193
So I decided to concentrate on the novel, as the ex-
pected fi nancial return is greater (and I wanted to make a
living writing fi ction). I did write a couple of short stories
along the way, and got them published, but that was a
sideline effort. For others, writing short stories may be
what they want to do most, and the ROE is satisfaction
and publication in a literary journal.
Here’s another calculation. I love reading strange, ex-
perimental novels. I’ve even had some ideas along those
lines. But experimental novels sell fi ve copies. I want to
be read. Does that mean I’ll never take a fl ier on some-
thing out of the ordinary? No. But I wanted to keep the
“main thing the main thing,” and wrote commercial fi c-
tion, which I also love (if you don’t love, in some way,
what you’re writing, write something else).
2. write goals down on paper.
Why? Because you activate brainpower by doing this. The
“boys in the basement” work even when you sleep. They
like being given directions.
Read over your goals often. Daily is good. Re-pri-
oritize as you see fi t. But make sure you put something
before your eyes.
Be as specifi c as possible, as in I will …
I will write 5,000 words a week.
I will complete my novel by March 1.
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