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#IWSG, behind the scenes of writing, Insecure Writer's Support Group, writer's life, writerly insecurities, writers journey
OPTIONAL IWSG Day Question: What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?
Once upon a time my ultimate writing goal was to be traditionally published through one of the great six (now great five – imagine the time and changes that have passed!) and be a household name with my books turned into movies (then series became more popular, so that).
Once upon a time I had no idea how the publishing industry really worked and believed the fairytales of overnight successes and world domination.
Once upon a time I believed in the fantasy of writing in isolation, presenting my brilliance to adoring fans just waiting for me to finish each book so they can drown me in awards, awe and cash.
Once upon a time writing was just for fun.
Once upon a time sending out queries and receiving rejections in six-week cycles, fixing what was proposed and hoping for the best was part of the norm.
Then came the obsession of building an author platform, because that is what has to be done if you want to get an agent and sell books. It turned into a vicious cycle of churning out content and gaining attention. Burn-out ensued. Wanting to quit the whole thing became the new six-week cycle of anxiety. I won competitions and awards, but it felt empty.
The dream still lingered, though, to get my writing in front of adoring fans.
Then the realisation came: I was talking about getting published, but not doing much about it (except what was clearly not working).
I focused on anthologies, wrote stories for their themes and got a few acceptations and got published.
I entered a short story collection into a publishing competition – self-publishing, something I hadn’t seriously considered – and won.
My knowledge about the publishing industry grew, as did my knowledge about being an indie publisher (so much nicer sounding than self-publisher).
I published my winning book in English. I did a book tour/book launch/book blog tour – whatever you want to call it – to get the word out. I got neat stats on various Amazon stores (though, I hear that could’ve been a lot better – my book is selling, which is great, so I’m not worrying about stats right now).
I have great reviews on Goodreads for my published works. I have fans who’ve told me in person how much my book moved them.
So now… my ultimate writing goal has shifted. Writing is fun again. Writing what I like to write instead of what I think I should write makes me more productive. I’ve taken control of my destiny. I’ve chosen myself. And I’ve actually received royalties for my effort.
What about you? Have your goals changed?
Oh, I joined Instagram yesterday. Can’t figure out how to post pictures from my PC, though. Once I have data on my smartphone again, I’ll try that. In the meanwhile, here’s my Instagram profile link. Either follow me there or leave your link in the comments – I’d love to connect on this new (to me) platform.
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GriffithsKL said:
It’s great to hear things are going well!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Kelly 🙂 Great to hear from you again.
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M.L. Keller said:
I’ve also moved from trying to traditionally publish to indie author. It’s just a better fit for what I’m writing now. Congratulations on your success!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Michele 🙂 Sometimes doing what your book deserves can go against your initial goals — but it’s better than leaving that book to gather dust on an old hard drive.
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Jacqui Murray said:
There is so much truth in what you wrote here, Ronel. I am at that point too where I will write what I want. I’m inspired again! And having fun. Great centering post.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂
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Michelle Wallace (@mishy1727) said:
It sounds like you’ve figured out what works for you in this crazy, rollercoaster writing gig. Well done!
For me, the main goal is to keep on enjoying the writing life.
Writer In Transit
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Michelle 🙂 Yeah, enjoying the writing life should be high on the goal list.
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Juneta said:
You have had an amazing journey. I have enjoyed watching and learning from you. Happy IWSG!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Juneta 🙂
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yvettecarol said:
We’ve had a very similar journey Ronel! I started out the same way and had to find my way through the effort and striving and trying to get back to the joy again. It sounds like you’re doing really well. Good job on the book sales and reviews! 🙂
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Yvette 🙂
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Sandra Cox (@Sandra_Cox) said:
Loved your post. Writing is not for the faint of heart that’s for sure. I’m glad you’ve got great reviews, fans and royalties. Life is good:)
Happy 4th.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Sandra 🙂
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emaginette said:
Best part of writing is the joy. I’m glad you found it again. 🙂
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Anna 🙂
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CV Grehan said:
Great post, Ronel. Rings true for all of us who are on this path.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thank you 🙂 It’s amazing how much we learn as time goes by.
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raimeygallant said:
I love reading about your journey. I hope new authors read it, too, so they can get well-needed perspective on how much effort to put into this author platform thing. It can be so draining! Great post!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Raimey 🙂
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Louise@DragonspireUK said:
Great post: It puts things in perspective. I’ve been putting more effort into Author Platform than writing, and that needs to change if I’m ever going to finish anything!
As far as I could figure out, you can’t post to Instagram from a PC and have to use a mobile device. If you figure out a way to do it via desktop let me know though, it’s been driving me nuts and it’d be far easier that way 🙂
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Louise 🙂 Happy writing!
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trishafaye said:
The goals do shift as we travel along this path, don’t they? I’m glad writing is fun again for you.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Trisha 🙂
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Erika Beebe said:
I am so happy you are fulfilling your writing dreams 🙂
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Erika 🙂
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Kathy Waller said:
I think your final shift is the only one that works. A writer friend and I formed a critique group with a high-sounding name. Then I read a statement from an author of numerous books that you have to write “just for the hell of it,”–if you’ll pardon the expression–so we changed our name to the Just for the Hell of It Writers. Fortunately, an established group took us in, so we scrapped JFTHOI, but I still write that way. I tell people all I want to do is write a book that sells as well as To Kill a Mockingbird, but I really just want to start a story and finish it. I love the idea of the Insecure Writer’s Group. Membership could run into the millions.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Kathy 🙂 Finishing a story is the hardest part, isn’t it?
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rolandclarke said:
Congratulations, Ronel for taking control of your destiny – that is so important. Go for that fun.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Roland.
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Tamara Narayan said:
Congrats on the successful journey you’ve had so far!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thank you 🙂
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Patricia Lynne (@plynne_writes) said:
Writing goes so much better for me when I’m having fun, too.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
It’s freeing, isn’t it?
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Anne J. said:
Once upon a time… oi, I’m a bit lost these days, but as you said on email, it’s just winter. But because of this winter, schedules have to shift. I need to be inspired, so I hope to catch up with you soon. ❤🤗
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