OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
I have big dreams as a writer, and as an entrepreneur.
But I often try to squash those dreams down because they feel too egocentric or too ambitious or too unreasonable. Not sensible at all. And I have always been a sensible girl, taking everything very seriously! I try to be practical and pragmatic and realistic.
But today I read this passage from the brilliant Julia Cameron in The Sound of Paper, an excellent book to dip into for creative inspiration.
“A great deal of the time we dismiss our longings on the grounds that they aren't reasonable – and often they aren't. Where did we get the idea that life was intended to be reasonable? … We have very little evidence that sensible and frugal are actually qualities cherished by the Great Creator … Most of us have a dream that we could set sail if only we dared … Rather than act on these dreams, we often shoo them from our consciousness, saying ‘I need to be sensible. I would never be able to manage that.' But perhaps we can manage more than we think.”
This passage challenged me, so I am sharing my big dreams with you. Please share yours with me in the comments. Maybe together we can make some of them come true – even if it takes this writer's lifetime.
- I want to be a brand name fiction author – which means becoming an excellent, commercial fiction writer and all that entails
- I want to be a New York Times bestselling fiction author
- I want to write a James Bond book – maybe be the first women to do so – and have a book launch with a fantastic sports car and hot guys in tuxedos flanking me in a scarlet dress (inspired by the launch of Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver)
- I want my books to be made into action-adventure movies, preferably featuring Angelina Jolie, and I want to walk down the red carpet at the premiere
- and yes, I want to be on the Forbes list of the highest-paid authors 🙂
Nothing too ambitious then?!
These dreams may be crazy and ambitious, but I also know the difference between dreams and goals. My current goal is to get the third novel in my ARKANE series, Exodus, finished before July. I know I can achieve that goal.
But our dreams feed our goals, inspire us and keep us focused on the future. I've always wanted to be a brand name fiction author, that's a little guilty secret from years ago, but I am definitely closer now than I was 3 years ago. Back then I didn't even have one novel. Our dreams have to start somewhere, right?
Gary A. Swaby says
I want to become a well known author in my niche genre, that’s my short term goal. I believe it’s doable because its a very small genre (Urban/Hip Hop).
But I don’t just want to pigeon hole myself in that genre either….eventually I would like to branch out and write something more ambitious.
I’m so close to releasing my first book now, and I just want to thank Joanna for all the help. Her blog helped in ways she doesn’t even know.
Joanna Penn says
Thanks Gary, and thanks for your support of this community 🙂 Urban, hip hop sounds like a funky genre. If you combine that with crime, you might like to check out Seth Harwood who writes that kind of thing too.
Gary Swaby says
Thanks for the recommendation, I shall check him out.
Shaquanda Dalton says
My dream is write a story that people who are into drama/romance would love. I want to be the next sistah souljah and have people all over the world talking about my book.
I want hold my book in my hands and see my book on a shelf in barnes and nobel (I haven’t published yet)
I really love this post because it’s makes you think about your goals as writer and why you decided to become one.
Chihuahua0 says
My dream as a writer is to write multiple series of books, each one with memorable and engaging characters, along with forming a community of fans.
Tanner M says
Hey everyone, I’m a struggling writer myself and I’m try to gain support/some knowledgeable critics for a blog I’m writing. If you have time to check it out and offer some feedback or you just enjoy reading it, I’d appreciate it.
Nicua says
Hey, what’s your blog site’s name? Ill come check it out 🙂
Lorna Faith says
Love it that you are so real with sharing your dreams and goals Joanna 🙂 It’s motivating! My dreams are to be a brand name historical romance author; to be on the New York Times bestselling author list; I too want to have at least one book made into a movie(how cool would that be?); and of course to make good money at it too; also want to have my books entertain and give people hope 🙂
So that’s my list…thanks for putting yourself out there! You are inspiring to the rest of us. It’s been good for me to think about the Big Dream again 🙂
Joanna Penn says
I’ll see you on the red carpet Lorna 🙂
Joanna Leigh says
AMEN!!!! 🙂 I SOOOO love this site! Inspirational as well as MOTIVATING!!!! Right now, I’m juggling a story and a personal Bible study. I do one in the afternoon, before work, and one before bed. I’m not getting a lot of sleep these days.
jules- big girl bombshell says
Oh…dreams and goals…awesome post…
My goal is to final finish and publish my book this year
The dream…to travel as a motivational speaker helping others realize their own potential
while at the same time creating a non profit that supports technology, writing and other arts within the schools, which the schools use to become self-sufficient to sustain their funds for education. . to create a business that feeds our education system
Joanna Penn says
Fantastic Jules – speaking is incredibly rewarding and definitely something you can work towards. I joined National Speaker’s Association and learned a lot from other professionals, so there are some goals to move towards in the pursuit of your dream!
Nicole Basaraba says
LOVE the James Bond goal. Definitely go for it!
Joanna Penn says
I’m not quite sure how it would work, but when Jeffrey Deaver got the job, I thought that it was an attainable dream – IF I can get myself into the long term success that Deaver has 🙂
Joanna Leigh says
Oh, AMEN!!!!! I find myself doing that when I write; “Gee, will people believe that?” or, “Would that ever happen?” First of all, truth is stranger than fiction. I LIVED through TWO of the most UNLIKELY situations (Both GOOD) that you could ever imagine! Matter of fact, the whole story started with a movie, itself, which began with an elevator ride by the man who wrote the movie! He was ticked off by the abuse of a song by SOUL-less Muzak. 30 years later….. Phantompalooza!
That said, I will do my best to rid myself of these safe, SENSIBLE ideas of what is possible and write what my imagination sees. Without those crazy thoughts, Wilbur and Orville Wright would never have dared dream that humanity would FLY over lands and bodies of water! Now, we almost take it for granted!
You rock!
Joanna Penn says
I appreciate you enthusiasm Joanna 🙂
Joanna Leigh says
P.S. I’m considering writing that story, but in FICTIONAL FORM. Still noodling it.
Joanna Leigh says
I have an odd question…. I would like to tell a story of something I’d wished COULD have happened, for REAL, but the person I wanted to share this dream with recently passed away. Can I still tell the story of what I wish COULD have happened or would that be….offensive? The dream was that we could end up making a movie of a story I wrote?
Thanks for your site! I’m listening to Jeff Goins again. I’m sooo on the same page with him! You guys are a HUGE inspiration!
Joanna Penn says
If it’s your story, there’s definitely nothing stopping you writing it 🙂
Joanna Leigh says
Thanks, Joanna! I’m on it. Will send you a link to the post once it’s finished, if you like. 😀
Dinah says
Thank you for sharing your big dreams, Joanna! I didn’t dare to share my dreams publicly before because thoughts like, ‘What if it never comes to past?’ , ‘You’ll never be that good, you’re just bragging.’ makes me feel scared to even speak about it. But I’d like to share mine after reading your post!
I have a dream to travel around the world to talk to people, interview people, know their experiences and write about them. Everyone has a different story to tell and I’m intrigued by the diversity of human experiences.
Being an art student, I also have a dream to travel all around the world to visit art galleries and write about the exhibitions. To constantly expand my views on what is art and how different people define and create them.
But I’m new to blogging and writing. And I’m not even sure if such jobs exist! So my dreams are looking really distant at the moment.
Joanna Penn says
Dinah, your dreams are absolutely achievable – I suggest you read a couple of books about this kind of lifestyle design:
Tim Ferriss – The Four Hour Work Week
Chris Guillebeau – $100 Startup
Both of these books will inspire you to look at people who are living a location-independent life.
I am part way there – my business can be run from a laptop at the moment, and within a few years the income will be better, but these books will get you thinking, I promise!
Dinah says
Wow! Thanks for the suggestions! I’m definitely going to get those books and read them!
I will really like to live a location-independent life. I can totally imagine myself travelling from place to place, sitting in different cafes and hotel rooms with huge long windows, sipping a nice cup of coffee with a table full of papers and writing articles on my laptop! It’s like my dream lifestyle!
Thanks Joanna! 😀
Joanna Leigh says
That sounds SOOOOOO nice!!!! I’ll make my coffee that International House stuff. Cafe Mocha. That fits anywhere!
Maria Tatham says
Joanna, I think this is fine and lots of fun. But if you read and respond to so many comments, how will you make your goal or dream? Thanks for reading them!
My dream is to have a quaterly royalty check in a minimum of three digits, that is, $999 and up. If this happens, I’ll be able to pay for our groceries, putting an end to the guilt I feel because I’m bringing in so little money with my dream of writing for a living – of creating little fantasy worlds that people will like enough to buy.
Another dream is to make a slow or fast climb out of debt.
Bless you!
Maria
Joanna Penn says
I enjoy the comments, especially on this post as I was so worried about sharing my own dreams! (I don’t usually respond to them all though :))
I’ll share with you that my last royalty check from Amazon for February was in 4 figures – for one month’s sales. My biggest yet – it took about a year to get to that level and it was for 2 books – but 18 months ago, I was earning $0 from book sales – so your dream is definitely achievable if you write and publish 🙂
Maria Tatham says
Joanna, that’s truly encouraging! And congratulations on your success! Success is not exactly relative, but it is unique to individuals in many ways. I do want to bring an income in, and do want an audience — if I can only find it.
:0)
(Am enjoying ~Pentecost~!)
Best wishes to the other writers here!
Kim Cano says
* I’d like to be a best-selling self-published author of literary fiction. I’m working on the second draft of my first novel right now. Going to work with Steve Parolini (noveldoctor) this summer based on Joanna’s recommendation for developmental editing.
* I’d like my first book: For Animal Lovers (a short story collection) that I just self-published on Amazon 4 weeks ago to start selling to people other than family/friends. I had my first KDP promotion last weekend and got 1,709 downloads, so maybe they will like/tell their friends and it will turn into sales. I made it to #115 in the Kindle store at the highest point. Would’ve been cool to crack the top 100, but I got close.
*I have a personal dream, that if I were super-rich, I’d help animals so they aren’t euthanized if they’re not adopted in time. I am donating 10% of all my book’s royalites to the ASPCA to help homeless pets. Right now, it’s not much, I’ve only sold 25 copies , but it’s a start.
* I would like to make enough as an author to replace income from a regular job and be able to use the royalties to do some travelling and see the world. I’m particularly keen on going to Bora Bora. It’s on the bucket list…it’s just one very expensive trip.
Joanna Penn says
Hi Kim,
Congrats on your success – #115 in Kindle store is awesome 🙂 Your charitable giving will definitely go up as well – it sounds like you’re committed to your writing and publishing – and you’ll enjoy Steve Parolini 🙂
Kirstie says
The book launch goal is fabulous! I want that too, though considering the genre I write they’d need to be clad in chainmail rather than tuxes.
I agree, you’ve got to have some lofty goals, but you need some more easily achieved ones as well so you don’t feel like you’re getting nowhere. You also have to be careful not to waste time daydreaming about the lofty goals too much.
Anita M. King says
My dream is one that I might never know if it comes true. I want some kid–some teenager who hates her life and hates the way people treat her–to read one of my stories, set it down, and say to herself, “Things won’t always be this bad for me. My life can be better than it is now, and I can do something to make it that way.” I dream of my books giving someone hope the way other people’s books gave me hope.
Lisa Greer says
Love this post! 🙂 I guess my dream is to be able to do more of what I love to do–writing. I’m a multi-pubbed small press and indie author with a bunch of titles under my name and pens. So, the way to get to write more is to make more money at it. It might sound silly, but I’d like to be able to rely on a certain figure in income each month from writing and editing (I’m halfway there. When I get frustrated, I look at my income for the year and realize I’ve already made as much as I did total in 2011!) at least. 2. I’d like to become known as the go-to writer for gothic romance serials and gothic romance in general nowadays. 3. I’d like to be able to travel more. I feel sort of stuck at this point by financial limitations. Traveling always inspires me to write, and I want to go to Europe again. More income will help with that.
By the way, thanks for your pricing article. I’m trying that out this month after realizing I’d set several books above .99, and my sales dipped much lower that month (and I made a good bit less money!). Now, I have my small press titles mostly above .99 (as set by the publisher) and 90% of my own self pubbed titles at .99. We’ll see how May ends up. 😉
Joanna Leigh says
I heard your podcast with the guy who does book covers and I look forward to having a finished project I can get his help. This cover http://www.mywritersworkshop.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=whatever&action=display&thread=46 I created for an online book project on photoscape.net. If this book got published, I would INSIST on this cover. Maybe trim a bit of background clutter but I love how it feels in connection with the project, itself.
Kaykay Obi says
I love this post. Really inspired me not to be shy about calling myself ‘the guy with the BIGGER dreams’ Well, I dream to be an excellent, commercial fiction writer. The best from Africa. I want the world to not only to see my upcoming series, set in Africa, but to read it. I want my books translated into many languages. Want my name on the NY Times bestselling list. Want my works adapted into movies.
I keep working hard though to see my dream materialize.
Amy Jane (Untangling Tales) says
There’s a song by Within Temptation called *Stand My Ground* (it’s on YouTube) that includes the great line, “If I don’t make it, some one else will.”
Every time I start to speak impossible! to myself I eventually hear the song again and I try to let it it root me: because it’s true. My being “sensible” (unless it helps me focus better on my “real” life) is really of no use in motivating me anywhere.
I’d like to see my novels made into movies. That’s my biggest dream. Mainly because I see that as a way for my stories to reach farther, but also because I want to be a part of translating them (and *one* beloved novel that’s never touched the big screen). It seems like a beautiful way to stay home and visit new territory simultaneously.
At the present it’s a way of reminding myself to stay visually specific and think camera/POV issues as I write.
Another dream (Closer? Just as distant?) is to learn how to ignore the naysayers and get finished with enthusiasm regardless of the opinions of others (even close others…).
Joanna Leigh says
The IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE! 😀 A group of movie fans proved that when they brought the ENTIRE CAST of a movie together for a 30th anniversary! I wish this site had picture capabilities so I could show those pics! Anyway, IGNORE the Naysayers, do what you can to make those dreams a reality! Then, when you win your Emmy or Oscar, you can say, “And lastly, I’d like to thank all those who said it COULDN’T be done! You’re the ones who motivated me the most.”
My regret is that I didn’t make more of an effort to get in touch with the writer of this movie (same movie that was the cause of a 30th anniversary celebration!) . Thing is, that was do-able as I had connections. I think I felt a bit….presumptuous or whatever for contacting the people who could have contacted the writer. Then, when the would-be star of my would be movie died recently, I realized how much I WANTED that to happen. DON’T make my mistake. If you want your stories made into movies, find out how that can be done and do whatever you can do make that dream a reality! If all else fails, at least you can say you tried!
Joanna Leigh says
(Joanna, please delete previous post. The way I wrote it, it reads like I wanted the actor to die!!! NEVER!!! :'( )
The IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE! 😀 A group of movie fans proved that when they brought the ENTIRE CAST of a movie together for a 30th anniversary! I wish this site had picture capabilities so I could show those pics! Anyway, IGNORE the Naysayers, do what you can to make those dreams a reality! Then, when you win your Emmy or Oscar, you can say, “And lastly, I’d like to thank all those who said it COULDN’T be done! You’re the ones who motivated me the most.”
My regret is that I didn’t make more of an effort to get in touch with the writer of this movie (same movie that was the cause of a 30th anniversary celebration!) . Thing is, that was do-able as I had connections. I think I felt a bit….pre-sumptuous or whatever for contacting the people who could have contacted the writer. Then, when the would-be star of my would be movie died recently, I realized how much I WANTED THE MOVIE to happen. DON’T make my mistake. If you want your stories made into movies, find out how that can be done and do whatever you can do make that dream a reality! If all else fails, at least you can say you tried!