This blog is about me as a writer, so I thought I’d explain a new year’s assessment that is standard for me. Next post I’ll share my goals for 2024.
First, Where am I as an author of fiction?
This photo shows my completed short stories, plays and novels. It is a visual record, for me, of my success at finishing works: a quick count indicates 35 tales. Some of these will remain on this ‘Finished’ shelf forever (my earliest two books) but most—I hope!—will move on. When I finish writing the first draft of a story, I print out the manuscript, put it in a three-ring binder, and write the title on the spine. When I feel like I’m not actually a storyteller, I glance at this collection, which is in the dining room where anyone can see it, and am reminded that in truth, I AM a writer!
This second photo is a picture of my publication record. It includes two full-length children’s novels, a play for kids to perform, and many literary journals that accepted my short stories.
When a tale is published, I remove the notebook from the ’Finished’ group and add the final publication to my ‘Published’ shelf. Once a story comes out in print, I remove the manuscript from the notebook to reuse for printing, and I recycle the paper and that binder to another work.
The number of items in my ‘Published’ collection: 18.
Also, note beside the ‘Published’ works, gear from my one high school athletic competition, fencing: jacket, face mask, glove, and foil. Because of this training in my youth, I’m able to write with confidence about sword fights, and have advised fellow tale spinners about proper technique. I recommend authors consider taking lessons in fencing if they want to have accurate and exciting duels in their stories. 😉
I suggest giving yourself an award system such as my shelves to prove how prolific and accomplished you are. When I feel discouraged, just looking at this Wall of Pride, makes me smile. “I wrote all that?” I think, and the answer is a resounding, “Yes! I did!”
Total completed pieces of fiction: 53. Wow! Not bad for seven decades of life!
Is there a quirky hobby, sport, or activity you’ve participated in that you could draw on in your writing? Or in your artistic endeavors? How do you reward yourself for a job well done?
