Are You in Control of Your Writing Career?

Well I answered your poll by saying that I am in control of my writing Bill. That being said I think that goals change over time and due to changes in situations. I've always been pretty laid back about my goals and have always been pleased at any results. I'm all for goals, but I do think that some people set the bar way too high and then distressed when they can't reach that bar.

The most rewarding thing is hearing people tell me that when the paper arrives on their doorstep, they throw the door open, grab section 'C' and find my column FIRST. There is no high like that one.

Thanks for sharing your tips, Bill. Much like James Brown was the hardest working man in show business, you are the hardest working man in freelance writing. If anyone should be offering advice on freelance writing, it is you. Voted up!

Thanks for guiding us through our writing careers with this great words of advice Bill!

Good Saturday afternoon Bill Holland.

Your truth is always rightly difficult. As any other 'calling '( sounds more gratifying than 'career') - writing according to your gospel is urging me to be sure to know "what do you want ?" To write down a plan is kind of 'convictible' : how would I defend myself being guilty of… No I won't do it simply is not given to me during this time of transitioning. However I continue believing in my conviction that the one giving me gift of writing will keep me in shape to carry on the message.

Up and useful.

Make a happy weekend my friend- both of you and Bev.

Most days I feel as if I'm in control of my writing. Today, all bets are off. It's one of those more difficult days. But tomorrow is a new day.

This is yet another inspirational hub, Bill. I love the toilet bowl photo!

Bill, I have several things to say to you; I hope these words are more encouraging, than not!

I have been writing for over 10 years, dabbling in and out of the "sport." lol.. I have wanted to write professionally, as both a direct contributor and as a "Free-lance" writer; but have struggled for some time with motivation, and other more personal fights with bouts of clinical depression. I do have hubs, on HP, which I fully enjoyed writing; but with the depression being so hard to deal with, and then partnered with severe and chronic bouts of Anxiety; I had intermittently and simply lost interest. Writing has been probably one of the most highest on my things that brings me joy, but I just have had some hard times of getting there and staying in that world.

Although I slowed, (some would say 'stopped') putting out hub posts. However, I reached out and after 30 plus years of dealing with my situation, in silence and denial; I reached out and got some professional assistance. That assistance, has been prodding me to get back to the writing; so, I started a blog which is more directly related to the roots of my passions and my situation, on Blogger.com. (Please excuse the 'Plug.") If anyone is interested, just message me..

Anyway, Bill, I wanted to say that through the prodding of my network and after reading this piece, It has re-newed my vigor in writing and production of my blog.

I never thought of bringing that subject matter to HP, as I felt it was in appropriate. However, after seeing some like kind materials I will start hubbing that subject on my hubs.

What I am trying to say is this;

Thank you for your work. I came in to your postings and read more of your work and I am very impressed with the tone of motivation, these posts has served in getting me off of my rear and working with a new sense of purpose and vigor.

These days I feel like my career is in control of me, lol. I am successful writing non-fiction for others. Successful enough that it's hard for me to stick with goals to write what I want (fiction, for one thing) because paying jobs keep coming in that I can't turn down. Great hub. Definitely advice I will be thinking about in the coming days. Thanks!

Bill, glad you got a good laugh from my comment! I always strive to entertain as well as educate. (-:

As for the "dragging kicking and screaming", a friend who was already here at HP who had complimented me many times on witty emails and genealogy pieces I'd composed for her about her English ancestors thought I'd be a great hubber. Did I mention she can do a perfect imitation of a Jewish mother? Nag, nag, nag...nag. After two months of almost daily nagging by phone and email, I joined pretty much just to shut her up! Six months later, though, I dragged HER "kicking and screaming" to blogging, so it all evened out in the end.

Hope you never find that off switch! You're such an inspiration to the rest of us! ;D

Bill, I remember well when you came to HP, and also how my inbox filled up rather quickly with notices of your new hubs after I became a follower. To be honest, the way you pump out hubs one after the other is rather intimidating to someone who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to HP in the first place. (I'm not ashamed to admit to being a shy introvert by nature.)

So for me, writing is not and never will be a Career with a capital C. I do it for pleasure, and if I make a little money from it, that's fine because it's not my only source of income, and I'm glad to have reached a point in life where I no longer have to rely on what I enjoy doing to keep a roof over my head. I have just enough Irish blood to appreciate the meaning of the Irish blessing "May you always have enough".

Control, you ask? There's a reason I no longer have a cat or a dog and gave up live houseplants for silk ones! It's just me and the bon-bons and 30,000 dead ancestors to keep track of these days, and THEY don't have to be walked OR watered. Now where did I put those bon-bons?

Upped and shared. ;D

I almost got up to feed my imaginary cat, but then I realized that I do have goals. I write for the love of it and if some money comes along with it, that's great. I do think this article gave me inspiration to fine tune my goals. Thanks, billy. Voted up, useful, interesting, beautiful and awesome!

BTW Billy, congratulations on the top award...Best All Around Hubber!

This is one seriously motivational piece of work. You can definitely light that fire under anyone who may be teetering on the edge of "Should I or should I not? CAN I or can't I?"

The loudest message received by this reader is: "I will never know until I TRY....and to not "try," must never be considered an option. " Open that damned door and let in the light and fresh air. That's the basic start to LIFE. All I must do is choose to do with that life what I know, with every fiber of my being, what it is I am meant to do.

Inspiration is a wonderful thing. How do we thank you, bro?...Up++++

So interesting and you are certainly a talented writer.

I try to map out my goals, but I'm also being pulled in many directions right now. So, sometimes the goals get shoved aside.

And Bill, that toilet bowl actually reminds me of the face of Thomas the train engine, when he's crossed.

As always, thanks for a great hub! Voted up, useful, and interesting.

Okay, so now its time for me to get serious. Life often gets in the way but I like your suggestion about getting up an hour earlier or going to bed an hour later.

I know there's a book in there and I'm going to get it out! Thanks "Uncle Billy".

Voted all but funny, pinned and shared.

I do have an aim and slowly but surely I will reach there. Another helpful and inspirational hub by you. Thanks for the motivation!

Hanging the goals where you can visually see them is a great idea. If you see these every time you sit down at the computer, it will motivate you to write. Hope you are resting by now and accomplished your goals for the day.

Another thoughtful Hub, Billy!

I am like you Bill, writing is my life's blood and it is the only thing that makes me feel good about myself. Even the simple act of publishing a hub here can make me giddy with pleasure. I really do need to formulate a tangible plan, as you say. I don't make excuses about writing, I write every day, but I go off on too many tangents that don't peter out sometimes.

Your words, as usual, are incredibly useful. The only thing I disagree with you about is that Mrs. Bush told me that the storm my rudderless ship was lost in was called "Karina," not "Katrina." But besides that I'm good, I'm down with the plan! Great hub - and congratulations on your award. You're going to threepeat next year, I know it!

My problem? I have no business background. So. I'm back at work for awhile. But I'm working at a school that is also a non-profit organization as their "Marketing and Community Coordinator." I have no idea how I really landed myself there other than the fact that I truly can write - and THAT is what the Board mentioned when they said, "she can teach Spanish AND help us in the administration."

All that notwithstanding, I'm learning the ins and outs of marketing - real, true marketing. And graphic design. And videography. And they're sending me to get this: social networking and marketing school after I finish my master's.

I so miss writing creatively - almost desperately right now - but A, it's temporary and B, holy moly, these skills are useful, useful stepping stones.

Keep on keepin on, BB. Glad I could stop in for a time or two today. :)

It's a shame there isn't an "inspirational" button to click on this hub. :) They should add one. You're preaching to the choir on this one. I am sure a more lazy writer than you or myself could find this to be quite helpful to get their mind back on track. Another lovely hub on what it is to be a writer.

Thanks, I needed that pep talk! Not to mention the honest down-to-earth advice which is very wise. You've inspired me to set some goals. Great hub! Now, off to check out your blog!

Great advice Billy. I'm guilty of finding excuses not to write, but I never go a single morning without pondering over what I will be writing next.

After reading this hub I think I'll write up a plan, so that I can set short-term and long-term goals. Thank-you for sharing this hub, it has enlightened me, and I now know just what I need to do. THUMBS UP!

Another winner Bill. Even though I'm working a full-time job I do have a plan. It may take a while to reach but everything is done with a purpose. Many thanks for all the tips and advice, have a great week.

To be honest, I think I'm at the stage where I'm at the mercy of my mind. I have things I want to write, and I'm prioritizing the writing over some other things I'd normally do. I don't think that'll be the case in 12 months, but I'm just holding on enjoying myself.

I have so many great ideas, I just have to get them down in the computer.

I think I'm in control of my writing career. My current plan of action is marketing. I know I should've been doing that even before the first book was published and I tried but nothing seemed to be working. My goal now is to make those things work.

I should,ve stopped and fed the cat but i don't have one. Hee..I don't write for money as you know, but i love to write and anything i can learn to make me be a better writer is worth my time and you write something that is beautiful ' occasionally ' smile.

Thank you Billy I think it is a matter of of taking your belief in yourself beyond what is imaginable. That is how I have found sense in my own journey. As you said it, "fake it till you make it." You will never know the possibilities without effort. It is great to know that I am not alone in my madness :)

Let me, today, totally support your five-year plan concept. If worked properly, as you clearly lay out, it works. I worked 5 consecutive 5-year plans, successfully, from 50-75, doing just what you are doing. I 1) went back to school, earned a PhD in Business Management, 2) earned promotion and tenure in minimum time at my university, 3) made full professor in minimum time meeting all requirements, 4) served as Dept Chair, building my pension, 5) became a published author, in retirement, and created a successful writing platform with extensive writing venues. And, it was intentional. I had my wife's strong support, I was encouraged by a daughter and brother who had been through the process. But, the dedication to sticking to the plan, was the key. I suppose I now write for fun, but, I still have a plan, just not quite so strict. Great article, Bill. Keep them coming!! ;-)

While I was reading this, I couldn't help but think that you were practicing "tough love" to all the whiners out there that keep saying they want to be writers but never actually do anything about it (myself included). I think this is the kick in the pants I needed! Enough excuses! I just wrote down my goals and now I'm formulating a plan. Thank you for being such an inspiration!

I thought I was in control of my writing journey.. but this hub gave me a different.. but new perspective.. billybuc.. and ally has good questions that I may like to hear answers to.. can I suggest the mailbag? Oh, and can I still feed the cat?

oh that's a good question...finances....

If you don't mind me asking, how do you still have the finances to support yourself if you quit your job? Or, on the flip side, how would you suggest that people be able to literally afford this? I'm only 22 and still live with my parents for now, and I know I definitely don't have the means for that! I so wish I did, though.

Wise words! It has been proven that actually writing your goals down helps, so I'm glad you mentioned that. I hope to one day be a full-time writer, but I'm happy with the progress I've been able to make this far. It's truly a process, but I believe it's worth it!

Control? Are you kidding? lol The only thing I have control over is my breathing, and even that is questionable if I am counting from one to ten when someone has ticked me off! lol

The plan is in place - as long as there is no fork in the road, it should go off without a hitch. Just gotta believe.

Very inspirational, Bill and I give you such credit for never missing a day of writing! I wish I had that much determination. Many days I do, but I have trouble finding the time lately. I love the idea of hanging the post it above the computer too with the goals in mind. I have a to-do list, but it's hidden in the depths of my computer- I need to put in the PC. Great idea!

very very inspiring. you really hit the nail right on the head. very simple, clear and relevant advice.

thank you!

Excellent advise -- especially the five-year plan idea. One method that has kept me going is sitting down on Sundays and listing the article titles I intend to write for the week. That way when I sit down to write, knowing what to write about is already settled.

Yes, great thanks. More sunshine and life is good! I'm still on a high from yesterday!

Ann

Straight to the nitty-gritty; perfect. Discipline is the key.

I know what you mean about getting a high when you know you've got something spot-on or you've touched someone's heart. It's so good, isn't it?

Hope your Wednesday is a perfect one, bill.

Ann

A business plan! Now that is something that I hadn't thought of. Thank you so much for that suggestion. I have a goal and an informal plan of how to get there, but you're right, I should probably write it all down. Two things I found that have really help jumpstart my writing career: 1. committing to a writing schedule and 2. telling people that I have my own business as a freelance garden writer and speaker. For some reason, when I make it "real" for other people, it makes it "real" for me. Fantastic hub. Voted up and shared.

The word career in the title is actually what grabbed my attention. I like the business plan idea, long and short term goals. I should have done that a long time ago instead of my constant to do lists. You are carving out one heck of a niche in how to write successfully and I for one really appeciate the useful advice. God bless you!

I am one of those fake it till you make it kind of person. I do the research and then when the positives outweigh the negatives, I jump in. But, there always has to be a plan - a goal of some sort or I know I will drown. Your advice fits well for writers or people in any career, journey, or path. I tend to start off small and general. Then, when I have hit that mark, I go deeper and more refined. The point is, Bill you are 100% right about setting goals. It is almost impossible to succeed without them.

I've been on hubpages a few weeks now, and I have to say what an inspriation you are. Your advise not only applys to writing, but life itself. You have to set goals and follow through. As for me I've been writing on a part time basis for a little over a year. I do it because I like the fact I'm creating something that might help others, and of course I'd like to make a little extra income. After reading this, I see that I do need to be more specific in my goals. Thanks so much :)

My fingers control my writing, but my mind controls my writing...wait...what? :) I just want to say that I have never had more a fervor and determination to keep writing than I do now, especially after discovering HubPages and meeting all my new friends. Thanks!

Hello there, Uncle Bill!

I'll probably 'fake it till I make' it for now. What should I say? I wish to have that career but then its like time is insufficient for me. Am I in control? Argh! I can control my kids...for now but when the time comes that they don't want me taking the lead, then I'll probably grab a pen and write more goals that I can remember trying in this kind of journey!

Thanks for always inspiring us!

Bill, with less freedom to write, I'm doing as much as I did when I had more time. Seems I have some control there. It's all about the goal. Thanks for your motivation.