Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Obstacles in Your Writing Path by Diana Flegal



Nobody trips over mountains.  It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble.  Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.  ~Author Unknown

What are some pebbles that have tripped you up as a writer?

For many beginning fiction authors, it is word count.

Certain publishers like to publish books of certain word counts. If they write an inspirational romance book of 80,000 words in the hopes of selling it to Love Inspired Harlequin, it needs to lose a hefty portion before it can fit their guidelines. Love Inspired Historical stories allow you a larger manuscript. It is important to review a publishers guidelines before completing  your story.

For non-fiction authors- a pebble might be acquiring more speaking engagements to enhance their platform.  Or choosing between an author page on FB or a regular social page. Platform is a HUGE obstacle for many  authors since even publishers of fiction are asking for larger author platforms.

Rejection causes many authors to prematurely throw in the towel and vow never again to waste their time with writing. Yet rejection is part of the writing journey and often can be used to move authors toward their goals more effectively. Remaining teachable is vitally important. 


Maybe the "pebble" currently blocking your path is the question of how to use #hastags effectively? Hartline Marketing expert Jennifer Hudson Taylor offered some great advice here.     

Some authors struggle with time management and meeting their deadlines. 

What are some of the obstacles that have stood in your way and how have you climbed those mountains?Have any specific resources been a help to you?

Please share.What you have successfully hurdled might be very helpful to other writers.





 



 

3 comments:

Caroline said...

Too much to do. How do I overcome this? Make lists. It's so rewarding to check off items, and no, I don't always get them all checked. Still, the warm feeling that comes seeing those check marks is worth it!

Nan Jones said...

Yes, organizational lists help a great deal. But, I've learned that I must remember to breathe. I must remember to commit my day to the Lord, walk in obedience, and trust the task at hand to His timing. That's a very hard lesson for this overachiever to learn ;-)

Karla Akins said...

I think my pebble right now is feeling inadequate after attending two writing conferences and listening to old conference CDs. I think I overdid it and now I'm frozen!