Creative Writing
We all know that there is always room for improvement.
In my case, I am at the beginning of a long road ahead. Although, I am no longer in a hurry to get to the end, this was not easy to accept.
As an aspiring writer, I wanted to publish my book Anticipation immediately after I wrote “The End”, metaphorically speaking. However, these past few months, I learned a few things about – writing, editing, publishing, readers expectations and much more. Consequently, I decided to postpone the publishing date of my novel.
It was a bit disappointing at first, but I am over it now. Instead of dwelling about it, I thought of a plan to improve my writing skills without stress. I am not sure how long it will take, but like I said before, I am in no hurry. Besides, I also want to continue painting. It is my other passion.
In the meantime, for those of you that are in a similar situation, I would like to share a list of ideas and resources I will use to carry out this arduous task:
1. Participate in the monthly short story contests at LinkedIn Writers Group.
2. Do all the writing exercises printed at the end of every chapter in the book Writing Fiction.
3. I will take a creative online writing class. I found this website Diploma Guide offering a list of free courses, if you want to check it out. I also found this article listing 10 Universities offering free writing courses online.
4. Continue writing my Blog. It serves as practice, but most of all I love the connection it creates.
5. Last but not least, connect with Beta Readers, which I wrote about in my last post.
I hope this was helpful. Do you have a goal to improve your writing skills? Would love to read about it ! 
You must be crazy busy! It is nice though that your time is spent doing the things that are very meaningful to you. That really is great!
Heehee.. I am! I don’t have kids, but I would have more time if I didn’t have to work (8-5). Maybe, one day in the future, I will be able to support myself doing the things I love the most!
I didn’t know about the working part. You ARE busy! Hang in there!
Patricia such news! Your purpose has substantial meaning and a very important end goal. I have no doubt that everything you’ll be doing going forward will support you in many ways, and probably some you never thought possible that will go well beyond writing.
It’s a tough decision I understand (as with my painting), but when you’re looking for results that last for the long term it will be well worth the time and energy you put into the steps you’ve outlined above.
Keep us up to date on how you’re doing, because this is only the beginning of many fine things to happen for you
Mary, thank you so much for the encouragement and interest. Your words are greatly appreciated!
I like your idea of planning out a course of action that is not stressful and allows for other areas of creativity. My current goal for improving my writing skills is to schedule regular blocks of time to study the mechanical aspects of writing – addressing my weak spot, for sure.
Sounds like you have a great plan and perspective.
I am glad you are making time for your artwork too. I love your paintings– so inspiring.
Thanks!
Reading has always helped me fine tune my writing skills. It’s a great way to expand vocabulary and find inspiration.
Hi Kelie! You are absolutely right! I should have included that one on my list!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving this useful comment.
very kool. I will be joining that LInked In group
Great! There is still time to participate in the October contest. I believe the deadline is the 25th. I have to hurry with my story.. heehee
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Wonderful Patricia! Good luck with it all, quite a challenge you’ve set for yourself.
Thanks for the good wishes.
I’m all in favour of learning new things and I hope all these resources and activities will help you grow! However, I think there’s also a danger of not finding the point where you allow yourself to be “good enough” (aka, be confident enough with your own writing) and instead striving to fulfill totally unrealistic and unnecessary expectations. It’s a tight rope to walk… But as long as your feet stay on the ground, learning new stuff is awesome!
You are on the roll! Great points of action here. I’m impressed with anyone who’s finished a novel. My fiction writing is soooo slow-going. Also wanted to let you know we’re almost through my Preserve Your Story writing series on the blog. Not sure if you’ve been getting posts since I moved the blog to self-hosted and lost many of my wordpress followers/friends. Are you getting updates? If not, you can subscribe here: http://messageinamasonjar.com. Hope to see you around!