Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
Recently several clients have said to me some version of, “I want to be in this for the long haul.” It’s given me the opportunity to have discussions about what helps a writer accomplish this goal – and what can sabotage their efforts.
It’s an important topic for consideration, because sometimes we have to make difficult decisions on a day-to-day basis, and we don’t always know which way to go. But if we’re always looking at those decisions in light of the long haul, it’s easier to know what to do.
There’s a lot going on in our world today, and it’s very distressing. Our focus is distracted. We may need to devote our time and attention in a different direction for a time. This is where long-haul thinking can be especially helpful: we’re pretty sure the current situation isn’t permanent, so if our attention is diverted for a a while, it’s okay—we can recover from that.
What are some ways to develop a “long haul” writing career?
- Pay attention to where your passion and artistic integrity intersect with the market.
- Be radically persistent and resilient. Don’t let setbacks debilitate you.
- Pay attention to when a pivot might be needed, and don’t be afraid to try it.
- Keep refining your appeal to readers by developing and maintaining a uniquely compelling voice.
- Write books people want and need right now. Stay aware of the current cultural zeitgeist.
- Remain somewhat optimistic about the business of publishing. (People still want to read!)
- Refuse to panic when things aren’t going your way.
What could sabotage your ability to stay in it for the long haul?
- Pay too much attention to critics, allowing them to discourage you.
- Fail to learn from mistakes.
- Treat people badly or disrespectfully.
- Give up when things get too hard.
Kristen Joy Wilks
Oh, you advice of paying too much attention to critics is interesting. I recently bumbled onto a thread written by highly-invested but critical fans of a book series that my sons urged me to read. Everyone I know adores these books, but wow this thread of fans had some incredibly stern things they were saying about the author’s choice with a masterfully written love triangle. When I read it, I’d been so impressed with how he gently led the reader to want the heroine to pick the unexpected guy without the reader even realizing that this was what they wanted. Then when the choice was made, it just felt so right! I was shocked to see how this didn’t work for everyone. Some fans wanted the other guy chosen and some even wanted the current true love to die a terrible death so that the other guy could then be chosen. If this author listened too closely to these fans turned critics, a beautifully written piece would be ruined. Sometimes, you really must trust your own storytelling and move forward despite what a few might complain of.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Last night Barb had to sit with me,
for I could not breathe,
and fever-chills graciously
brought me broken teeth.
Yet, today, here I am,
writing poems for God knows who
because at heart I cannot stand
admitting that I’m through.
Weakness is as weakness does,
and being weak’s a mortal sin
even if the earthly cause
is one I cannot hope to win,
but I will give this thing my all,
now, forever, longest haul.
Jeanne Takenaka
I’m thinking one thing we need to develop is a long-haul perspective. We must look beyond the current moment, this current uncertain season, and realize that a semblance of normal will return.
A verse that comes to mind that helps me keep a better perspective is: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on this earth.” Remembering God knows the plans he has for me helps me keep a good mindset.
In the meantime, if we remember we are not crippled by the current circumstances, it will help us to stay strong with a long-haul perspective.
Shirlee Abbott
If I’m doing it for God, I’m in till he says, “well done.” Those words might come at the end of my days on earth or at the end of this phase of my journey. It’s His call, not mine.
Annie Riess
Writing even the shortest articles takes a lot of tenacity and even more so just now with all the things vying for our attention. I like the verse in Isaiah 41;13 “I am the Lord, our God, who takes hold of your right hand and say to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
It helps me trust that God will lead and guide as I look to him for what I need to be pressing on to write each day.
Morgan Tarpley Smith
Great advice, Rachelle! Thank you!!