I've got a lot of things that I'd like to achieve. Given that I'm living in a third world country, I choose to put writing on the back burner 'til I've gotten myself in a more financially secure position.
If you put time to write this post, then you have time to write. You don't have to sit for hours so that you can finally start writing. You don't have to come up with an incredible plot for a full scale novel or a short story. If you have a phone or a pen and paper, you can write. Write for yourself. A word you liked, an expression that struck you, an exchange you had with somebody or something you noticed at your work. It doesn't even need to have a beginning, middle or end and you don't have to show it to anyone. Write full of meaningless crap on a tiny piece of paper. It doesn't take much to be a writer. Success is another thing but nothing is stopping you from doing what you want.
same brother,but i won't stop, i will find some free reviews in reddits, publish it ina free platform with an apology for the crapy language cuz i couldn't afford any editor
My writing goal for now is to read, study and put it down on paper all my burning ideas. I've been procrastinating through almost a decade and I'm loosing the feeling of self-worth. For the next two weeks, I'll start building consistency.
My writing goals were swept aside this week. It was a complete disaster, literally. I was forced to deal with surviving Texas Winter Storm Uri that left me and my family shaken. No power for heating, no water--for days--forced to gather snow for drinking water. But we managed to get through it. I had little time to write. But now, I have an experience to share with the world. I'm just beginning to get the urge to put down words again. To go on living. Thank you for your video.
Beautifully said. It's horrific what's happened, and I appreciate you sharing your story here. I hope you, your family, and all Texans are able to recover quickly.
Dear James, fellow Texan here. I'm also sorry to hear about the situation. It's been tough. Here in Houston it was hard to find eggs or bread in major supermarkets even this past weekend. Glad to hear you are putting down some of this tragedy on paper, where it belongs. In our case, our water didn't cut, which is unfortunate because overnight it burst two of the pipes traveling along opposite walls of my parents garage, and clogged a third in the bathroom upstairs. As I was hack sawing the copper, though, I came to the same conclusion as you: "Dude, I'm going to put down some words." Not necessarily about the freeze, but about life. Moreover, luckily or unluckily (who knows) our school district canceled school last week and even this week -- as a contracted public school tutor that meant I got to be at my computer for extended periods of time, wherein I submitted 40 different stories to 40 different venues (thank you to the kind soul who told me about the online tool "submission grinder"). But it also means I am not getting a paycheck for last week or this one. That's ok, my belt is adjustable. And these mags have a walloping surprise coming their way. But anyway, follow that urge, my man. And don't let some finicky weather get you down. Family first. Then back to the keyboard. Had to share.
My writing seems to come in bursts. The story is constantly in my head evolving and becoming more definitive. Does anyone else get a real buzz/high excitement reading back what they have written a week or so after putting the words down. I’m either correcting myself wondering who I was last week or the rare moments that I feel nothing needs changing give me a real boost not similar to any other feeling. The second I feel I’m not enjoying writing I stop. Does anyone else go through this cycle whe starting out? Great piece by the way!
1:59 "To inspire others to create through my videos and stories." Thank you, Diane, for sharing yet another gem. You hit the mark every time. I swear, your apotheosis is coming. Now to your point, I will add that goals should be "awesome," since they ought to rock; also goals should be "simple," at least enough to "see them" in your mind; lastly, goals should be "secret," given that you don't want to "give away the gold," at least not early on, to put it in Julia Cameron terms. That said, here are my SMARTASS goals, by process of elimination: You say SPECIFIC, so right off the bat no need "To write my best short story ever, next." You ask for MEASURABLE, so that eliminates "To write a new novel this year" since God knows when one is done, anyway. You mention ACHIEVABLE, so right there I cross off "To publish 21 short stories in 2021" which I did originally write in my submission hit list, although I cannot control what other people do with my stories. You recommend RELEVANT, and thus "To post the best YT comment ever, now" would have been perfect, but it doesn't aim at my long-term goal is "To make 2021 a zero-loss year for writing." (On my last two tax returns, ever since I started self-publishing, my writing business income has been negative.) This year I want to tip the scale the other way. But you call us to be TIME-BOUND, meaning "In the next two weeks." After a whole lunchtime of thinking about it, I am determined "To revise two of my recently written short stories, to deep personal satisfaction, and then electronically submit them to two venues I believe will enjoy reading them just as much." This is in align with my larger goal of having an "income green year." Will it be AWESOME? Heck yes. Is it SIMPLE enough? I can feel it in my bones. Is it a SECRET? Positively not. But I figured to drop my own rule, if it meant adding one bright thread to this wonderful tapestry being woven underneath this video. Cheers. "And whatever you do, keep writing."
I love that you keep your advice nuanced and subjective and offer that people can make goals that suit them. Like, when I kept hearing I can't be a writer unless I write everyday, it eventually burned me out. Instead, I gave myself a word count goal for each week because I work full time and have other various things to do (as well as needing rest). Realizing that I can make up my own goals and that I don't have to set myself to unrealistic standards was the best thing to happen to me as a writer. I stumbled upon your channel and I am enjoying what you have to say so far (: I love dipping my toes all over the writer community on here and hearing multiple perspectives and tips. It's like walking through a grocery aisle and checking out the labels of every item and mixing and matching various foods to consume and build my own writing techniques from it!
My writing goal is to learn how to write for myself, and not think of what other people will think of my work. That's been my problem for the past few years now and I feel like that's mainly what has been halting my creative process.
Hello! I have watched your channel for a while and wanted to say thanks for the black representation in this video! My sister and I were so happy, literally like "Pottery! Whoa theres another one!AH!" the whole time. we appreciate it
I can't even describe how much your videos have helped me fall in love more and more with my own dream of becoming a writer ,and even other dreams . Thank you for the efforts you put in these .
As far as writing goal goes. I'm trying to finish up my first readthrough. Hopefully I'll be done by the next few days. Then I can start with the revision.
Best writing advice on UA-cam. SMART goals really sounds like something I should try. I want to move from writing short stories to finishing my fn novel lol
You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Discord, Reddit, Instagram, and beyond! I recommend googling specific writing-related hashtags or group names for whichever platform you're using. For example, you could follow people on Twitter who use the #WritingCommunity hashtag and ask what groups they'd recommend. I discovered my writing groups by exchanging critiques with other writers via Reddit, and they'd invite me to join their group on Discord. Reedsy has a good list of other writing-oriented websites for finding critique partners and groups: blog.reedsy.com/writing-community/. Many times, there are writing groups at local libraries, or you could start your own group.
Great video as usual! I often download your videos on my mobile YT app, and listen to them over and over again whenever I get a chance because your videos are really helpful. This one was extra relatable as I'm a big fan of Ted Chiang and soulful scifi :)
My 2021 goals are to have three flash fiction pieces published in Flash Fiction Online, Daily Science Fiction, and The Arcanist. Before moving onto my big goal of having a short story published in Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine, one story per publication. I've come close to all four markets in the past.
My mission as writer and aspiring author; to always read for nuggets of inspiration, and in my own way re-incorporate some of those nuggets into my own writing, whether they be new mechanics, ideas, or word choicing. Connect with other people as I go, who share the same passion for writing, and then growing into a successful writer with no expectation of becoming published or prolific, so this means keeping a shut ton of perspective but using humility to develop, improve, and refine my creative process towards writing organized stories until i enjoy the entire process, not taking pride in the forged result, but being the first fan of my process. which is what i want to accomplish as a writer
I've just watched a video on the SMART method today so this is a pleasant surprise 🙂. I've always struggled with planning long-term and procrastination. I'm in a dire need of a good planning method right now and still I'm afraid to put the new knowledge to use for fear of doing it wrong. I finally managed to jot down my first schedule for one week. I think I packed too much in there so I might have to scratch that plan. I'm hoping I won't lose my good will because of that. I guess before I learn my own limits I'll have to try different variations here and there. My writing goal: be consistent with my journal. A few months ago I managed to write every day for about a month but then stopped suddenly. I got an advice once that it's enough to just write down 3 most important things that happened during the day. It doesn't have to be incredibly long. It's important to do it every day. Planning and habits just come together full circle.
I’ve written a short story called “The Kung Fu Truth” starting Chuck Norris. It’s a light comedy and absolutely crazy I hope to refine it and submit it this year. Along with finishing 3 more short stories and outlining my novel
I've been taking stock of my values lately as I try to find what I want to say. Good first step for me. Adding this one to my favorites, so thanks Diane!
I know some writers who use one document and some who create a new document for every chapter (and others use the chapter feature on Scrivener). I find it easiest to keep the chapters in the same document for editing purposes, but it's just a personal preference. :)
Diane I have a question about writing. I have two characters who meet and fall in love. Because of an incident the girl believes the guy is dead. Five years pass and we will follow their paths, however, the girl does not know the guy is alive, but the reader does. How do I have the guy explain to the girl his journey back to her without boring the reader as he and she catch up with what happened? Thanks if you do answer.
After their initial dialogue exchange with her reacting to his reappearance, you could have them sit down and then summarize the conversation in a paragraph. That might include snippets of her reactions: "When he explained how XYZ, she gasped but did not interrupt." At the end of _The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe_, the author summarizes what the children tell the professor about Narnia, then moves back into real-time dialogue: And that would have been the very end of the story if it hadn't been that they felt they really must explain to the Professor why four of the coats out of his wardrobe were missing. And the Professor, who was a very remarkable man, didn't tell them not to be silly or not to tell lies, but believed the whole story. "No," he said, "I don't think it will be any good trying to go back through the wardrobe door to get the coats."
Can't deal with the picture and video clip overload...Sorry, I've got ADHD. All the constantly changing stock footage clips are just too much sensory overload. It's way too distracting to watch unless I listen to the audio only. Nice editing, but a lot of these clips and pics could be omitted and it would make a much less distracting video. Some of the visuals just really take away from what you're saying. No offense!
Hi there, viewers! You can now read a text version of this video on Medium: quotidianwriter.medium.com/how-to-be-a-writer-setting-long-term-goals-ed83889d6be5 On my Ko-fi page, you can read my behind-the-scenes notes for this video: ko-fi.com/post/Behind-the-Scenes--How-to-Be-a-Writer-Setting-Lo-G2G13PF2U
That outro.....gets me every. Single. Time. It is also (intentionally or not) very apt for this video. Last couple of days I've been feeling burnt out on a book I've been writing since last May (working on the 2and draft now) and there are times I wonder if it's all worth it in the end, whether I would have spent a year or more on this story (that I love and will always love) and no one thinks it's good enough. But if you have a major goal in mind, you'll never give up. My major goal is to be able to walk into a bookstore and see my name on the shelf (not the bargain bin). That's why i know that even if this one gets rejected 100 times, I'll move on to the next one and the next until it happens. That is why, no matter what, you've got to keep writing. Thank you so much Diane!
Revision burnout is definitely a common experience! No matter what happens, you've WRITTEN A NOVEL, which is no small feat. As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” And yes, whatever you do, keep writing. :)
Dude, at this point, I would settle for the bargain bin, at least during the summer months ;) there're some masterpieces in there! -- guy who's been trying to publish a short story in a lit mag for seven years
For me, I am compelled to write. If I don't write during the day, then my day is empty. Sometimes I welcome the idea of WRITERS BLOCK, for then I could take a break but no such luck. The ideas and words keep flowing.
I really enjoyed this! I feel like it's important to be able to identify as a writer while knowing it may not turn into a career in the traditional sense of the term. Maybe it's almost like seeing writing as a lifestyle choice
Just started my first novel, a sci-fi horror set off-world in a tyrannical corporatist future. Blends various points from some of my favourite Sci-Fi novels/films, with an original storyline, as well as (hopefully) leading to philosophical introspection on whether certain aspects of modern day societal and technological 'progress' will really benefit us at all. I fell into the trap of overestimating the speed I could write, and have only managed half of what I set out to do in this time frame. Was recently laid off and assumed I would have all the time in the world to write, but juggling a house, 3 kids, job hunting and some 'us' time for me and my fiance (she's now working additional hours to support us while I find a new job) has been a much larger task than I could have ever imagined. Thanks for your discussions, they really do help put certain things into perspective.
Mile stone goal idea : write a ROUGH FIRST DRAFT (NOT the version you are going to publish) within two years… My own goal : writing one page of my ROUGH DRAFT per day (I write by hand using a pencil and standard, usually wide ruled, composition books as my source of paper)
I want to be a 21st century successor to Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabel Allende in the genre of Latino Magical Realism. I want all of my stories to tackle issues of social justice. I want my stories to help usher in the Age of Aquarius and advance my personal philosophy of Theosophy. I want to write a fictionalised version of my family’s crazy story that’s full of trauma and drama to help me heal; a multi generational story like House of The Spirits.
Goal 1. I want to write at least one book (or series of book) that can be considered cultural icons like Harry Potter. Stories everyone and their mother would have heard of at least one. Story to which I can keep making sequels and become rich and famous, *should I choose to* . 2. I love thrillers and fantasies. I would like to write a short fantasy story contrary to the trend of making them last over 100,000 words.
My writing has drastically improved from your tips and have helped me to get rid of my writer's block. This video came at the right time! Thank you so much 💜💜💜💜
Very nice and structured template :) And very useful. I have a question if you don't mind : From where do you get/take the videos/images displayed in your video? thanks
I love your videos. They have motivated me to turn my dream into a goal. Please I am totally new to this writing stuff but this dream of finishing a publishable novel is now my aspiration and goal. I don't really get the joining a community stuff. I'm not the most social or interesting person. Do you have any suggestions for a community I can join
I'm so glad to hear that my videos have motivated you! Joining a community isn't the best path for everyone, although you can find or form your own groups on places like Scribophile, Critique, Circle, and the NaNoWriMo forums. What works better for some writers, though, is forming one-on-one relationships with individual critique partners, rather than being part of a larger group. That way, you can pick and choose who you vibe with the most. You can find those critique partners on the sites I mentioned above, but also through Twitter, Facebook groups, or Reddit (specifically r/writing). Keep writing! :)
Hi, I'm a recently retired teacher and now am perusing what I've always wanted to do but never the time. The last year, I've begun my journey with watercolor and was very impressed with the on-line tutorial help I've found. I am an avid reader in my field and mystery fiction, and have started a couple of books in both fields. I decided to search for the same help on line that I found for the watercolor and luckily found you. Thank you so much for your tutorials. My short term goals are very basic. #1 to watch 3-4 tutorial videos a week on skills and motivation for writing. #2 to read/reread 4 books and utilize 2-3 of the methods of looking deeper into what you read by documenting and creating something from each as you mentioned in your tutorial "How to read like a writer". Finally #3 is to pick 2 writer skills that I document from my reading that I need to work on, then research and practice paragraphs improving my skills in that area. I'm giving myself 2 months for this. You are so appreciated! Barbara
Thanks for another great and thoughtful episode. In the past I had a goal of 5 pages a day. It was difficult and I didn't always make it, but I did some of the time. But I think it was a bit demotivational in a way - when I didn't hit the goal. I'm going to make a goal of at least two pages a day now (starting a new job soon, so that will curb my time for writing somewhat, but still.) I'm making a tick-sheet, and if I get 5 ticks in a 7 day week, then I'll allow myself a small treat. (And hopefully some days I'll get into a rhythm and actually do 5 pages...) The tricky thing with this book is that it's sci-fi, and set in a setting that's never been done before (to my knowledge.) Considering how humans/society could actually work in such a setting is very important, as I want the world to seem very real and consistent - it's been frustrating, because I just want to write, and I have a reasonable outline of the book already, but I don't want to rush into it and realise some details massively impact the story, and then have to go back and re-write the whole thing (or many chapters.) In a way, though, that might be preferable, as it would at least keep the creative juices going.
Your voice is mesmerizing. I don't hear a word but only your voice. I will have to find another writing video to watch. Kidding. Appreciate all your videos.
I've got a lot of things that I'd like to achieve. Given that I'm living in a third world country, I choose to put writing on the back burner 'til I've gotten myself in a more financially secure position.
If you put time to write this post, then you have time to write. You don't have to sit for hours so that you can finally start writing. You don't have to come up with an incredible plot for a full scale novel or a short story. If you have a phone or a pen and paper, you can write. Write for yourself. A word you liked, an expression that struck you, an exchange you had with somebody or something you noticed at your work. It doesn't even need to have a beginning, middle or end and you don't have to show it to anyone. Write full of meaningless crap on a tiny piece of paper. It doesn't take much to be a writer. Success is another thing but nothing is stopping you from doing what you want.
Same
same brother,but i won't stop, i will find some free reviews in reddits, publish it ina free platform with an apology for the crapy language cuz i couldn't afford any editor
So you live in america?
@@Pyrophallus this comment really put things in a better perspective for me
Ive started to write my book in the last month and I'm already over 30k words. Your videos are a blessing 😭👍👍❤️❤️
How-
@@emxry I'm no longer the same person who wrote this thing so I'm on the same page as you...
How-
@@Emancy3 I’ve got quite a few projects so I struggle a bit, but still- it’s taken me like a month to motivate my self to write for an hour-
@@emxry I relate dude. It's hard to get yourself to just sit down and write sometimes 😔😖
Yeah :’)
My writing goal for now is to read, study and put it down on paper all my burning ideas. I've been procrastinating through almost a decade and I'm loosing the feeling of self-worth. For the next two weeks, I'll start building consistency.
My writing goals were swept aside this week. It was a complete disaster, literally. I was forced to deal with surviving Texas Winter Storm Uri that left me and my family shaken. No power for heating, no water--for days--forced to gather snow for drinking water. But we managed to get through it. I had little time to write. But now, I have an experience to share with the world. I'm just beginning to get the urge to put down words again. To go on living. Thank you for your video.
Beautifully said. It's horrific what's happened, and I appreciate you sharing your story here. I hope you, your family, and all Texans are able to recover quickly.
Dear James, fellow Texan here.
I'm also sorry to hear about the situation. It's been tough. Here in Houston it was hard to find eggs or bread in major supermarkets even this past weekend. Glad to hear you are putting down some of this tragedy on paper, where it belongs.
In our case, our water didn't cut, which is unfortunate because overnight it burst two of the pipes traveling along opposite walls of my parents garage, and clogged a third in the bathroom upstairs. As I was hack sawing the copper, though, I came to the same conclusion as you: "Dude, I'm going to put down some words." Not necessarily about the freeze, but about life. Moreover, luckily or unluckily (who knows) our school district canceled school last week and even this week -- as a contracted public school tutor that meant I got to be at my computer for extended periods of time, wherein I submitted 40 different stories to 40 different venues (thank you to the kind soul who told me about the online tool "submission grinder"). But it also means I am not getting a paycheck for last week or this one. That's ok, my belt is adjustable. And these mags have a walloping surprise coming their way.
But anyway, follow that urge, my man. And don't let some finicky weather get you down. Family first. Then back to the keyboard.
Had to share.
@@ivanbrave_ Thank you for your words of encouragement and hope your family is managing the situation. Keep writing.
this video arrived when i was jotting down plot ideas and preparing bullet points for characterization. thank you. really, really helpful.
As a amateur writer who dreams of making a best selling franchise, your videos have been a huge help! Thank you❤️
How’s it going 2 years later?? 😊
I hope to finish the first draft of my first novel, a hard sci-fi thriller, by the end of February.
Dude same. But mine is a romance-fantasy
Good luck, and happy writing ❤️❤️👍👍
Good luck!
This video came at a great time! I've been struggling with maintaining my writing routine lately. Thanks for another great video! 🙏
My writing seems to come in bursts. The story is constantly in my head evolving and becoming more definitive. Does anyone else get a real buzz/high excitement reading back what they have written a week or so after putting the words down. I’m either correcting myself wondering who I was last week or the rare moments that I feel nothing needs changing give me a real boost not similar to any other feeling. The second I feel I’m not enjoying writing I stop. Does anyone else go through this cycle whe starting out? Great piece by the way!
Same except I don’t know how to put it on paper (or screen)
1:59 "To inspire others to create through my videos and stories."
Thank you, Diane, for sharing yet another gem. You hit the mark every time. I swear, your apotheosis is coming.
Now to your point, I will add that goals should be "awesome," since they ought to rock; also goals should be "simple," at least enough to "see them" in your mind; lastly, goals should be "secret," given that you don't want to "give away the gold," at least not early on, to put it in Julia Cameron terms.
That said, here are my SMARTASS goals, by process of elimination:
You say SPECIFIC, so right off the bat no need "To write my best short story ever, next."
You ask for MEASURABLE, so that eliminates "To write a new novel this year" since God knows when one is done, anyway.
You mention ACHIEVABLE, so right there I cross off "To publish 21 short stories in 2021" which I did originally write in my submission hit list, although I cannot control what other people do with my stories.
You recommend RELEVANT, and thus "To post the best YT comment ever, now" would have been perfect, but it doesn't aim at my long-term goal is "To make 2021 a zero-loss year for writing." (On my last two tax returns, ever since I started self-publishing, my writing business income has been negative.) This year I want to tip the scale the other way.
But you call us to be TIME-BOUND, meaning "In the next two weeks." After a whole lunchtime of thinking about it, I am determined "To revise two of my recently written short stories, to deep personal satisfaction, and then electronically submit them to two venues I believe will enjoy reading them just as much." This is in align with my larger goal of having an "income green year."
Will it be AWESOME? Heck yes.
Is it SIMPLE enough? I can feel it in my bones.
Is it a SECRET? Positively not. But I figured to drop my own rule, if it meant adding one bright thread to this wonderful tapestry being woven underneath this video.
Cheers. "And whatever you do, keep writing."
Hahaha! This comment made my day. Lovely goals and a lovely expansion of the goal framework. ;)
I love that you keep your advice nuanced and subjective and offer that people can make goals that suit them. Like, when I kept hearing I can't be a writer unless I write everyday, it eventually burned me out. Instead, I gave myself a word count goal for each week because I work full time and have other various things to do (as well as needing rest). Realizing that I can make up my own goals and that I don't have to set myself to unrealistic standards was the best thing to happen to me as a writer. I stumbled upon your channel and I am enjoying what you have to say so far (: I love dipping my toes all over the writer community on here and hearing multiple perspectives and tips. It's like walking through a grocery aisle and checking out the labels of every item and mixing and matching various foods to consume and build my own writing techniques from it!
My writing goal is to learn how to write for myself, and not think of what other people will think of my work. That's been my problem for the past few years now and I feel like that's mainly what has been halting my creative process.
Setting goals is so important especially little steps along the way to help you land that agent or book deal etc xxx
Hello! I have watched your channel for a while and wanted to say thanks for the black representation in this video! My sister and I were so happy, literally like "Pottery! Whoa theres another one!AH!" the whole time. we appreciate it
My goal is to narrow down the juggling of ideas, and intros for different projects. Or find a better way to juggle.
Thanks for another great video.
So excited to watch 🥰 the Google doc will be so useful!
I can't even describe how much your videos have helped me fall in love more and more with my own dream of becoming a writer ,and even other dreams . Thank you for the efforts you put in these .
As far as writing goal goes. I'm trying to finish up my first readthrough. Hopefully I'll be done by the next few days. Then I can start with the revision.
This channel is gold. You earned a subscriber!
Best writing advice on UA-cam. SMART goals really sounds like something I should try. I want to move from writing short stories to finishing my fn novel lol
U know what u r an angel....ur voice is so peaceful..it calms me down..... U are an inspiration girl..! Lots of love....
Where are these kind, helpful and constructive communities for writers?
I was about to ask the same thing.
You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Discord, Reddit, Instagram, and beyond! I recommend googling specific writing-related hashtags or group names for whichever platform you're using. For example, you could follow people on Twitter who use the #WritingCommunity hashtag and ask what groups they'd recommend. I discovered my writing groups by exchanging critiques with other writers via Reddit, and they'd invite me to join their group on Discord. Reedsy has a good list of other writing-oriented websites for finding critique partners and groups: blog.reedsy.com/writing-community/. Many times, there are writing groups at local libraries, or you could start your own group.
Great video as usual! I often download your videos on my mobile YT app, and listen to them over and over again whenever I get a chance because your videos are really helpful. This one was extra relatable as I'm a big fan of Ted Chiang and soulful scifi :)
My 2021 goals are to have three flash fiction pieces published in Flash Fiction Online, Daily Science Fiction, and The Arcanist. Before moving onto my big goal of having a short story published in Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine, one story per publication. I've come close to all four markets in the past.
Those are stellar publications! Can't wait to read your work in them. :)
This channel is PURE GOLD!
My mission as writer and aspiring author; to always read for nuggets of inspiration, and in my own way re-incorporate some of those nuggets into my own writing, whether they be new mechanics, ideas, or word choicing. Connect with other people as I go, who share the same passion for writing, and then growing into a successful writer with no expectation of becoming published or prolific, so this means keeping a shut ton of perspective but using humility to develop, improve, and refine my creative process towards writing organized stories until i enjoy the entire process, not taking pride in the forged result, but being the first fan of my process. which is what i want to accomplish as a writer
Pls keep uploading more videos
I've just watched a video on the SMART method today so this is a pleasant surprise 🙂.
I've always struggled with planning long-term and procrastination. I'm in a dire need of a good planning method right now and still I'm afraid to put the new knowledge to use for fear of doing it wrong. I finally managed to jot down my first schedule for one week. I think I packed too much in there so I might have to scratch that plan. I'm hoping I won't lose my good will because of that.
I guess before I learn my own limits I'll have to try different variations here and there.
My writing goal: be consistent with my journal.
A few months ago I managed to write every day for about a month but then stopped suddenly. I got an advice once that it's enough to just write down 3 most important things that happened during the day. It doesn't have to be incredibly long. It's important to do it every day.
Planning and habits just come together full circle.
Thank you. This really makes me think. In the next two weeks I will tweak my manuscript and submit it to 5 publishers.
You're a blessing. May you find love and peace.
Sees profile pic: "Way to go, Leon." Reads name: "Word?"
@@ivanbrave_ I love Benjamin Franklin *almost* as much as I love milk
Beauitful and packed with information, as usual!
Thank you so much for this video!!
I will write a short story in the next week, thank you for the encouragement
Point blank. Thank You!
Thank u diane I followed you tips my wish is to be a writer and I just finished a story thanks to ur tips please post more videos!!!!!!😀😀😀😀😀😃🙃🙃🙃
Thank you so much. Your videos are so helpful 💕
Thank you for this!!
Great Video. I learn a lot from your tips.
I’ve written a short story called “The Kung Fu Truth” starting Chuck Norris. It’s a light comedy and absolutely crazy
I hope to refine it and submit it this year.
Along with finishing 3 more short stories and outlining my novel
Yesterday I started my 2nd story novel
hope to complete it by the end of this year
I didn't want to post a comment, but one of the options were 'keep writing'; so I posted it anyway.
Goddammit. You made me really hungry now with that last shot lol
Awesome video, so helpful. 😀❤💖
I've been taking stock of my values lately as I try to find what I want to say. Good first step for me. Adding this one to my favorites, so thanks Diane!
Finnaly!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your support! Keep writing. :)
I'm going to write the script to a UA-cam video I'm working on, and record it and get to work editing it.
I missed you so much :'D
✍️ Screenwriting.
Wait when you write a book, do you write in the same document or do you make a new document for every chapter?
I know some writers who use one document and some who create a new document for every chapter (and others use the chapter feature on Scrivener). I find it easiest to keep the chapters in the same document for editing purposes, but it's just a personal preference. :)
@@QuotidianWriter Ohhhk. Thank you! 💜💜💜💜
Diane I have a question about writing. I have two characters who meet and fall in love. Because of an incident the girl believes the guy is dead. Five years pass and we will follow their paths, however, the girl does not know the guy is alive, but the reader does. How do I have the guy explain to the girl his journey back to her without boring the reader as he and she catch up with what happened? Thanks if you do answer.
After their initial dialogue exchange with her reacting to his reappearance, you could have them sit down and then summarize the conversation in a paragraph. That might include snippets of her reactions: "When he explained how XYZ, she gasped but did not interrupt." At the end of _The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe_, the author summarizes what the children tell the professor about Narnia, then moves back into real-time dialogue:
And that would have been the very end of the story if it hadn't been that they felt they really must explain to the Professor why four of the coats out of his wardrobe were missing. And the Professor, who was a very remarkable man, didn't tell them not to be silly or not to tell lies, but believed the whole story. "No," he said, "I don't think it will be any good trying to go back through the wardrobe door to get the coats."
It's like running an ironman race.
noice
I just want to finish something. Anything.
my goal is to write 550 words on physical paper every day for two weeks
I will be finishing up two chapters till the end of the month.
#1 Be financially free.
It’s ironic that I am watching this procrastinating on writing
What if all you have is writing?...what if you have nothing to lose.
Then you give it everything you've got.
Can't deal with the picture and video clip overload...Sorry, I've got ADHD. All the constantly changing stock footage clips are just too much sensory overload. It's way too distracting to watch unless I listen to the audio only. Nice editing, but a lot of these clips and pics could be omitted and it would make a much less distracting video. Some of the visuals just really take away from what you're saying. No offense!
Your writting tips are extremely useful. Due you I prepared well for my exams. Thanx
Hi there, viewers! You can now read a text version of this video on Medium: quotidianwriter.medium.com/how-to-be-a-writer-setting-long-term-goals-ed83889d6be5
On my Ko-fi page, you can read my behind-the-scenes notes for this video: ko-fi.com/post/Behind-the-Scenes--How-to-Be-a-Writer-Setting-Lo-G2G13PF2U
me: i think my 3 values are... helping others, personal development and maybe enjoyment
her:*says the exact same thing*
me:O
great minds
@@ivanbrave_ aw hell yeah
That outro.....gets me every. Single. Time. It is also (intentionally or not) very apt for this video. Last couple of days I've been feeling burnt out on a book I've been writing since last May (working on the 2and draft now) and there are times I wonder if it's all worth it in the end, whether I would have spent a year or more on this story (that I love and will always love) and no one thinks it's good enough. But if you have a major goal in mind, you'll never give up. My major goal is to be able to walk into a bookstore and see my name on the shelf (not the bargain bin). That's why i know that even if this one gets rejected 100 times, I'll move on to the next one and the next until it happens. That is why, no matter what, you've got to keep writing. Thank you so much Diane!
Revision burnout is definitely a common experience! No matter what happens, you've WRITTEN A NOVEL, which is no small feat. As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” And yes, whatever you do, keep writing. :)
Dude, at this point, I would settle for the bargain bin, at least during the summer months ;) there're some masterpieces in there! -- guy who's been trying to publish a short story in a lit mag for seven years
For me, I am compelled to write. If I don't write during the day, then my day is empty. Sometimes I welcome the idea of WRITERS BLOCK, for then I could take a break but no such luck. The ideas and words keep flowing.
I really enjoyed this! I feel like it's important to be able to identify as a writer while knowing it may not turn into a career in the traditional sense of the term. Maybe it's almost like seeing writing as a lifestyle choice
Thanks so much for your inspirational videos!
FIRST!
Just started my first novel, a sci-fi horror set off-world in a tyrannical corporatist future. Blends various points from some of my favourite Sci-Fi novels/films, with an original storyline, as well as (hopefully) leading to philosophical introspection on whether certain aspects of modern day societal and technological 'progress' will really benefit us at all.
I fell into the trap of overestimating the speed I could write, and have only managed half of what I set out to do in this time frame. Was recently laid off and assumed I would have all the time in the world to write, but juggling a house, 3 kids, job hunting and some 'us' time for me and my fiance (she's now working additional hours to support us while I find a new job) has been a much larger task than I could have ever imagined.
Thanks for your discussions, they really do help put certain things into perspective.
I plan to write for at least six hours over the next two weeks. Thanks for such an informative and helpful video.
Mile stone goal idea : write a ROUGH FIRST DRAFT (NOT the version you are going to publish) within two years…
My own goal : writing one page of my ROUGH DRAFT per day (I write by hand using a pencil and standard, usually wide ruled, composition books as my source of paper)
I want to be a 21st century successor to Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabel Allende in the genre of Latino Magical Realism. I want all of my stories to tackle issues of social justice. I want my stories to help usher in the Age of Aquarius and advance my personal philosophy of Theosophy. I want to write a fictionalised version of my family’s crazy story that’s full of trauma and drama to help me heal; a multi generational story like House of The Spirits.
Goal
1. I want to write at least one book (or series of book) that can be considered cultural icons like Harry Potter. Stories everyone and their mother would have heard of at least one. Story to which I can keep making sequels and become rich and famous, *should I choose to* .
2. I love thrillers and fantasies. I would like to write a short fantasy story contrary to the trend of making them last over 100,000 words.
Plse upload videos atleast a weak
this
My writing has drastically improved from your tips and have helped me to get rid of my writer's block. This video came at the right time! Thank you so much 💜💜💜💜
The next two weeks: type up the draft.
Very nice and structured template :) And very useful. I have a question if you don't mind : From where do you get/take the videos/images displayed in your video? thanks
I get all of my videos from Pexels and Pixabay, which are free for commercial use! Thanks for watching. :)
I love your videos. They have motivated me to turn my dream into a goal.
Please I am totally new to this writing stuff but this dream of finishing a publishable novel is now my aspiration and goal.
I don't really get the joining a community stuff. I'm not the most social or interesting person.
Do you have any suggestions for a community I can join
I'm so glad to hear that my videos have motivated you! Joining a community isn't the best path for everyone, although you can find or form your own groups on places like Scribophile, Critique, Circle, and the NaNoWriMo forums. What works better for some writers, though, is forming one-on-one relationships with individual critique partners, rather than being part of a larger group. That way, you can pick and choose who you vibe with the most. You can find those critique partners on the sites I mentioned above, but also through Twitter, Facebook groups, or Reddit (specifically r/writing). Keep writing! :)
@@QuotidianWriter Thank you Diane ❤️
Thank you. I badly needed this.
Listened to this three times. Good words to any artist. Just replace the word ‘write’ with whatever art medium you’re working in. DO THE WORK.
I push myself 2 write something,.
new every day,. I don't believe in writers block,. 😄😄😄😙😜😝😀😀😊☺😍😍😍😍😳😳😳😳🎅🎅🎅📹📹😂👅👅👀💦👄✌✌
Hi, I'm a recently retired teacher and now am perusing what I've always wanted to do but never the time. The last year, I've begun my journey with watercolor and was very impressed with the on-line tutorial help I've found. I am an avid reader in my field and mystery fiction, and have started a couple of books in both fields. I decided to search for the same help on line that I found for the watercolor and luckily found you. Thank you so much for your tutorials. My short term goals are very basic. #1 to watch 3-4 tutorial videos a week on skills and motivation for writing. #2 to read/reread 4 books and utilize 2-3 of the methods of looking deeper into what you read by documenting and creating something from each as you mentioned in your tutorial "How to read like a writer". Finally #3 is to pick 2 writer skills that I document from my reading that I need to work on, then research and practice paragraphs improving my skills in that area. I'm giving myself 2 months for this. You are so appreciated! Barbara
💞💞💞💞💞💞
Thanks for another great and thoughtful episode. In the past I had a goal of 5 pages a day. It was difficult and I didn't always make it, but I did some of the time. But I think it was a bit demotivational in a way - when I didn't hit the goal. I'm going to make a goal of at least two pages a day now (starting a new job soon, so that will curb my time for writing somewhat, but still.) I'm making a tick-sheet, and if I get 5 ticks in a 7 day week, then I'll allow myself a small treat. (And hopefully some days I'll get into a rhythm and actually do 5 pages...) The tricky thing with this book is that it's sci-fi, and set in a setting that's never been done before (to my knowledge.) Considering how humans/society could actually work in such a setting is very important, as I want the world to seem very real and consistent - it's been frustrating, because I just want to write, and I have a reasonable outline of the book already, but I don't want to rush into it and realise some details massively impact the story, and then have to go back and re-write the whole thing (or many chapters.) In a way, though, that might be preferable, as it would at least keep the creative juices going.
I'm going to try to break my dreams into smaller, more manageable goals. Your videos are certainly helpful. Thanks!!!
Such a well crafted, thoughful presentation, with visual analogies that allows me to better absorb your thoughts. Thanks.
I've set a goal of 500 words a day, 5 days a week. Two off 🙂. Thank you Diane 🙂
My writing goal is simple: I'll finish outlining my characters and plot in time for NaNoWriMo.
Such a great video!
I love the visuals chosen to illustrate each point.
Your voice is mesmerizing. I don't hear a word but only your voice. I will have to find another writing video to watch. Kidding. Appreciate all your videos.
All part of my plan to hypnotize people into writing.
Love your voiceeeeeee
What the source of all that cinematic footage?
I use Pexels!