I found myself back on Determined Drive today, remembering the difficulties of a brand new writer. The questions, insecurities, doubts and fears. A particular situation stands out in my mind where I arrived at a crossroads. I felt inadequate, overwhelmed, and about this high in my confidence level.

But there rose up within me such a determination to write, no matter what anyone else thought or whether I ever reached publication and saw my name in print. A time when God slanted my stubbornness to a good purpose : ) He provided so many friends and mentors along the way as I found my own Determined Drive. I would like to return that favor to others. 

If you are a new writer, what would be helpful to you on Lovely Lane?

Writing opportunities? Cheerleading? Discussing writing genres? Book recommendations?

If you turn on to Determined Drive, you must be a determined driver. And a determined driver has a destination in mind.

Writers must have goals, whether you are a new writer or a best selling author.  Often we set unrealistic goals and end up becoming overwhelmed and discouraged. One of the best ways to accomplish your writing goals is to start small. It could be as simple as:

• listing your current ideas

• organizing your writing files

• choosing one periodical, studying writers guidelines and drafting a query letter

Or it could be more involved:

• completing six chapters in your novel

• crafting a book proposal

• writing four new articles

I have found an accountability partner (waving at Jorlyn) who has helped me in reaching my goals. Every month we email a short list to each other. And the next month we compare our progress. It works!  I challenge you to comment and list three main goals for the rest of October. Let’s check back again next week and compare our progress.

My goals: submit one article query to a magazine, write two blog posts, update writing submissions.

List three writing goals for the month of October.