‘Setting goals is the first step to making the invisible into the visible’ Tony Robbins (author & motivational speaker)
We’re getting our teeth into this new year now and, in spite of having been on a two week holiday, I think I’ve written more in the last five weeks than (certainly) the five weeks at the end of 2025.
This is excellent news for me as I had resolved to raise my writing game this year and increase my output. So far, so good.
A quick inventory shows that I’ve written 10 articles for online magazines (9 published so far), 2 blog pieces here (this is my third), 3 for a writers’ blog (1 published so far) and 2 for Writers’ Narrative magazine which has just shifted to nifty new format over on Substack, but neither of which has been published yet. I was kindly invited to become a core contributor over there and my pieces will appear on the 17th of each month. Should you happen to drop by, we’ll all be delighted to have you on board. If you subscribe, you’ll be tipped off which is rather clever, unless your inbox is already bulging at the seams (hurrah, for the delete button).
I’ve completed a series of devotional Bible notes which aren’t due until April, and have pitched for another. Yesterday saw me chatting animatedly with a publisher who liked my non-fiction manuscript but would like to see it developed in terms of presentation rather than content. While I’m not sure when or how I’ll have time to do that, I’m certainly not opposed to the idea.
I’m hankering to write some more children’ stories which I’m finding bafflingly difficult and hoping that my royalties, for which I finally have the paperwork, might actually get paid.
That aside, I’ve enjoyed the fast turn around of article writing which is so different from labouring over a manuscript which can take – literally – years from the idea, thought and planning to holding a hardcopy, bound and published in your hand. I find I’m reading the news in a completely different way as I consider how/if I can squeeze something creative from it that will interest readers. Since the news cycle turns fairly fast, there’s usually something going on that can be extrapolated to find a kernel of relevance to Joe/ Jo Public.
Knowing myself, I’m now aware that having wanted to up the ante a bit this year, I need to sustain this level of output. I figured that if I could do it while on holiday, the rest of the time must be a breeze. I’m not sure that’s the case, but I’m prepared to give it a try and I’m grateful that my trusty laptop is still going. I can’t imagine I’d have done so well in the world of type writers, carbon paper and stamped, addressed envelopes (SAEs).
I don’t think I’ll be ordering a yacht any time soon on the proceeds. Our grandparents would have called it pin money; my aunt calls it running away money, and I’m happy to pretend it will one day buy me a new house or at least fund a small deposit. Realistically, this may take some time and it’s more probable that the income, which fails to meet any tax threshold so far (HMRC can unclench their collective jaw), will cover my funeral costs come the day. Very few writers make a living out of it, that’s for sure, and history has far too many examples of those who died penniless. Nevertheless, we’re all pressing on into another month. Let’s remember to celebrate each step of progress and avoid the drivenness that can creep up stealthily, insidiously stealing our joy.
Thanks for joining me.
[All images courtesy of Pixabay]
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