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

WISE QUOTES TO INSPIRE and a FREE GIVEAWAY TO ONE LUCKY READER........Gail L. Jenner

Writers are voracious in their appetite for inspiration! For me, one of the things that I find inspiring is the wisdom passed down from the most famous writers --- those individuals who have made a "big splash" in the world. Not only do I enjoy reading their stories --- classics that never fade with time --- I enjoy hearing them speak to us, as writers.

As I was browsing through a recent list of inspirational quotes, I found a number I thought worthy of sharing. Perhaps they will inspire others.

For example, the prolific and dynamic Stephen King wrote:
I try to create sympathy for my characters then turn the monsters loose. - Stephen King
 

Not just obstacles or antagonists or issues and foibles....but monsters? A great inspiration....I have never thought about turning monsters loose in my stories, but why not?


And how often have I struggled to figure out where I'm going in a story, but E. L. Doctorow provides an alternative:
Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow 

Along with that..... Faulkner says:
Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.– William Faulkner

So --- does that mean don't fret? Don't worry so much about trying to make the story "good" before its time? Leave the critical part of the brain on the shelf until later?

And who can resist listening to Mark Twain? Do we speak the truth or are we liars, one and all???  He insists:  Most writers regard the truth as their most valuable possession, and therefore are most economical in its use. – Mark Twain 

And Anton Chekov says it beautifully, reminding us that:  My own experience is that once a story has been written, one has to cross out the beginning and the end. It is there that we authors do most of our lying.

In other words, the truth comes as we move through the story --- letting that inner voice or muse direct our hand. Mayhap that is why the beginning and end are so often vague or redundant or anti-climactic? Some other worthwhile thoughts include the following:
Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.
– Barbara Kingsolver

I like Kingsolver's remarks: It reminds me that I am not just writing for a "market" or sale. I'm writing to say something -- hopefully something that resonates with the reader, something that is unique or timely or universal.

Ayn Rand wrote:  Words are a lens to focus one’s mind.

I agree! It's AS I'm writing that elements of the story become clearer to me: the conflicts or the internal issues my character(s) must overcome seem to percolate as I move through scenes or when I introduce new characters or problems to be solved.

Likewise Conrad makes it clear that: 

A writer without interest or sympathy for the foibles of his fellow man is not conceivable as a writer.  – Joseph Conrad

Isn't it through story that much of what we observe about human life and experience comes to the forefront, driving us as writers and driving our characters through their created universe? Perhaps, as Sidney Sheldon wrote:  A blank piece of paper is God’s way of telling us how hard it to be God.  Does that mean we need be grateful we are not demi-gods in the real world? I think so. We do not have the ANSWERS to life, but we surely must ask the QUESTIONS!

Hemingway also speaks about being a writer and the perception that others may have. I wonder if he spoke "tongue in cheek" when he said: 

 It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.



Also speaking to the issue of quality and value of writing, Herman Melville wrote:
                  To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme.   – Herman Melville  Ray Bradbury spoke about the importance of letting characters have their way. Perhaps a reminder that we cannot always control the direction of our stories or our characters' choices in life! He wrote:   First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him!
Finally, on the issue or necessity of revision, John Irvin writes:  Half my life is an act of revision.  Hmmmm -- the ugly truth raises its mighty head! REVISION -- the art, the power of it is what makes our stories shine. More reason to leave the critical part of the brain until it's time to begin revising... Well, time for me to return to my sanctuary! But the trip through the mind's eye of great writers really does give me pause and reminds me that writing is more than just a calling...writing well is a craft and requires attention and dedication. Such is my goal.  THANKS for stopping by......Leave a comment....I will be awarding one lucky reader a free copy of JULY'S BRIDE, my novella recently released from Prairie Rose....           -------------------------------------- Gail L. Jenner, a past history and English teacher, began writing at age 9. Inspired by so many writers, one of her greatest thrills is having WON a WILLA Award for Best Softcover Fiction from Women Writing the West, for ACROSS THE SWEET GRASS HILLS, re-released by Prairie Rose Publications in 2013.    For more, visit: www.gailjenner.com OR: http://www.amazon.com/Gail-Fiorini-Jenner/e/B005GHR47O Her newest releases from Prairie Rose include JULY'S BRIDE and JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! She is the author of several stories that have also been included in the PRP anthologies, PRESENT FOR A COWBOY, LASSOING A BRIDE, and COWBOY KISSES. She is the coauthor of 5 regional histories and edited and contributed to ANKLE HIGH AND KNEE DEEP, an anthology of Western rural women's stories.