End of Semester Reflection

What I'd Like to Read Over the Next Few Years  

 

 Oh, how I miss reading for pleasure! I'd like to read a lot more over the next few years, especially after graduation. Being in school and working full time doesn't allow much time to read anything other than what's required for class. I would like to learn how to manage my time better so I'd probably start with a time management book. I have a hard time balancing everything and then I get frustrated when I don't have time to write. This isn't typically something I'd read--I usually read fiction. I'd also like to read more biographies but I'm not sure on just who yet. Maybe J.K. Rowling because she is the most successful female author in the world. I might give the Harry Potter books another go, too. I read one (don't remember which one) but that genre really isn't my thing.   

Experiences to Help Me Along . . .

   To name some experiences I'd like to have over the next several years that would help me be a better writer . . . I'd like to travel more. I think being in new places with unfamiliar sights and sounds can be inspiring. Even if it's just to take a weekend trip to Savannah, I think getting away from my usual surroundings will add a richness to my writing. I'd like to find a writer's group and continue workshopping my writing even if it's just a chance to meet other writers. I don't see my degree as the end of learning the craft so I hope to take more classes in the future, maybe even genre-specific classes once I figure out what I'd like to focus on.

   I can't think of many specific experiences I want to have related to writing--I think I do best when I just stay open to new experiences and say "yes" more often to opportunities, even if they are not something I would usually do. I've said yes to so many things over the past few years and some have gone well and some have fallen flat but they taught me something each time so I don't regret it. When something goes wrong, it's even more interesting to write about it! Life gives us plenty of material every day. We don't even have to go looking for it. But as far as helping me to be a better writer . . . I've learned the importance of revising and re-writing over and over again. I've found that I'm not happy with a piece until at least five re-writes. So I definitely plan to re-write everything as many times as necessary. 

Upcoming Projects

As for writing projects, that is easier for me to answer. I plan on completing my paranormal thriller trilogy in the next couple of years. I am about halfway through the second novel right now. I'm also working on a funny children's book called "Street Cats." I'd like to try my hand at different genres and styles of writing. Comedic, horror, and sci-fi are genres I'd like to try out in future projects.  

 

  Career

  I'm going to be taking at least one technical writing class with my first one being next semester. I know it's nothing like creative writing and very tedious. I'm either going to love it or hate it. I'm going to consider this as a possible career path because I like the flexibility; many people in this field work from home. I need autonomy for whatever I do for 40 hours a week. I also like marketing and advertising copywriting. I've done a few freelance projects in this field and really enjoyed it so I'll be trying to find more work in this. In the back of my mind, there's always the dream of being a successful published author. It's the hardest route to go and I'll keep writing books and querying agents and/or self-publishing, but since I need to make a living now, I can't focus 100% on that. I'm going to keep putting myself out there to see what happens. If I've learned anything, it's that opportunities come in the most unexpected ways so staying open and flexible is important.

I Was Surprised . . .

   After completing the Presentation of a Writer project, I was really surprised to find out that I have been too hard on myself at times! I have already started achieving my goals: writing and publishing a novel and earning a bachelors degree, which will happen next year. I also was surprised to find out how confused I am at times about having a writing career. I want to stay open to opportunities and not limit myself but I also think I may be too unfocused and should pick one thing to put my energy into. Either way, I do think things will come together soon because I'm not going to give up.