enough time to put out some quality work that will get you noticed. Then a future date, by which you’ll have done enough to be successful. Say five to seven years, by which you’ll enough good novels written and published, and a lot of stories. More than many writers. 

Then detail each time segment in your plan, making milestones and goals. First year, first book. Say fifty thousand words, a short novel, only one thousand words a week. When you get to five thousand words, that’s a major milestone— your first ten percent! Hitting these milestones makes you feel like you’re really progressing, and keeps the momentum. As studies show, setting specific intentions greatly increase your chances of success.

Then the other details— how will the book be edited: critique group, beta readers, editor? Have you started on those parts yet? If not, set a period of time to research, and put that in the schedule. If you haven’t done it, it may be difficult to estimate, but it’s good to rough out some sort of time frame, even if preliminary. Remember, you can adjust the plan later as more information becomes available. Set a reasonable time for editing, especially if this is an early novel, which may require some restructuring and story work. One of the great aspects of the Indie world is that you don’t have to publish a book until it’s ready. There have been a number of occasions where I wanted a book done by a certain date, but it needed more work, so it got delayed. Don’t publish until it’s good, but don’t spend eternity on it, either. Get work out rather than let it sit for too many years unpublished. 

Publishing

Apart from editing, do you know how to publish? Print, ebook, audiobook? Do you have a cover artist and know how to format? Do you know what platforms you’ll distribute on? Do you have all your marketing materials planned out? Do you know the other aspects of what comes after? If not, set periods for research. Ebooks can be published quickly, as soon as they’re ready. Print needs more formatting, and time to order a proof copy to verify it looks like it’s supposed to. Audiobooks need to be produced, and take the longest time. Adjust plans accordingly, and if you don’t know, just put a guesstimate or TBD (To Be Determined) in the time frame for now.

Definitely set the schedule for learning, and not just the publishing knowledge you’ll need. Can you absorb a new craft book on writing every 3-4 months? That gives you a few every year, and helps you improve much quicker. Plan on a course, online or in-person event every year, on some aspect of your writing that needs improvement. For that, I recommend at least one live writer conference a year, where you can learn a great deal in a few days. Budget for it, because they’re invaluable in advancing your writing career and making connections with other writers and fans.

And that’s just the start. See what I mean about how most people don’t get that far? It’s daunting to think about all you have to know, in addition to the writing. It took me about two years to learn enough of what I needed to publish my own books and break out as full Indie. Then I just took off and didn’t look back, though I’m still always learning. It does get easier as time goes by, because once you’ve acquired certain knowledge, you don’t have to relearn it.

Getting There

By following a good plan, in three years, you can be set on your success path quite readily. You’ve got some good books published, maybe some other material as well, you have your marketing material all prepared, you know how to contact libraries and bookstores, you’ve learned a lot. You’ve learned how to take feedback and have some trusted advance readers who will help. You’ve got some reviews and been interviewed a few places. After you get many of the preliminaries out of the way, plan to step up your production. Since you need less research time, put it into making your books awesome. 

And the next few years after that should determine how well you’ll do. If you’re always moving forward, making plans and achieving goals, producing good work, you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish. 

My original plan was to get a good start on success with ten good novels, ten story collections, and one hundred published stories. 

And that’s just the beginning! 

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Dale T. Phillips has published novels, story collections, non-fiction, and over 80 short stories. Stephen King was Dale's college writing teacher, and since then, Dale has found time to appear on stage, television, radio, in an independent feature film, and compete on Jeopardy (losing in a spectacular fashion). He's a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Sisters in Crime. 

Setting Goals

By Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

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As a new year unfolds, many of us may sense the need to set objectives for our writing, regardless of whether we’re novices or experienced. There’s also a business aspect to our writing careers, which requires us to focus on how we present ourselves. To achieve this, we may need to polish our editing skills, improve our social media presence, attend conferences to network, and stay updated on the latest market trends.

We can inspire and uplift our readers through writing, providing them hope, guidance, and encouragement. However, doing this requires more than talent and passion. We need a clear understanding of where we’re going and a well-defined plan. This includes identifying our target audience, developing a marketable brand, building a platform, and engaging with our readers through various channels. We should be willing to continually grow and improve our craft, seeking feedback and guidance and staying current with the latest trends and techniques in the industry. With dedication and perseverance, we can achieve great success as writers and positively impact our readers.

Setting goals is a crucial aspect of our journey as authors. It helps us to stay focused and keeps us motivated and accountable for our progress. By aligning our objectives with our values, we can ensure our efforts are directed toward what matters. To help us, here are tips to keep in mind while creating goals that are in line with our values:

1. Seek guidance: Starting with a strong foundation is essential. Whether seeking clarity on a specific goal or looking for general direction in life, mentors can be a powerful tool for gaining insight and inspiration. Before starting anything new, it’s wise to seek guidance from those with more experience and ask for help from them to lead us forward.

2. Establish a clear vision: Clearly define what we want to achieve. Once we comprehensively understand our end goal, we should write specific things we want to achieve. This should be measurable and achievable to track our progress and stay motivated. Setting clear and attainable objectives usually increases the chances of success and allows us to prioritize our focus.

3. Align goals with our values: It’s vital to ensure our objectives align with our beliefs to share our message with the world effectively. This means that before embarking on any writing project, we should take the time to reflect on our values and beliefs and ensure our aspirations are aligned. This way, we can create content that resonates with our audience and positively impacts the world. Ultimately, our writing should be guided by our desire to make a difference in the lives of those who read our work.

4. Break down goals into smaller steps: When we create aspirations for ourselves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. However, we can make them more achievable by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. We must create a detailed plan outlining specific actions to move closer to our aim. By breaking things down this way, we can feel more in control of our progress and motivated to keep going, even when faced with challenges.

5. Hold ourselves accountable: To take responsibility for achieving our goals, we set objectives and hold ourselves accountable to them. Another key tactic is to schedule regular check-ins with ourselves and those we trust to evaluate our progress and determine whether we are on track to reaching our desired outcomes. Through this action, we can identify areas we may need to adjust our approach or put in extra effort to stay on target.

6. Celebrate our success: Celebrating small achievements along the way helps to reinforce positive behavior and maintain our motivation to continue working toward our targets. We can learn from our failures by reflecting on what went wrong and using this information to improve our strategies. Adopting a growth mindset and viewing failures as opportunities for growth can turn setbacks into stepping stones toward success.

As writers, we can accomplish unprecedented success and leave an indelible mark on the world through our words. By setting goals, channeling our creative potential into our literary endeavors, and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to our craft, we can make meaningful contributions to society. Let’s relentlessly strive with unwavering passion and dedication to create works that inspire, motivate, and transform lives. Let’s unleash our full potential and reach the pinnacle of our literary journeys, leaving a legacy that’ll inspire future generations.

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Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D., has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups, delivering messages with quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers) and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board for the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine is the host of the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel and prequel to her first general market thriller novel, “A Fifth of the Story.”