Today is December's contribution to Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers Support Group.
What makes me an Insecure Writer this month?
December.
Two Decembers ago, I told myself I’d have my story finished by the end of 2014. Last December I made a similar promise for 2015. Guess what I’m promising myself this December? Arg! My writing pace has certainly increased over the past twelve months, but thank goodness I have a day job.
The IWSG question for December is: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?
Based on the previous paragraph, the obvious answer would have to be: The same damn place I’m in right now—trying to finish the *%@* story. Seriously though, if I haven’t finished my story in the next five years, it’ll be because I’ve given up.
Not that I’m ever going to let that happen.
The real answer: In five years, I’d like to have a couple of books out, along with an established author platform that will direct people to those books. It’s not a fancy plan, but it’ll do. I also hope to have been accepted into Hogwarts as their Potionsmaster by then too. I still haven’t decided whether the odds of that happening are greater or less than my chances of me finishing my story.
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| Photo Courtesy of Rob Young |
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In more positive news, Tara Tyler's new book, Cradle Rock, has been released and she's having a party to celebrate. So read on and check it out. And don't forget the raffle at the end of the post.
ChemistKen
WELCOME BACK TO THE FOREST!
Gabe the goblin just saved his town Broken Branch Falls from splitting apart. He also revealed that humans--horrible creatures of myth and legend--may actually be part of their history! But seriously? Nah!
Now Ona, Gabe’s girlfriend, is headed thousands of miles away to Camp Cradle Rock for Spring Break seeking evidence of humans. Gabe knows better than to tell a stubborn ogress she’s crazy, so he’s letting her go and spending the break at the beach like a normal teenage beast. And he’s determined to have a good time without her, whether he likes it or not.
But when Gabe hears Ona went missing, he and his friends set out for the wilds of the west to find her, no matter what dangerous creatures get in his way. Not even humans.
Check out the Book Trailer!
Here is the list of wonderful CRADLE ROCK RELEASE PARTY POST HOSTS:
| 12/5 | Patricia Lynne | Nerds Rule | |
| 12/5 | Heather R. Holden | Vampires | |
| 12/7 | Juneta Key | author spotlight interview | |
| 12/9 | Julie Flanders | Teenagers Now vs 80s | |
| 12/9 | Elizabeth Seckman | Beast-themed Recipe | |
| 12/12 | Lori L. MacLaughlin | Merfolk | |
| 12/14 | Sharon Bayliss | Ogres | |
| 12/14 | Tyrean Martinson | 5 Reasons to use Chapter Titles | |
| 12/16 | Michael Di Gesu | Craziest Spring Break Trip | |
| 12/17 | Cathrina Constantine | Teen Dating | |
| 12/19 | Christine Rains | Hiking Faux Pas | |
| 12/19 | Alex J. Cavanaugh | Beast vs Monster - terminology | |
| 12/21 | Ann Noser | CR Quotes | |
| 12/21 | Heather M. Gardner | Discrimination - joking vs hurting | |
| 1/4 | Ken Rahmoeller | Dragons | |
| 1/4 | L. Diane Wolfe | Marketing Tips - Live & Online | |
| 1/9 | C Lee McKenzie | Grownup Stereotypes | |
| 1/11 | M. J. Fifield | Crazy Road Trip | |
| 1/25 | Crystal Collier | Poetry & Songs in Stories - Writerly Wed |
Tara is also giving away signed copies of Broken Branch Falls and Cradle Rock, some Beast World swag, and a $20 GC! So be sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I think that's a realistic five year goal (the book part anyway--lol!). I tend to make those same promises about getting things done every year, and every year, well, not much happens, either. Hopefully we can both finish our stories soon!
ReplyDeleteYou'll get there, Ken!! I've got faith in you. Most importantly is that you enjoy the journey, no matter how long it is :) Have a fantastic December!!!! Congratulations Tara!! Super cover.
ReplyDeleteBe careful what you wish for. You might wind up working at Universal Studios in their Harry Potter section.
ReplyDeleteJust keep aiming for your goal. It doesn't matter if you have to reset it a few times.
No, don't give up. You'll get there. The fact that your writing pace has improved is a great thing. Keep going. :)
ReplyDeleteBig congratulations to Tara!
ReplyDeleteYou can't give up. We won't let you.
Being a potionmaster trumps writing in my book. hehehe
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I do often worry that I'm never going to get anywhere with my writing, too. And I've got seven books out. So even once you're done... You're never done.
ReplyDeleteHey! Your answer sounds a lot like mine! ^_^ Well, except I don't think I have a chance of getting on at Hogwarts. You'll get that book done. And then, I'll read it. :)
ReplyDeleteGrats Tara!
Your 5-year plan is very doable. Keep writing and you'll finish a book.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're not hoping to be Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. They don't last long. :)
You're pushing forward and that's what's important. You can do it! As for getting accepted as the Potions Master, if you get the job, can you recommend me for Transfigurations? :) Yay for Tara!
ReplyDeleteI like your 5 year plan. Mine is somewhat insane, so I appreciate your well-thought out answer. I am looking forward to reading your books. Remember, J.R.R. Tolkien spent 10 years on LOTR. It is beloved.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for 2017 and Merry Christmas!
Don't give up or you really won't get there!
ReplyDeleteYay for Tara!!
ReplyDeleteI like your plan - it's pretty close to mine. Head down, keep working, keep learning, take a chance! We'll get there ... eventually :)
All that us slow writers can do is keep plugging away! It's the only road to success, even if it takes a long time. Slow and steady wins the race! Good luck with increasing your pace even a bit more and congrats on this year being so productive for you. ;)
ReplyDeleteNot to rain on your five-year goal, but I'm on 20 years and counting for the book I plan to get out in 2018. This time, I'm going to do it!
ReplyDeleteLOL, well I hope the book happens before Hogwarts, but if you do get the job how about putting in a good for me. I want to teach tarot reading and scrying. Congrats Tara.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
Definitely don't give up, Ken I'm sure you'll finish your novel next year. If there's one thing I've learnt over the last few years it's that writing/editing and publishing is a long road but hopefully a satisfying and rewarding one too.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Tara on her new release.
ReplyDeleteKen, you made me laugh about being the Potions Professor. Good luck with that. You will finish that book. You have to. Slow and steady wins the race.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family.
That story must be haunting you by now! How many words do you think you have left? Perhaps it's too daunting a project looked at as a whole. Breaking it up into daily word counts might work.
ReplyDeleteA guy in my writing group really struggles with finding time to write, so I make him write a new sentence a day for me. He always ends up writing more. So an accountability buddy can help as well.
Good luck, Ken! All the best in the New Year.
As Potionsmaster, will you have minions to collect all those nasty ingredients for the potions, or will you have to do it all yourself?
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on your five year goal
As much fun as it would be to be the potions professor at Hogwarts, it might be easier to write a book. Heh. Best of luck, Ken!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Tara!