How are you doing with your writing? Are you enjoying it, or are you stuck and agonizing about plot, characters, language, queries, agents and publishers? Use this assessment to take stock, plan your next couple of moves and decide if working with a Coach might move you ahead faster.
| I know that strong verbs are the power words and adjectives and adverbs are weaker words that can dress up my writing, but often can interfere with impact and flow. During re-writes I make sure each adjective and adverb I use is essential. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| I don't let my friends read my work. Friends are usually supportive. I need critical feedback from one who's only interest in me is my writing. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| I have set times for my writing. I know that if I waited for the muse, I wouldn't get much accomplished. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| I'm not too concerned about market trends. I know the best work will come when I write the books, articles and stories I'm DRIVEN to write. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| Weavers know that to make a garment or basket that will last, the first weave must be the tightest or the work will quickly fall apart. So, too, a piece of writing must have the strongest opening possible. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| I realize I can't be a writer, editor and critic all at once. For the first draft (or chapters or parts of it), I let the words and ideas flow and don't expect everything to be golden. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| The flow of events and everyday experience is meaningless and shapeless. It's the writers job to create meaning,and structure; so I give careful attention to themes and metaphors that can tie the work together and make it more than the sum of its parts. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| Being really ready for prime time is crucial! I concentrate on making my writing the best it can be, and realize if I'm really not ready for publication, paying someone to rush things along isn't going to get me where I need to go. However, paying somebody to support my process and craft might be a worthwhile investment. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| I know that everyone has to start somewhere. So I don't begin by sending my stuff to the top agents, magazines or publishers. Local publications, trade journals, church and community newspapers, and the internet are great places to start. Not only will I have publishing credits, I'll also have clips to send other places. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| I always read about the agent, magazine or publisher before I submit. Knowing their strengths and preferences , makes it easier for them to say, 'Yes!' |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| When making a proposal, it's important to be clear and straightforward about what I'm proposing, but at the same time, I know editors are seeking new voices, so I always try to let the proposal reflect my voice and unique POV. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
| I hate taking time away from my writing, but I realize networking and being with other writers has been both inspirational and useful to my craft and marketing activities. |
| Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 - More True |
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