In a business where even the best writers sometimes take years to earn profits, large readerships and critical acclaim, it is crucial to reward yourself for good behavior.
What are some bench marks you can use to measure your success? Here's a list:
- Every time you write twenty-five pages, give yourself a few hours with your favorite TV show and a salty snack.
- When a reader gives you an unexpected compliment, write it down on a fancy piece of paper on your refrigerator. Imagine how good you will feel as that paper fills up.
- When you get published, tell people. I don't care if you get published in your office's annual newsletter or the local PennySaver, let people know where they can read your work and let them congratulate you.
- If you keep a To Do list, imagine all the pages stacking up and pat yourself on the back for the work you've done. (I like to imagine all my pages scattering into the winds of time. In my mind I see hundreds and hundreds of little white papers in the air, like butterflies made of ideas.)
- Take yourself out to a show when you submit your tenth manuscript to an agent or a literary magazine.
There are many ways to celebrate the effort you make as a writer. Can you think of some ways to reward the writing you do? I believe that one of the keys to attaining your goals is to keep marching ahead with your plans. If you keep putting one foot in front of the other, make sure to be nice to yourself along the way.
Until next time, happy writing.
Comments