Another Contest: What Are Your Writing Problems?
The thought has occurred to me that it is time to write an e-book. Actually,thought has occurred to me before. Many times. But, as is so often the case, I got sidetracked. (On another, related note, I have not forgotten my vow to present the last two Writing Bogs. They are coming soon. Maybe even tomorrow. Really.)
Alas, many topics present themselves as possibilities. And since I am simultaneously working on a ghost-writing project, rewriting a novel, thinking about a new one, co-directing the Writer’s Loft, working with students, and writing copy for my coaching website, I thought it might be a good idea to get clarity on which one to do first.
So, here’s the deal. I’m running a survey. I have several questions I would like you to answer. I’ll put the name of everybody who answers in a hat and have an impartial, unbiased observer (my son) pull a name. That person will win a free coaching session.
Here are a couple of guidelines:
- Please comment on THIS post. You can write long or write short, I’m easy.
- I’ll take comments until April 18th. That is two nice long weeks. The drawing will be held on April 20th and I’ll contact the winner by email.
- Answer as many questions as your little heart desires.
Here are the questions:
What is the biggest problem that you, as a writer (or creative person) face?
What kind of writing-related information do you have difficulty finding and would like to find more of? (For instance, publishing, how to get started, how to follow a consistent writing practice, craft issues such as character, plot, dialogue, or anything that occurs to you)
What kind of writing-related information are you most interested in?
What kind of writing-related information would you be most interested in reading a book on?
Bonus question: Indicate on a scale of 1 to 10 how interested you would be in reading the following:
Set The Words Free. E-book covering how to get writing and stay writing, with information, tips and techniques on creating an endless flow of words.
The Three Fold Writer’s Path. E-book covering the three paths of writing: story, style, and creativity.
Make Money Writing Online. Freelancing for online markets.
Elements of Fiction. Description, imagery, theme, plot, character, dialogue–all that good stuff.
Thanks in advance for your participation!
Jen
Well, I’m already the lucky winner of a free coaching session but I’ll still comment so you have additional feedback!
What is the biggest problem that you, as a writer face?
– Overcoming fear / resistance / blocks
What kind of writing-related information do you have difficulty finding and would like to find more of?
– I’d love more info on how to structure a novel–how to keep up the momentum and build the story arc, etc.
What kind of writing-related information are you most interested in?
– Information related to craft rather than business
What kind of writing-related information would you be most interested in reading a book on?
– Different ways to write a novel–outline vs. no outline, etc.
Bonus question: Indicate on a scale of 1 to 10 how interested you would be in reading the following:
EIGHT Set The Words Free. E-book covering how to get writing and stay writing, with information, tips and techniques on creating an endless flow of words.
SIX The Three Fold Writer’s Path. E-book covering the three paths of writing: story, style, and creativity.
FOUR Make Money Writing Online. Freelancing for online markets.
EIGHT Elements of Fiction. Description, imagery, theme, plot, character, dialogue–all that good stuff.
Lin
What is the biggest problem that you, as a writer (or creative person) face? Keeping the momentum going on a big project
What kind of writing-related information do you have difficulty finding and would like to find more of? (For instance, publishing, how to get started, how to follow a consistent writing practice, craft issues such as character, plot, dialogue, or anything that occurs to you) Plotting and conflict
What kind of writing-related information are you most interested in? Markets open to new writers without their “chops” yet
What kind of writing-related information would you be most interested in reading a book on? Keeping up your confidence when the self-doubts creep in
Bonus question: Indicate on a scale of 1 to 10 how interested you would be in reading the following:
Set The Words Free. E-book covering how to get writing and stay writing, with information, tips and techniques on creating an endless flow of words. 8
The Three Fold Writer’s Path. E-book covering the three paths of writing: story, style, and creativity. 8
Make Money Writing Online. Freelancing for online markets. 6
Elements of Fiction. Description, imagery, theme, plot, character, dialogue–all that good stuff. 7
Charlotte
Oh you guys are wonderful, thank you! Your names are both going into the hat for the drawing (Jen, you can always have another coaching session if you win!)
Keep the comments coming, everyone!
Denise Mitchell
What is the biggest problem that you, as a writer (or creative person) face? – Writing consistently. Writing is like healthy eating – I know I will feel better when I do it, but I resist, even though I enjoy it when I actually make myself do it.
What kind of writing-related information do you have difficulty finding and would like to find more of? (For instance, publishing, how to get started, how to follow a consistent writing practice, craft issues such as character, plot, dialogue, or anything that occurs to you) – This changes, but right now I’m struggling with how to know when a story is finished, when it is as good as it’s going to get and I should just send it out in the world and then send it out again when it’s rejected rather than revising again. I guess this has something to do with really knowing what a story is – I mean I know what I like in other people’s stories – but sometimes I wish there was some sort of checklist (as uncreative as that sounds.)
What kind of writing-related information are you most interested in? I love hearing about how other writers do it – their routines, their tricks, their doubts, their triumphs. This is one (of the many) reasons I enjoy your blog so much.
What kind of writing-related information would you be most interested in reading a book on? I would love to see something on resolution – there seems to be less available on this subject than the other elements of fiction.
Bonus question: Indicate on a scale of 1 to 10 how interested you would be in reading the following:
Set The Words Free. E-book covering how to get writing and stay writing, with information, tips and techniques on creating an endless flow of words.
9
The Three Fold Writer’s Path. E-book covering the three paths of writing: story, style, and creativity.
10
Make Money Writing Online. Freelancing for online markets.
5
Elements of Fiction. Description, imagery, theme, plot, character, dialogue–all that good stuff. 8
BellaVida
Hello and thanks for the oportunity. I enjoy reading your blog for writing tips.
What is the biggest problem that you, as a writer (or creative person) face?
As a parent I am bombarded with distractions and this has infiltrated into my writing style. I start a project with great energy and enthusiasm but end up with unfinished works because I’ve come up with other wonderfully splendid ideas for new stories by the time I’m ready to sit in front of the pc again.
What kind of writing-related information do you have difficulty finding and would like to find more of?
As a beginning writer I’m having trouble finding information that clearly and precisely defines the parts of a novel. My college degree is not writing related so I don’t have that benifit instead I look to books and self teach. I have the story, beginning, middle and end but I would love specific how to on polishing it.
What kind of writing-related information are you most interested in?
At this point I am interested in crafting the perfect story, discovering my voice and how to find the right agent if you write more than one genre.
What kind of writing-related information would you be most interested in reading a book on?
I am looking for books about the structure of a novel, how to write a great beginning and how to add subplots to a story.
Bonus question: Indicate on a scale of 1 to 10 how interested you would be in reading the following:
Set The Words Free. E-book covering how to get writing and stay writing, with information, tips and techniques on creating an endless flow of words. 7
The Three Fold Writer’s Path. E-book covering the three paths of writing: story, style, and creativity. 9
Make Money Writing Online. Freelancing for online markets.6
Elements of Fiction. Description, imagery, theme, plot, character, dialogue–all that good stuff. 10
Jenny
My biggest problem is “corraling” the thoughts that bombard my mind at times. I carry a Moleskine with me and there are notebooks and three by five cards and pens all over the house, but now I have notebooks and cards full of words and ideas and snippets of this and that, but how to organize and effectively draw from all of that is a problem for me. Also, finding the time to write when so many other things crowd in and distract.
I don’t seem to have any problem finding good information on writing; my problem is finding the time to use it! I soak up writing-related books and articles like a sponge, but I like to read other books too, but then all that takes away from time actually writing! And then there’s that pesky animal, my actual job …
As far as the kind of writing-related information I’m most interested in, it would definitely be on the actual art of writing … all the fine points of how to write beautifully, wonderfully, and effectively. The business side of it makes me nervous and frankly bores me … although becoming a published author excites me so I try to pay attention …
I would enjoy reading Set The Words Free VERY much … the others sound interesting too but that one particularly appeals to me so I would rate it number one. The second one that appeals to me most is Make Money Writing Online. My third choice would be Elements of Fiction, then The Threefold Writers Path.
Charlotte
I’m so excited to read all your comments, you guys, this is so helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. And remember all of you who have not yet taken part in the survey, there is still a week left to do so.