Thursday, September 27, 2012

Write On Edge: Writing Goals



Red Writing Hood this week is asking us about our writing goals, 300 words or less.


So I offer the following: Goals and an Update
.

I can pile my goals up into one lump sum: I want to be a writer by profession. (Readers can check out the epiphany I had on July 3rd of this year.)

Since I made this decision, some very wonderful things have happened. Cameron asked me to lead off her Story Circle for July. I received announcement that both stories I submitted to Precipice were chosen for the inaugural publication. I was asked to offer some guest posts for Write On Edge. And AmyBeth Iverness asked to interview me (as one of the 17 chosen for Precipice) for her blog.

That I am honored by these events is an epic understatement.  I’m excited – no, elated – that I have received recognition from some very quality folks within the writing community.

Next on my agenda, to self-publish my novel The Trouble With Henry. Trouble is currently with my editor and good friend. The goal was to have the final edit complete by summer of this year, but life corrupts the best laid plans of mice. Hopefully, we will be able to sit down together soon, brush the dust out of the crevices of the story, apply some finishing touches, and go in search of cover art.

I am approaching self-publishing as a professional should, trading my creative hat for a business hat. It is a slow process for me, because I’m so new to the arena and scared of where the next steps will take me. It is a painful process because each week my parents lean on me, asking me why my editor isn’t done, where my book is, why they can’t purchase 20 copies yet to distribute to their friends.

Baby steps.

The tortoise won the race against the hare with a slow and steady pace. I can too. 


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26 comments:

  1. dontpanic2011September 27, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    I think it will be a matter of time before you meat many of these goals! Keep at it, just like those turtles I love.

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 9:44 AM

      Thanks! I love turtles/tortoises. They're important creatures in the Cherokee folklore. One story has the tortoise as an "Atlas" figure, carrying the world on its back. The weight caused its shell to crack.

      My shell is cracked a bit from the last year, but I have so much I have gained, much of which I can attribute to WOE. Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  2. CG @ Paper FurySeptember 27, 2012 at 11:20 PM

    Good luck on your publishing journey. Exciting to be nearly there! And yes, taking baby steps is such good advice, but so hard to follow sometimes. ;)

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 9:53 AM

      Thanks! I'm still trying to get my writer legs (I am my own worst critic) so yes, baby steps! It would be easier to slap the piece on Smashwords and not care about the final product. I don't want to be a part of "those" authors that give Indie-pub a bad name. I owe more to the story, and to people like you, my constant reader, to produce something worthy of the read. :)

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  3. AsproullaSeptember 28, 2012 at 1:54 AM

    Beautiful... eloquent, steady, and concise. Blessings on your journey :)

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 9:55 AM

      Thanks! I've been blessed so much already; I hope I haven't used up my blessing quota. :)

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  4. Emily @ My Pajama DaysSeptember 28, 2012 at 4:11 AM

    I am jumping for joy and admiration that you have a completed work at all! Most of us writers fall into that "someday" trap and never get see our ideas come to fruition. The stories are held captive in our minds. You have achieved the most important step! Congratulations to you for living your dream and not just talking about it.

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 9:59 AM

      Thanks! I have to laugh, 'cause I don't feel I'm quite there yet. Having a completed draft is just a tip of the struggle. I can blame my parents for that. Every week they wanted another piece to the puzzle. They're better than a publishing deadline!

      Now if only the sequel would find its words as easy as the first did, that would be quite the feather in my cap. :)

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  5. Kerry Ann @Vinobaby's VoiceSeptember 28, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    Good luck to you on your self-pub journey. It is so very tricky for us "creative" types to put on that business hat, but it is the smart way to go. And I completely understand the whole people leaning on you asking why it's not done yet thing. I face that every day. Someday soon you will have those copies for them to hand out and they will beam with pride.

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:02 AM

      Thanks! I need the leaning, to be honest. I'd miss it if it wasn't there. It's the constant validation that I'm moving in the right direction, as well as the constant reminder to produce. I'm a procrastinator by habit, and my parents know that best. :)

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  6. angelaSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:27 AM

    I can't wait to read your novel! It makes me happy that Write on Edge has helped at all on your journey because you truly are a special part of the community!

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:07 AM

      Thanks! I'm excited that you want to read it! I've grown so much as a writer, one week at a time, thanks to WOE. I feel like family with you all, safe and supported.

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  7. CarrieSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:44 AM

    Good luck shelton. You have a fanulous gift for writing. I love how you string together words.

    I am sure you'll accomplish your goal

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:11 AM

      Thanks! I cherish your kind words and support. They chase away the insecure butterflies that like to take root in soul.

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  8. StaceySeptember 28, 2012 at 7:43 AM

    Congratulations on all your successes! It is a wonderful boost to have those. Good luck with self-publishing. It is something I have also considered, but it seems scary. Maybe you will be able to share some tips after you have done it!

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:15 AM

      Thanks! Self-pubbing in and of itself isn't difficult if you're not worried about a quality product. I think that's why it carried the stigma it has for so long.

      When the steps get a little closer, I promise to share my experiences and what I learned. I couldn't possibly think of shutting WOE out of this journey.

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  9. barbara @ de rebusSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    I think you are making AMAZING progress toward your goals! Keep at it!!

    :)

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:36 AM

      Thanks! I can feel the difference from who I was at the beginning. It's a long, hard road, but people like you keep me going!

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  10. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2012 at 12:27 PM

    Congratulations on your march to greatness! The world is just waiting for your gift.

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:28 PM

      Thanks! I'm shooting for greatness, but if I don't get there, it's okay. I've had a ton of fun so far!

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  11. Kathleen BasiSeptember 28, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    Go you! You've obviously had a thrilling year--may it continue without interruption! I know you'll keep us updated.

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:29 PM

      Thanks! I certainly will keep y'all in the loop. I couldn't leave WOE behind.

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  12. ReneeSeptember 28, 2012 at 2:55 PM

    What a wonderful year! So much progress already, you goals are so within reach. Many congrats to you for goals accomplished and lots of support on the next steps.

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:35 PM

      Thanks! It's been a real joy. I'm equally humbled and excited, and everyone in the community has been so supportive.

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete
  13. CameronSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    Shel, I sincerely hope things come together for you, and if I can be of any help going forward, never hesitate to ask me. I've been treading these waters for about a year now, and I'm finally starting to feel more comfortable.

    WoE takes over the published world!

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    1. Shelton Keys DunningSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:50 PM

      Thanks! Be careful what you offer, I just may have you do a beta read for me. :)

      This could be the start of a beautiful friendship. WoE in the publishing world, looking out for the reader and the writer like they're family. You and the editorial team are amazing. I'm happy to be a small part of all of it, truly. Watch out world, here we come!

      Thank you for being a part of the WOE community, for stopping by often and providing such wonderful feedback!

      Delete

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