The major challenges or difficulties authors face
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- Nwoko Solomon Ikechu
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The major challenges or difficulties authors face
- Angela Stripes
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I've never been more productive than when I've had a deadline. The only time I've ever finished a rough draft of a book was in 7th grade, when I made a New Year's Resolution to finish it. Sure I was cramming at the last second (finished the goal the day before the New year) but I got it done.
I also took a few creative writing classes, and finished a total of 5 short stories and 3 poems in 2 semesters. That felt insane, but I paid for the courses and had someone to read my work, and it provided the necessary motivation. I don't love what I wrote in that particular time period, but its something that gives me confidence in an accomplishment.
So.. just a thought. There are no doubt many more challenges out there, but I think that's a big one for me personally.
- Nwoko Solomon Ikechu
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- Angela Stripes
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- KS Crooks
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A second common concern is having someone read your work. As with any type of art form, it's something you pour your heart into with the hope of others enjoying what you've created. There's usually some fear that people will be harsh with their feedback or simply not enjoy the story. Choosing the correct people to share your early work with is key, as well being open to suggestions and seeing things from different perspectives.
- Nwoko Solomon Ikechu
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-- 19 Aug 2017, 19:41 --
You are most welcome Angela. Go ahead and try it, it helps and works a lot.
- Ashley Simon
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- Angela Stripes
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How do you find clients? Just curious, as a writer trying to make a go of it. I found taking a class increased my productivity as well!Ashley Simon wrote:I try to give myself deadlines. Whether that means taking a class, writing for a client, committing to a project with a writing partner.... Anything that keeps me from being the only one who is counting on my words. I used to shy away from this - worried that having a cold deadline would interfere with my creativity - but I've found just the opposite to be true. In fact, when I am working toward a deadline, I become a lot more productive on other small projects I do for fun. That's what works for me!
-- 21 Sep 2017, 21:40 --
Or, I suppose I should ask what kind of writing your clients are in need of.
- Ashley Simon
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Angela,Angela Stripes wrote:How do you find clients? Just curious, as a writer trying to make a go of it. I found taking a class increased my productivity as well!Ashley Simon wrote:I try to give myself deadlines. Whether that means taking a class, writing for a client, committing to a project with a writing partner.... Anything that keeps me from being the only one who is counting on my words. I used to shy away from this - worried that having a cold deadline would interfere with my creativity - but I've found just the opposite to be true. In fact, when I am working toward a deadline, I become a lot more productive on other small projects I do for fun. That's what works for me!
-- 21 Sep 2017, 21:40 --
Or, I suppose I should ask what kind of writing your clients are in need of.
I worked on staff at a nonprofit for about a year and gained some valuable experience as a grant writer. Since then, I quit my job to pursue freelance work, and my clients are primarily small nonprofits looking to grow their capacity. It's a very specific type of writing, but I love it!
- Orang-U-Can
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The challenge is not writing but editing and that requires financial input.Nwoko Solomon Ikechu wrote:Authoring a book or books is not a day job. There are so many challenges and difficulties authors face. In your personal view, what are the major challenges or difficulties that authors face? Do you have any suggestions on how to handle them?
- BoyLazy
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- Angela Stripes
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Wow, cool. Thank you for sharing your experience!Ashley Simon wrote: Angela,
I worked on staff at a nonprofit for about a year and gained some valuable experience as a grant writer. Since then, I quit my job to pursue freelance work, and my clients are primarily small nonprofits looking to grow their capacity. It's a very specific type of writing, but I love it!
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- charles juma otieno
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Nwoko Solomon Ikechu wrote:Authoring a book or books is not a day job. There are so many challenges and difficulties authors face. In your personal view, what are the major challenges or difficulties that authors face? Do you have any suggestions on how to handle them?
- Brandi Noelle
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The best advice I ever read in dealing with this came from Ernest Hemingway. He once said, "I always stopped [writing] when I knew what was going to happen next. That way I could be sure of going on the next day." Now, I follow his practice of stopping mid-scene. It helps to keep the flow going when you sit back down later, and then you have a feeling of success instead of obsessing over a scene that is not coming together or is forced.
Hemingway was a plethora of wisdom when it came to writing. He also had the great idea to "write drunk; edit sober." Not to say, writing DRUNK is the best idea, but a glass of wine can lower the inhibitions and sobriety can help separate the writing gems from the flops.