ESTABLISHING GOALS FOR 2016..... By Gail L. Jenner

Can it be 2016 already? Weren’t we just preparing for Y2K? More to the point, didn't I just "sign on" to Prairie Rose....in 2013? Wow.....tempus fugit, indeed!

As the snow mounts up here on the ranch (for which we are eternally grateful!!!), I look out over the landscape and ponder the year that was....and the year that is unfolding. There is much to be grateful for and so much to be hopeful for...isn't that what each new year promises?  

 

Well, if there’s anything I’ve learned professionally in the last 16 years, it is this: Writing takes TIME and good writing takes even more time. So, if it’s this year or next, my job as a writer requires I simply push aside the clock and focus on the writing.

To that end, writing takes DEDICATION and perseverance. Developing a tough skin and tender spirit – though they seem contradictory – is, nevertheless, part of the process of developing the art and craft of good and great writing.

With that said, there are a number of things we can dedicate ourselves to in this new year – if we hope to sell and/or succeed. I’ve limited my list of goals, although many writers might change the order or the actual items. These, then, are “my six” for this next year:

1.     Make TIME to write/take time to write: with all that my life entails, from family and grandkids, to ranch life and part-time work, to an assortment of “distractions” (including some health issues), it’s easy to not find time to write. I’m one of those flexible writers, which may seem to be a positive character trait; I can write early or late, or even steal from the midnight hours, but it makes avoidance or procrastination easy to take over, too. I’m also one of those people who say yes to more than I should, and hate to disappoint others. However, I am presently working on paring down my list of extra activities for this next year so that my focus is tighter and clearer – both professionally and personally.

2.     Develop a stronger PLATFORM: I know that my writing platform centers on history, whether it’s through fiction or non-fiction, but I admire those writers who can sum up their platform in a line or two. I’ve thought about “opening doors to history....” as something of a platform (whether it’s local history specifically or history of the American West), but that doesn’t say it all. I also write screenplays AND I enjoy writing about country life & ranching life/faith and family/recipes and cooking/even education. Hmmmmmm.....

3.     Continue to NETWORK: I’ve worked on this a lot over the last few years and it has made my writing connections stronger and certainly more satisfying.  I so enjoy the organizations and conferences I’ve attended and joined, and most of all, the PEOPLE who have become good friends! My favorites: Women Writing the West; Western Writers of America; a local writers’ group (also my critique group); and now, with Prairie Rose, I’ve developed a whole new circle of great writing friends and partners.

I’ve also had the opportunity to do some radio and TV specials that have opened new doors to intriguing and different opportunities, and I’m grateful for each relationship I’ve built. Ironically, like many writers, I’m a more timid person than many might assume, and “presenting myself” is a  stretch. It’s not easy to get out and market oneself.

4.     Continue to develop the CRAFT of writing. As a former English and history teacher, I understand the importance of continuing education. We are never “there....”  We are always learning and I find the joy of learning and researching and growing to be part of the magic in writing. I love to be challenged. I remember that when I began to play tennis competitively, at first I avoided players who could squash me game after game...but soon I realized that to really improve, I had to go up against players who could raise my level of play. 

It was a challenge, but I found myself loving the game more and more and savored the success whenever I managed to come close to winning. In the same way, I welcome harsh critiques (from writers of integrity, of course!) and seek out those opportunities where I know I will gain some greater wisdom or instruction. Whether it’s through conferences, critique sessions, contests, or submissions, I don’t think being a reluctant writer leads to success. Writing requires an audience and it’s wise to have those who can provide guidance or critique as part of the process that can lead to success. Again, this is where that tough outer shell and soft belly come in. As one tennis friend – so much older and wiser than me at the time, “Don’t worry about having a great serve when you’re trying to get better! After you’ve served the ball a thousand or two thousand times, that’s when you need to worry about it. Until then, just keep serving – by doing it the right way again and again.”

5.     Seek out those stories that SPEAK to me. Life is short. Time slips by. I used to be so eager to “sell” that I was willing to take on articles or writing subjects that provided just an avenue to selling. Obviously there is value in that, but now, I have a well of ideas that are clamoring to show themselves, stories or subjects that have been brewing and stewing for a long time.

6.     Have more FUN! Yes, have more fun...whether it be in the kinds of stories I am crafting or in the research or process involved in writing. And yes, also on a personal level I want to enjoy life in all its shades and hues. If we take every part of our lives tooooooo seriously, the joy is compromised. So whether it’s as I’m sitting and working on a story or book, or out on the ranch helping with chores, or with my friends and family, letting go of the pressures of this life is imperative.

And Welcome, 2016!

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Gail L. Jenner is the author of several books and short stories. 
For more, check out her biography and titles on amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Gail-Fiorini-Jenner/e/B005GHR47O

Winner of the WILLA Literary Award

July's Bride

HOW TO GROW AND BUILD WHILE WRITING...... By Gail L. Jenner

I've been working with a high school senior this year on a senior project. It's been a growing experience, for both of us. He chose to write a novel and hoped to get it published after being edited, revised, etc, in one year.....an undertaking I warned him would probably NOT happen as easily as he expected it to.

This student is terrifically talented, but his struggle to work through the maze of disappointment and restarts and revisions made me realize once more how naive we are when we first start out to write 'that great American novel!'  In thinking on his finished his project, which is quite a wonderful start - but only a novella still not ready for publication YET, I reflected on a number of simple but important revelations every writer must come to.

Here are five of those random thoughts from the list I've started! I want to continue growing this list so will share other thoughts as I do...
1. We may not finish the first story we set out to write -- or the second or third. Sometimes we start plotting without knowing the interior story - or we recognize that we have so many flaws, it's time to start on page 1 AGAIN.....or go back to the brainstorming process. Many writers don't even brainstorm, but can start at a place and go forward. Recognizing what works best for your style or your story is something that takes time to figure out or refine.

2. Starting over and over again is sometimes part of the process. I used to believe writing a book was a very linear process. You went from point A to point B in one straight line with no pauses or detours. But it’s not: there is no real finish line. Each book requires something different from you – sometimes more than you’re even willing to give at any moment. I suppose that’s why I have several manuscripts going on at one time. I can’t seem to just settle on one idea and nothing else.

3. Continue to meet people and network. With publishers like Prairie Rose this is an easy expectation to meet!  And groups like Women Writing the West or Western Writers of America, or any number of regional and local groups and critique groups will fill this goal. It’s imperative that not only new writers but all writers get out from behind the wall of their writing projects and meet, talk, visit, and share. It’s also imperative to read, read, and read. This challenge has become a harder one for me in the last two or three years; with the obligations I have and the projects I’ve undertaken, it’s hard not to just run away and bury myself in others’ books, but I have to dole it out, like candy after Halloween these days!

4 Learn to take criticism and seek out criticism; do not take it personally. We are all susceptible to wanting only the positive response from readers and our fellow writers and agents or publishers. The truth is there is a huge gap between what we’re looking for and what we sometimes need to hear! No one wants to hear the dreary or disappointing aspects of our writing, but in order to grow we need to seek that critical review or editorial comment eagerly AND graciously. The old “No pain, no gain” is true.

5. Celebrity others’ successes! While it’s not exactly fun to read about the latest celebrity's story that’s just garnered a multi-million dollar advance, it’s still a reminder that other authors and writers are “making it big!” That should always delight us. We need to always “spread” the good news of others’ successes. As my grandma always said, “What goes around comes around,” and although I’m not superstitious, I do believe there is truth in that in all aspects of our lives. We need to celebrate with others.

GAIL L. JENNER IS THE AUTHOR OF ACROSS THE SWEET GRASS HILLS, A WINNER of the WILLA Literary Award from Women Writing the West, recently re-released by PRP. For more on her stories, visit www.gailjenner.com OR http://prairierosepublications.yolasite.com/gail-l-jenner.php