• sweet*nothing said on Nov 12, 2006....

  I just read that often it is not about discipline for an artist.  It is about enthusiasm.  You do what you need to do (e.g. write every day) becaus eyou're enthusiastic about it, and because you cultivate that enthusiasm.

  I found it really helpful to think that way.  It made it less of a chore, and made my mind stop trying to fight the 'discipline'.

  The book I read this in is called The Artist's Way - I highly recommend it.

  Good luck!

• hstock28 said on Nov 12, 2006....

  That's a nice way to think of it though I believe it's a mixture of both enthusiasm and discipline. I am highly enthusiastic, but I suppose I also battle self-doubt, so I need the added discipline. Unfortunately, I take my writing way too seriously. For me I need to take that extra measure to ensure that I have an open space of time without any other obligations or distractions (that might not necessarily help with the self-doubt issue, but at least it removes all other excuses) so that I'm at least expected to face that blank page on those days.
   
  Who is the author of The Artist's Way? I may try and obtain a copy. I've read so many books on writing. Grant it I have learned a little something from each, but for me I think it just poses another form of procrastination for me. I'm at the point now that I just need to do it.
   
  Thank you for your words of encouragement.

• anonymous said on Nov 13, 2006....

  I understand where you are.  I had to quit my day job to be a stay at home writer, and that was a risk.  You look like you're in a place where you have made the time, and it is a lot of it.  You will need it. 
   
  Chances are, it may take a while before you break into books.  It sounds like you've sent out a few queries, and that's all you can do. 
   
  I want to write books too, but articles is what keeps me afloat.  I have a non-fictional book that is in the hands of an agent right now, and I don't think it will be long before it sells.  Until then, I make just enough to get by, but that is really all I want. 
   
  Anyway, thank you for your comment on my life.  God bless you on your endeavors.

• sweet*nothing said on Nov 13, 2006....

  anonymous, I've often fantasized about quitting my day job to focus on writing, but I have no idea how to do it.  Do you mind if I ask how you did? Do you have a part time job? Is it the articles that pay? Savings??
  Also, how did you get the job writing articles?  As much as I think I'd like to try out writing a book one day, I think the reality is if I'm ever going to write anything on a more frequent basis it will be articles. But alas, where? For whom? How?

• Expendable said on Nov 13, 2006....

  If you want a job writing articles, the best way to start is to look at the magazines you're already reading. You're already familiar with what sort of articles they're looking for and the various editors are listed on the table of contents or the next page. Check their web site for submission guidelines. You may be asked to write up the article first or submit a query then if approved then write the article.
   
  Do your research then write something that'll grab your audience's attention.
   
  And don't worry about rejection. It happens to all of us.
   
   

• msgyrlone said on Nov 13, 2006....

  Looks like your not alone. I too am a writer. I have two plays finished, yet find it hard to write the one thing I want, a novel. I have four children, two which are teens and can watch the younger two. But I find that I'm distracted by other things around me. I quit my job of 16 years and now stay at home. Between, cleaning and cooking I can't seem to sit long enough to concentract. So if you find a solution let me know

• missb said on Nov 13, 2006....

  I can relate with you. I too have been jobless (by choice) for almost a year now. I thought that I could finally write something -- anything to be published. But I got none except for some writings on soulcast.
   
  I really should try again and put my mind into it more seriously now :/
   
  Cheers :)

• sweet*nothing said on Nov 13, 2006....

  Expendable - thanks.

• CreativeWoman said on Nov 13, 2006....

  I have been writing freelance for about six years now.  For me it is about applying myself.  It became a little easier once I starting finding my niche.  I don't make near the money I need to move on with my life, but I'm building steadily. You just have to keep trying.  Write. Submit. Try Again.
  
  Look for markets and calls for submissions.  You might take a look at http://www.WriteFromHome.com, http://www.AssociatedContent.com and http://www.AbsoluteWrite.com for places to get you started.  Building a porfolio of published works will help you to break into the bigger markets.
  
  I hope this helps.
  
  CW
  

• sweet*nothing said on Nov 13, 2006....

  CW - thank you SO much!

• CreativeWoman said on Nov 13, 2006....

  sweet,
  You are welcome.  I hope it helps.
  CW
  

• Expendable said on Nov 13, 2006....

  Remember to set aside at least a hour each day to devote to writing something. Figure out what is the best time for you then stick to it.

• msgyrlone said on Nov 14, 2006....

  Everyone is so helpful. I plan on writing a short story on here thru post if anyone would like to read them its mainly for feed back. I have started a novel and would like to know what people think before I publish it. If your willing to read it, please let me know. thanks

• hstock28 said on Nov 14, 2006....

  Wow, seems like I'm not the only one in this boat. Thank you all for your encouraging comments and your helpful advice.
   
  msgyrlone, I wouldn't mind reading it.

• silverwhisper said on Nov 14, 2006....

  o goodness, no you aren't!
  
  i get up at 5:30 or so every weekday to commute to my job.  i leave the office sometimes around 6:30 or 7:00 and get home around 8 to 8:30.  when i get home, i have time to have dinner w/ my wife and then and only then do i get to spend real time w/ her.
  
  right now, my writing is compressed into my 1 hour train ride to/from work.  that discipline and schedule are the only time i really have to write.
  
  ed
  

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