The Insecure Writers Support Group is a marvelous resource for writers of all stripes. Our blog hop on the first Wednesday of each month brings together scads of fascinating authors. Joins us! https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
The awesome co-hosts for the December 4 posting of the IWSG are Tonja Drecker, Beverly Stowe McClure, Nicki Elson, Tyrean Martinson!
December 4 question – Let’s play a game. Imagine. Role-play. How would you describe your future writer self, your life and what it looks and feels like if you were living the dream? Or if you are already there, what does it look and feel like? Tell the rest of us. What would you change or improve?
Recently, I discovered the excellent podcast Six Figure Authors with Lindsay Buroker, Jo Lallo, and Andrea Pearson. Their first episode hammers home this message: none of them made a significant income from their writing until they had about ten books up. I have two, with another two in the works. My author dream is to make a decent supplemental income from my books. Good thing I love writing!
The Dream: Seven a.m., more or less. I roll out of bed, pull on something colorful from my extensive wardrobe of lounge wear, and pad barefoot to the kitchen for a cup of brain juice. After some quick stretches, I settle at my desk in a large, sunny office overlooking the sea. For the next three to four hours, I disappear into my WIP, with periodic exercise breaks. Instrumental music plays softly in the background—I have playlists for love scenes, happy scenes, angsty scenes, violent scenes, etc.
Current Reality: This is already my basic rhythm on my best days, but those best days are too few and far between. My lounge wear wardrobe is pretty scruffy, and my office looks onto the neighbors’ kitchen window. Exercise breaks are inconsistent. My playlists consist of whatever relaxation/study music I find on YouTube—may blessings rain down upon the creators of those posts.
The Dream: By lunchtime, I’ve completed my daily three thousand words and am ready for a break. I whip together something tasty to share with Hubs, who has spent the morning doing something fun that does not involve talking to me. Or perhaps we treat ourselves to a restaurant lunch. Afterward, I dive back in for a few hours of editing, promo chores, and social media. Late afternoon is devoted to exercise, errands, and cooking. Evenings are for fun.
Current Reality: Still working on raising my daily word count. My squirrel brain is prone to distraction. When Hubs teaches mornings, I have a decent chunk of time to myself. But when he’s home, I feel guilty for ignoring him. My time management is improving, but there are still days when email, social media, and promo chores take up more time than writing does. Other days, appointments and errands intrude.
The Dream: I’d love to attend one big writing event per quarter: a conference, a convention, or a retreat. Face-to-face time with other writers is energizing and inspiring. Local events on a smaller scale are also fun: panel discussions at bookshops, schools, libraries, book clubs, etc.
Current Reality: I’m a retired teacher, ya’ll. My budget allows for one big conference per year. The smaller live events are picking up, though.
How long until I can live the dream? No idea. But I’m confident it’s within reach, except perhaps for the dream office with its ocean view. Maybe I’ll buy one of those photo murals to tide me over. Meanwhile, onward!
How close are you to living your writing dream? Do you have a concrete plan to get there, or are you just taking it day by day?
Whichever holidays you celebrate in December, may they bring you peace, joy, and goodies galore.
P.S. I’m participating in this multi-author giveaway through 14 December. Take a break from holiday shopping and get yourself a sweet, spicy treat! https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/97951b16-fcb4-11e9-8efd-83cbac97dbaf?bundleLinkId=nL5v7s2
I love your dream–and I’m working to make it my reality, too!
I enjoyed reasoning about your dream. Good luck. I hope your dreams come true.
Fingers crossed all your dreams come true <3 Thanks for sharing!
Hi,
I hope you arrive at your dream with your writing office facing the sea that you can look out at the water. You will be able to sink into your own world and write out of pure contentment of where you are.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Hah! My former, wonderful secretary wanted an office with a view of the ocean (we live in Illinois). I bought her an actual window frame with an ocean view poster in the panes for her cubicle.
So right about taking time (and books) to build readership. Even the top authors put in their time.
Brilliant! I’m gonna shop for a window frame, maybe hang it in front of my office window.
Sounds like you’re inching your way to your goals. No sin in being comfortable while going for it.
Anna from elements of emaginette
That is a very respectable and attainable dream. I like it!
Comparing your dream with reality was a cute approach to this month’s question. Hey! You’re not that far off, ya know… it could happen! (And here’s hoping it does!) Whatever part of my nebulous dream that comes true, I will NEVER churn out a few thousand words every morning. Ain’t happening…
I hope that your dreams come true, Sadira! You’ll get there!!! That dream view reminded me of the Canadian Rockies which are so beautiful. I love my loungewear wardrobe, even if it’s scrubby, because I now have the freedom to wear it. All the best to you!
Ten books, huh? Since anthologies don’t probably count, I guess I better get busy as well.
Hi Rhonda, I like your ‘Dream/Reality’ format. You are so close to your dream. Your are out there at the conferences and still putting in the word count at home. Pretty soon you’ll have to replace that post of beach front with real beach front, lol.
Well hey, at least you got that pesky job out of the way You’ll find your rhythm and be at 10 books before you know it.