What is writing success? Is it getting a short story published in a local magazine or newspaper? Perhaps it is something more ambitious: finishing a novel or signing a contract with a publisher.
Regardless, each writer must decide what success is for them.
Major and Minor Writing Goals
Begin by designing the goal and writing it down but keep it to about half a dozen words. It may take some time and effort to get the wording to truly reflect the exact goal. In designing the goal it may help to develop, for example, 1 or 2 major goals and 3 or 4 less significant ones. It may also help to create a visual image of the goal, for example, design the cover of the novel, or mock up a newspaper article as if it has appeared in a local paper. It can be simple or elaborate so long as it creates a strong mental image that is easy to hang on to.
Realistic Writing Goals
Also remember to be realistic when setting the goals. If, for example, writing 1000 words a day is not being realistic then change the goal to 4000 words for the week. If rising early every morning to write before work is not possible, try three mornings a week. Aiming to win a national writing competition may not be realistic but aiming to win a state competition is.
Writers Groups
Being a member of a writers' group can be enormously helpful and is well worth considering. If each member of the group is agreeable, pitch in together and buy a robust notebook. Have each writer detail in the notebook their definition of success, the goals they intend taking to achieve it and the timeframe in which they wish to accomplish this. And don't forget to date the entry.
If the major goals seem too daunting break them down into more managable chunks.
Each member's progress can be monitored by all the others. With a writers group meeting looming, knowing it is their turn to present their work could be just the motivation a writer needs to reach their goal.
Motivation to Write
Just as money can only be spent once, so time can only be spent once. Every writer must remember this when their writing is getting a bit tough and they are about to give up and wander off to do something else.
If the few hours after dinner are spent at the movies or a sports game, they do not come back again so that a writer can spend it writing. Once the time is spent they are gone.
Remember to stick at it, as difficult as it may be, and use the time wisely and reach your goal, then watch TV.
