Scene 1: The Backstory
Pursuing your dreams can be really scary, especially when you invest genuine effort. And if you’re brave enough to step outside of your comfort zone, this boldness may only result in realizing that you might not be all that good. It's not that you're terrible (most days), but greatness -- or at least good enough(ness) -- is a very distant goal often sabotaged by intimidation.
For me, my dream is to write a sci-fi novel trilogy.
'Why?', you ask.
Well, one of my favorite ways to relax is by escaping into the world of television. And the genres that usually live in my head days after finishing episode one are either science fiction — where the boundaries of reality are slightly blurred, offering an unconventional perspective on life (think, Black Mirror). Or fantasy series that introduce a completely different world and people, but center around characters with motivations I’m struggling with in real life (like, Ranking of Kings). So by harnessing the powers of my overactive imagination, I want to create a world where others can relate to and immerse themselves.
Scene 2: The (Struggle) Training Montage
To turn my dream into reality, I took the plunge and began drafting the first manuscript of what I hoped to become a cult-classic masterpiece (Strategy 1). I even bought three books and a 100-page writing activity kit to help with the process. And in that time, three (okay, maybe five) years, I made nice progress with world-building, character development, and arc outline . . . at least in my mind.
I did consult one book and completed about six activities, but after about a week, I got distracted. Eventually, I realized at the rate of about 600 words per session (on a good day) once a week (or once in a while), that my 100,000-word goal was going to take FOREVER.
So last year, I made a strategic shift in my approach, opting to conquer smaller hills instead of the daunting mountain that is a full-fledged novel. Intrigued by an online ad, I stood committed and submitted a short story for a contest, the requirement of which was a very achievable 4000 words (Strategy 2).
I was super proud of myself for finally achieving a writing goal. In my mind, I knew that I wasn't going to win first place, but I was at least going to get an honorable mention. I'm not too good for an honorable mention. I even started researching hotel and flight prices, preparing for the mandatory award ceremony for winners. I didn't want to seem ungrateful by not showing up.
Well, my accomplishment high was very short-lived. After a few months of silence, the standardized rejection letter left me in a reflective 'Hmmmm' for a few days as the realization I placing nothing-th place set in.
That setback didn't discourage me completely. It felt more like a rite of passage that all amateur first-time writers had to experience. So still believing in the brilliance of my story, I decided to get professional feedback. I wanted to get a few tips on how to perfect my crowning achievement for re-submission or publication somewhere else.
Now, that process was discouring. After waiting a few short weeks, I received my feedback, and let’s just say it greatly humbled me.
It took me two tries just to read through the cover letter. I haven’t even gathered the courage to read the line item notes, not yet anyway.
Even though the reception wasn’t all that favorable, I’m still in love with my short story and my novel idea. And with the way I envision it, I know there is an audience that will love it as well. The ideas are there. I just need to improve my writing to get it right.
SCENE 3: The Epiphany
So after a few months of self-pity and an honest conversation with myself, the obvious solution to improving my writing is to practice, learn some techniques, and develop my style, but mostly keep practicing. And I know that’s easier said than done. But I also know it’s not impossible.
So now that you're caught up, let’s delve into this blog (Strategy #3). Particularly, I've decided to start this blog with four primary goals in mind:
Goal 1: Face My Fears & Cut Down on Procrastination
There’s an inner bully that lives in my head named “Doubt” who always invites his best friend “ Procrastination” over whenever it’s time for me to sit down and write. And like all bullies, they always pounce when I'm most vulnerable.
And what's one way to handle bullies? Fight back! (well, at least the old-school bullies). One way I'm trying to fight back is to set a personal goal to meet deadlines biweekly, or more realistically, triweekly goal of publishing a post consistently. Which brings us to the second goal:
Goal 2: Consistency and Practice
The internet says it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert. Knowing that I probably clocked in about 200, I need to create more opportunities to write, and incorporating this blog will help me do that without restricting myself.
Since this is my platform, I can practice crafting my style as I write entries in my own voice. And with a shorter word count to aim toward, I‘m able to practice the act of drafting and finishing a project.
Goal 3: Community and Accountability
One of the best sayings I’ve heard about accomplishing something in unfamiliar territory is that community is essential when starting something new. And I found that to be a game-changer for me. The past year I’ve made the most progress (i.e. short story contest submission) after sharing my dream. I received really good advice about starting this blog. And having people hold me accountable serves as encouraging positive motivation.
Secondly, I hope while I’m on this journey, I'm able to meet and connect with other courageous people pursuing their long life dreams or other personal goals.
Goal 4: Journaling & Reflection
Lastly, I want to use the blog to journal this experience and all the efforts it will take to produce my novel manuscript. I also plan to journal other events and actions that will force me to jump out of my comfort zone and face my fears. I want to include both milestones and small wins as well as the setbacks and disappointments.
On the days when I feel like I’m climbing the same hills over and over and over again, I want to be able to look back and see that things are progressing, no matter how incremental.
As I’m writing this, I don’t know what to expect. So far, almost everything regarding the launch of the website hasn’t gone as planned. But looking back, I can see that I am improving in my writing where I don't cringe reading back this post for the 50 millionth time.
So having something tangible like this serves as a real reminder things are changing, so there's no real reason to stop now.
Scene 4: The (very short) New Resolve that kick-Off the Series
Now that you've got the back story,
<Welcome>
to my journey on the road to novel! I’m more than happy to have you join me. And If you’re traveling on your own road as well, I hope I can keep you company.
(Now cue credits.)
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