Mistakes I've been making

[chopsaw]

For as long as I can remember I've wanted to be a writer. But, until recently, I've gone about it all wrong. My first mistake was to write in my spare time and earn a living at something else. I did write a novel that way, but it was quite self-indulgent and as a few agents told me, "the wiriting is very good but this novel is not financially viable."

Instead of reacting to these repetitive remarks, I let them simmer. I realized I wasn't writing the type of book I wanted to write as much as I was writing the kind of books I thought I ought to write.

Now I'm clear on what I want to write. And having made that simple decision, I've started another novel.

I now write during the day when I'm fresh and my mind is at it's most imaginative. Also, the kids are at day camp and my wife is at her office so I've got uniterrupted time to work. And after a full day of writing I earn a living.

Small, yet profitable projects have been finding me lately, which has been a help. These are low stress projects that don't grow into all encompassing nightmares. I'm also seeing some repeat business. This is exactly the kind of carpentry work I've wanted all along. I've nick-named these type of jobs as "shop and drops." I build them in my shop and spend a couple of hours installing them on site.

I have had to make some very deliberate changes in my lifestyle to keep my spending down, but since I'm doing what I have been dreaming about since I was four, it's been an easy transition. And I'm a hell of a lot happier these days.

When I meet my word count for each session (usually about 2500 words) I plan my next day of writing. This way I've got a good number of hours to percolate ideas and I've been very pleased with the results. I've found Randy Ingermanson's Advanced Fiction Writing web site, a resource I learned of on these boards, quite helpful.

I believe, after many years, I've finally found my flow. It's hard work, I'll admit that, but at the same time it's a real pleasure, too.

[MattFYF]

That's amazing! It's so awesome that you can begin to (and constantly) live out your dream of being a writer, while still making enough money to live and working towards the novel that you truly want to create.

What kind of novel are you writing, by the way? You left me hanging for more!

[chopsaw]

It's an adventure story with paranormal themes.

[uberinquisitive]

Bravo!

[The Cloud]

You're a real inspiration to us all. Thank you.