WRITER PITFALLS BY RITA KARNOPP

There are pitfalls in every career or job choice . . . so what are some pitfalls for the writer?

·         Do you have a vision of where you want your writing career to go?  You should have an idea of where you’re headed . . . otherwise it’s like taking a trip without looking at a map first.  You’ll never get there if you don’t know where you’re going.

·         That brings us to goals . . . which should be short term and long term.  With short term - schedule daily, weekly, and monthly goals. 

o   Don’t limit them to just writing – personal and spiritual goals are also important.

·         Risk is the catalyst that makes you more productive.  This might sound strange and when I heard this in a conference – I thought really?  But it makes sense.  Risk makes you try harder and it also pushes you to grow. 

·        Are you organized?  Don’t waste time trying to find research notes, to whom and what you’ve already submitted, or even great story ideas.  You’re making it harder than it has to be.  Get yourself notebooks (one for story ideas, one for each book, one for research, etc.) and keep everything in one place, you’ll thank yourself for it!

·        Wasting time can keep you from accomplishing what you want out of life.  Take control of time by logging a two-week diary and take a look at where it's going.  You need to maximize time and make it work for you.

    Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect.  Some writers naturally have to perfect a chapter before moving on – if that’s you – okay.  But if it’s not, you could be a perfectionist at work -and you’re hurting your chances of ever finishing that first book.  Why?  There’s no such thing as perfect.  Every writer learns from each book – and grows – each book getting better along the way.  Try going from start to finish, then do your edits.

·         Have you ever forced your writing?  I tried it a couple of times – it just doesn’t work.  The writing wasn’t any good.  You have to understand your own creative rhythm and trust it’s part of being a good writer.

    Don’t totally isolate yourself.  You truly need interaction with fellow writers and friends.  Without support – it’s easy to get discouraged and just quit.  Don’t let that happen to you.

·        And finally, stay positive even if your writing is screeching to a halt.  Focus on the positive and soon your fingers will by flying across the keyboard.