Paddling Your Own Canoe

The quote above is attributed to Katherine Hepburn, movie actress of the '40's and 50's.  Awards and admiration followed her during and after her Hollywood career. I think she was a perfect example of her own quote.'

Writers can apply the quote to their own journey. Some writers complain that they never seem to get anywhere, that they aren't being published as often as they like, that they aren't growing as a writer. If you're one of those writers, take a step back and look at how you've been pursuing your writing craft.

1. Have you made enough time to write?
2. Have you done enough research to give you the background needed?
3. Have you revised and edited until the piece shines?
4. Have you researched the appropriate markets or picked the same old, same old?
5. Have you tried writing something different than you usually do?
6. Have you looked for possible contests to enter?
7. Have you submitted at least one piece each week?
8. Have you given your best effort to each piece you write?
9. Have you done writing exercises to practice your craft?

We'd all like to answer yes to these questions. If we're totally honest, there are going to be some no answers. None of us is perfect but we do strive to be better. If you want to answer yes to many of the questions, it's going to take hard work. You'll to paddle faster and faster. There is no one else who can do it for you. 

Mark the questions that are most important to you or ones that you feel needs work. Then make a list of what you need to do to improve. Pick up your paddle and move at your own pace. But do move!