I’ve decided to add a new section to this website entitled: “For Writers and Other Word Lovers.” My intent is to organize platform components, share helpful resources, and provide a peek into why writing has consumed me so. This first post features my writing resolutions for 2012. I’d love to hear about yours, or any thoughts you have about writing.
Goal #1 Explore story techniques
I’m intrigued with story techniques and frustrated by my lack of them. This goal intertwines with my determination to push my memoir further along this year. I want to weave together inspirational treasures with every day tales.
My current reads are Rumors of Water and God in the Yard, by L.L. Barkat. I parse out a few pages at a time so I can savor them, as if a chunk of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup under my tongue (My favorite candy). I can’t bear the thought of these books ending. Barkat’s use of story is magical and motivates me to hone mine.
Goal #2 Market my book
I’ve spent the last 2 years laying a foundation for my book’s arrival but the next step is far too steep and craggy for my novice legs to climb. It’s time to tackle some scarier dragons like article submissions, book review requests, and book signings. I’m going to have to climb up on top and ride them over the obstacles, and this scares the bloomin daylights out of me.
Goal # 3 Finish my second manuscript
The thought sounds absolutely insane to me right now but the compulsion to refine pieces pushes me. My inner dialogue goes something like this:
“I’ve got to self-publish this book this year.”
“JoDee, you’ve got to be crazy. You need to spend all of your time marketing the one you just published.”
“But I’ve already envisioned the cover and that’s a sign, isn’t it?”
“No, that’s just your overactive imagination at play.”
Of course, it doesn’t help my compulsive side to read online that the best way to market a book is to write another one.
We’ll see who wins.
(No, I’m not psychotic but just have an overactive imagination.)
Goal #4 Add more story to the book in progress
I knew I could find a way to get rationalize what I want.
Marketing reminds me of those childhood dinners when my mother would say, “You have to get your vegetables before you get desert!”
I’d grimace and wriggle in my chair, but eventually done the broccoli. So I market for a while, every day, and then, like a little kid, drag the step stool in front of the fridge (writing time), grab the half-gallon of ice cream (manuscript), and spoon out until I feel sick (compulsively type away).
Goal #5 Dabble in my memoir
I say, “dabble” because I’m in way over my head with this book, technique-wise and emotionally. I can tolerate dabble at this time rather than the thought of finishing.
JoDee Luna Art 