Welcome to 40 Days of 3 Questions!
For the next few weeks, meet here every morning with a notebook or document to answer three questions about writing, about your status quo as a writer, or about the writing life. You can answer briefly and go about your day, or you can use this as a warm up exercise before your regular writing schedule. Whatever works for you, works for me.
Day 1 Questions:
- As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey?
- Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer?
- If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change?
You may post answers in comments or keep your thoughts private–your choice!
And here is today’s pretty picture:
Ramona DeFelice Long 
Great project!
As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey? 13 published novels and a dozen short stories, writing my 19th, at least two more under contract.
Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer? Mostly!
If yes, why? I am doing what I love and starting to make some real money at it. If no, what are you doing to make a change? I’d like to be better known, and am always working to improve my writing.
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As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey? Just turned in my 7th book with 3 more under contract. Three-time Agatha nominee. Three-times on the USA Today Bestsellers list.
Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer? Most days, yes, but I’m not satisfied to stay at this point. Striving for more. Always.
If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change? Not quite at liberty to share, but I’m working on something that might be the first step to bigger things. Or it could turn out to be nothing, in which case, I’m still in pretty good shape right where I am.
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As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey? My first book has been out for a year. Yippee. Working on a book series which I’m thrilled about. So basically, I’m at the beginning of my journey.
Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer? Nope. Struggling with time management, but I’m guessing that is a challenge for self-publishing authors where the responsibility of deadlines is on the author only.
If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change? Great question! I’ve started to set word count goals for the week instead of day since my work and volunteer schedule is crazy. And I gave up housecleaning for Lent so that should free up some time (not really, but one can always wish!!)
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1) As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey? Finishing up my 6th contracted book about a series I love to write.
2) Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer? Never. I’m a restless soul always ready to reach for the next step.
3) If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change? More classes and bringing more emotion into my writing. Also two retreats scheduled for this year. Heaven!
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Horrible. Every word is a struggle. Discouraged. The story is much bigger than me. My plots have no courage.
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Nina, I am sorry you are struggling but I admire that you want to write plots with courage.
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1. Second book. Novel. Every word is struggle. The story overwhelms me. My plots lack courage, creativity.
2. No.
3. Pushing through. Cutting words. Obsessing. Trying to figure out Scrivener. Dammit.
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Nina, keep pushing through. One scene, one sentence at a time.
Scrivener did not work for me, but many people like it.
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Thank you and I hope you’re well!
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1. As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey?
I’m struggling, no question, mostly from flood recovery and all it’s challenges, plus a hefty dose of self doubt.
2. Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer? No.
3. If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change?
Routine comes hard for me. My plan has been to write every day, but at no specific time, due to other demands and interruptions. I like the early morning sprint thread, though, so my new plan is to write every morning at six, no matter what else is going on. Maybe by forcing a routine, I’ll get used to it. Then, whatever else comes up, at least I will have devoted quality time to writing.
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1. Where I stand–I’ve written 3 mysteries, but haven’t tried to publish them after making major revisions. .
2. Satisfied? No, I need to feel confident enough with the manuscripts to start submitting.
3. What am I doing to make a change? I’m starting to work on a Web site in preparation for querying. Also, I’m rewriting sections of early chapters in the first two novels. Evaluations in a recent competition revealed the first twenty pages weren’t quite ready for prime time in the first manuscript of my series. . .
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I’ll join.
1.) As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey?
I released by first book last August and my second book will be out in August of this year.
2.) Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer?
For the most part. I’m proud and happy that I was finally able to accomplish something I’ve wanted to do since I was five-years-old. But there’s still so much self-doubt and comparing myself to others. I also don’t write as much as I should.
3.) If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change?
Actually try to write every day. I also need to stay off the Internet when I’m feeling down because it doesn’t help.
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Those three questions are never far from my mind. I’ve published 11 books in two series and just signed a contract for three books in a new series. I’ve written a number of short stories, mostly for anthologies and AHMM. Throughout this writing career, after many years as a freelance editor and ghost writer, I started The Larcom Press, published a literary journal and five books my other mystery writers, and then co-founded Level Best Books, which has since passed into other hands. I like trying new things, so I’m never satisfied, but I love what I’m doing and how I’ve changed and grown as a writer over the years.
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As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey?
***Way, way further than I ever imagined I’d be.
Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer?
***I’m astounded by it.
If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change?
***I’m able to get books and stories published, have good relationships with so many writers, readers, and even publishers and they’re all kind and supportive people. Also, I don’t know what I’d be doing now without my writing, 5 months after losing my husband. Writing has always saved my sanity and is still doing so. I’ll add that the mystery community contains some of the best people in the world. (Hey, it’s Valentine’s Day, right? I love everyone today.)
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As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey? Several published short stories and a 3-book contract with Level Best Books, debut scheduled to release in August 2018.
Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer? Yes and no. I’m happy for what I’ve achieved, but always looking to improve.
If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change? I’m finally doing something I’ve wanted to do for over a decade. And maybe I’ll even make a few bucks at it. But I know there is always more to learn and I don’t want to be satisfied with “good enough” – I always want to be improving.
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Ramona, I’m following this for all forty days and using it to structure a journal to reflect on my writing path. I’ve encouraged others to do the same. I won’t post in the comments daily, but I wanted to let you know, you’ve got some appreciative “lurking” followers.
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Thank you, Amber! I am happy to know this. I am reading people’s comments but I don’t expect everyone to share their answers. I appreciate your encouragement.
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I’m so enjoying reading these responses. Thanks for the great prompt, Ramona!
1. As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey?
Like Kaye, I feel like I’m standing in a place beyond what I ever imagined, with 8 novels and 7 short stories published, landing on the USA Today bestseller list, winning several awards, and becoming friends with several of my favorite authors. It continues to feel a bit surreal.
2. Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer?
I’m thrilled with where I’m at in this part of my journey, but not content to tread water.
3. If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change?
I continue to push myself to become a better writer, and I’m working on a stand-alone novel I’m really excited about. I still strive for life balance, the fine line of working hard but not feeling stressed out by the pressure. I remind myself that after surviving breast cancer I need to slow down and enjoy the small moments and not stress about the parts of publishing beyond my control.
To the new authors out there: None of this happened quickly. I hope you’re having fun with each step of the process. And I envy you in some ways, without the pressure of deadlines 😉
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1. As of today, I’m working on book #8 and still struggling to find the right words – strong words, graceful words, beautiful words. On the plus side, I know if I just put down words, any words, I can always come back and make them right.
2. Laughing at this one. Is any writer satisfied with their status? And, if so, is that good?
3. To make myself a better writer, I just keep writing – and reading. I learn something from every book I read – even if it’s what not to do.
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Just saw this. Plan to check in for the 40 days.
1. Published 9 textbooks/business books, 12 creative nonfiction stories, article for Writer’s Market, and several articles.
2. Working on three novels and hope to submit one of these days.
3. I plan to write, write, write and edit, edit, and edit.
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As of today, where do you stand in your writing career/journey?
Six novels published in a series I love, with a character who feels like a best friend; a variety of short stories (I love to experiment in my short stories) some published, some not; a middle grade novel and short story which have not been placed for publication.
Are you satisfied with your status quo as a writer?
No. I really want to get back to longer works (the seventh novel in the series is in rough draft form, but I’m having trouble with getting the concentration & time to finish it) Health problems for both my husband & me are taking a lot of energy and time.
If yes, why? If no, what are you doing to make a change?
I’m trying to get better organized & learn to better compartmentalize my time, so that I can put problems aside and work on my writing.
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I saw this this morning.
1. Where do I stand in my writing career? Not very far along.
2. Am I satisfied with where I am? No
3. What am I doing about it? Beginning again with new resources and enthusiasm.
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Late start.
1. Where do I stand? Six stories published plus over 700 blog posts.
2. Satisfied? No.
3. What am I doing? Sticking a star on a calendar for each day I write fiction instead of blog posts.
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