This week, I helped clean out and organize the family garage and thought about my 2015 resolutions. I have two lists – one for chores and the second is “My 2015 Non-Commitments for My Writing Growth.”
The first three items were submitted to Deadwood Writers.
1) Enter the Writer’s Digest Short Story Contest. I did submit a short, short story to their 2014 contest, but didn’t win. I’m working on one for 2015.
2) Send two short humor pieces to Reader’s Digest. I’m waiting to hear from them.
3) Write 25,000 words of my novel, “January Market.” I’m struggling with this one. I’ve got to get back to it before I lose my story.
My other commitments include writing my monthly blog for Deadwood Writers Voices. Done.
I also planned to write one column for my family reunion book this year. I completed the entire reunion book telling some of my family’s history and included some facts about Michigan, the site of the reunion. That sparked interest and inspired a guessing game as part of our “Meet and Greet” activities.
My other commitments include completing several writing projects, organizing my writing, and reading more genre fiction books. With five months to go before the end of the year, I expect to check off a few more listed items.
How are your writing commitments or resolutions coming? Were you able to complete at least some of them? If not, what are your plans for the rest of the year?
One year ago, the Deadwood Writers’ Voices opened its first issue. There was no fanfare. But it was another momentous step that the group took in its journey along the writer’s path. A group of brave authors committed themselves to publishing a monthly piece along the theme of writing. Backed by a dedicated volunteer crew of editors who work with the authors, we stepped into the unknown.
It’s not been an easy journey. We’ve navigated potholes and fallen trees blocking the way. Each challenge was, and continues to be, a learning opportunity for us. While there is much more work to be done, there are accomplishments to be celebrated.
Writing and Publishing Regularly
Commitment to writing on a regular basis is a common challenge expressed at different writer’s groups meetings and conferences I’ve attended. Anyone who attends a writer’s group can attest to hearing from others, or thinking it themselves, “I want to write every day and produce something monthly, but _______________…” Each of the contributors to DWV have set aside the excuses and submit work for monthly deadlines. Oftentimes, the writing goes through several revisions from conversations with their editor.
Increased Skills
Writing for a public audience has opened opportunities for these busy writers, who have other career obligations, to spend more time honing their skills. The results continue to grow with each post.
Writing More Frequently
We’ve gone beyond talking the talk to walking the walk. Many of these authors are writing pieces in addition to this monthly commitment. This has led to goal setting for 2015 where many are publicly committing to writing and contributing to other sources—in addition to maintaining their work with DWV.
Next Steps
As we shift to year two of DWV, the dialog has changed from let’s write and publish regularly to a desire to explore our voices beyond the topic of writing. We’re finding that we’ve much to say and even more to explore. This ranges from exploring different genres to marketing and tapping the power of social media for connecting DWV.
Beginning now, the topics that authors contribute is wide open. All genres and purposes are open. The Deadwood Writers’ Group has always been a learning community, in addition to providing feedback and reflection on participants’ work. This year, we have increased the number of regular contributors, adding new voices to the family. We will also have some guest writers to add their voices for enriching the experience. If you are interested, review our submission guidelines. Only a limited number of guest writers will be included this year.
Post comments on the articles, the authors will respond. Challenge them by offering topics you’d like to see them write about. Thank you for reading the Deadwood Writers’ Voices.
