Messy Office Desk with Ideas and Vision

“I Have A [Writing] Dream”

Fiction is my passion. Stories that matter and that have something to say were my earliest independent love, they have been the focus of my creativity for a quarter century now, and I have made them my career.

Now, a few months from fifty, I want to tell you about the vision I have for the future of writing and great storytelling, and ask you where and how you might choose to join it.

My vision compresses down to three words:

Create, Teach, Produce.

One: Create

I want to bring meaningful stories to discriminating readers, viewers, and listeners.

This means I’ll continue to write my own fiction. Working on novels 34 and 35—with 32 published novels behind me—I’m pretty well established in that part of my vision.

Two: Teach

Beyond writing my own work, I want to help more good stories make it into the world. To me, this means offering powerful tools to writers to help them write stories that are the best work they have in them—not just filler for bookshelves, but stories that come from their heart and passion, and that, when written, move, inspire, and enrich the lives of the readers who discover them.

To this end, I’ve created all the free writing resources on the Forward Motion pages of my site, all the short writing courses in my online shop, and my first two comprehensive writers’ training courses, my how to write your novel and build your career course, How To Think Sideways, and my novel revision course, How To Revise Your Novel.

Those are a start. I have a stack of notebooks full of other ideas, and am simply working to make the time to create what’s in those notebooks. (Create A World Clinic is next.)

Three: Produce

Even beyond that, though, I want to create a publishing enterprise where editors come up with their genres and themes and are directly rewarded for their success, where writers create stories that matter to them and are directly rewarded for connecting with the readers who long for the stories they’re telling, and where people whose creative passion is storytelling can make a good living doing what they love.

Rebel Tales is the start of this part of what I want to create. Rebel Tales is still in a holding pattern while Margaret finishes and tests the backend that will allow me to pay each writer and each editor monthly their percentage of their work’s monthly gross income.

Because I think direct, perpetual monthly royalties on works created are the best way to encourage great work, and because building a way for people to be able to make their passion into their career matters deeply to me, it’s critical that I be able to pay my writers and editors in this fashion from the start.

Four: Help Out

While not immediately connected to the production of great storytelling and the creation of an expanding body of fiction worth reading, making sure that my readers, writers, and editors don’t starve is a big deal for me.

I’ve done some work to this end. I created affiliate programs to pay 50% of individual sales to anyone whose recommendation of my courses (or my writers’ courses) leads to the sale.

I created the 33 Worst Mistakes Writers Make publishing program for people who had deep knowledge in a subject to create writers’ guides on subjects writers frequently get wrong and sell them through my shop.

I want to create a site that will allow these folks and other specialists to teach regular courses and offer information in their areas of expertise to writers who need a one-stop shop for research.

Sitting in a holding pattern, I have Money To Write (how to create monthly “royalty” income that will allow you to write full-time). I have an enormous amount of material for this program, but no time to get it into the software or do the necessary promotion.

I have discovered to my chagrin that I cannot do everything.

And the reality is that I’ll be fifty in October, and no matter how much time I have left, it’s running out at a hell of a pace.

I need help.

I have never longed to change the world. In fact, I’m utterly and ferociously against anyone whose stated goal is to save the world.

My objective is and always has been to work with those people who dare to dream that they could create, who dare to act to pursue their dream, and who want to make their own lives better—for them I create the tools and the training and the community that will allow them to do this.

To fulfill my own dream, to build my chosen vision into reality,
I need people for whom bringing great, unique stories to readers tired of “canned fiction product” matters. And if you aren’t a writer, a reader, or an editor of any stripe, I still need artwork, web design, data entry, product finishing, contract and rights assistance, and other things I guarantee you I haven’t even thought of yet.

If my objective strikes a chord with you, if my vision resonates with you, and if you can see yourself as a part of this, then look at what I want to do, and tell me where you fit in—what you can do, why you want to do it, where your passion lies. What is YOUR dream, and how could working with me help you achieve it?

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Comments

259 responses to ““I Have A [Writing] Dream””

  1. Ivye Avatar

    Dear Holly,

    I serendipitously stumbled in your website just as you were about to launch HTTS, and have been around ever since. Your ebooks, courses, cheerful and no-nonsense approach to writing have helped me in many ways, and brought me back to my writing dream after a longish, painful period of… shall I call it story-starvation?

    When I read your email this morning, your words resonated with me: I love both your vision and the way you share it with us. I’d love to help.

    I believe there are a few things I could do: I’m a writer (published and staged in Italy) doing most of my own promotion, booktrailers, websites, and so on, a freelance editor (I was one of the over-a-weekend beta readers for your Scenes course, remember?), a very decent translater with a good knowledge of Italian, English, French, and Spanish, a writing tutor, a stage director, a book reviewer, a blogger, a good team-worker with a clear head – and a knack for keeping sight of the whole forest.

    And yes, I know stage direction might sound wildly unrelated, but I think it takes a certain sort of mindset to navigate a cast&crew of fifty from just being there to the completion of a coherent, significant work – a mindset that could come in handy in other fields.

    If you think any of these skills could fit in with your dream-project, if you think I can help in some way, if you think you want to try me, just whistle – and I will come.

    Ivye

  2. Violeta Avatar
    Violeta

    Hi Holly,

    Yet another inspiring message that made my day! I wish you luck with this wonderful dream of yours and I have no doubt you’ll change the world in the way you change your readers’ worlds every day. 🙂 Of course I’m in as well. I’m not a published writer yet but I’m keeping the dream alive and doing the work. Again, thanks for the inspiration and light you bring to my days with your newsletter!

    Regards,
    Violeta

  3. Sue Avatar
    Sue

    Holly,
    Great idea… I think this will really take off. As a writer I would love to be a part of this. You probably also need people to edit and sift through entries… Editing is something I’ve always excelled at.
    Good luck!
    Sue

  4. Christina Avatar

    I have always loved reading and as I got older I realized the best way to harness this love is to write books thast others will love as much as I have loved others. Your writing courses are what I hope to take once I can afford them and I’m soooo excited to be able to do so as soon as I can. I am so happy that you exist to help other writers and you take the time to help us. Not many people are so selfless with thier gifts and want to use them to help others.

    Love you Holly!

  5. Alex Sliver Avatar
    Alex Sliver

    For eighteen years I was a reader, brought up on mother’s fantasy novels and whatever I could find that interested me. I still remember the halycon days of sitting on a couch with my grandmother as we read together when I was only 4.

    It was only a year ago that I discovered my talent for writing and not just reading. I supposed I had a talent for it when I made a girl swoon at reading the first chapter of my novel. When she came to, I asked her what it was and all she could say was “…I love him…” I should note that the novel was not a romance novel.

    Until recently I had only one dream, to be a part of something that made a change, good or bad. My second dream is have my work published. If your project can help me achieve one or even both then you have me ready for action. Read, write, or edit, I would love to help.

  6. Alex Avatar

    Hi Holly,
    I’ll gladly help if you’ll let me 🙂 I’m studying English at university later this year, currently taking a proofreading and copy-editing correspondence course, a deputy editor of a teen book review website and, well … grammar and spelling obsessed. I’m sure I can be of help in some way. Just say the word 🙂
    Alex

  7. Lisa Binion Avatar

    Holly,

    I love to read and I love to write. I have reviewed several different books and have interviewed the authors. I have also written articles on writing, as well as articles on natural living for BellaOnline.

    It is my dream to actually get paid for reviewing books, or for deciding which books are ready to be published. I can also edit for mistakes in grammar and/or punctuation. I do also write, but I find that I enjoy reading even more.

  8. Texanne Avatar

    Holly,
    The kids and I have talked and we feel that we can do data entry. The kids, ages 16, 13, and 8 are also available as beta readers for children’s and YA stories, if you choose to publish those. (They also want to know if there’s a third book in the Silver Door/Ruby Key set.)

    I have edited professional newsletters and house organs, but I did not like doing that, so won’t volunteer. However, it does cross my mind that you might want to add some small non-fiction bits for Rebel Tales, such as book reviews or links to cool blogs, or writing prompts–either text or graphics. I’d be happy to scout for those or to sort out submissions or recommendations as well as to tidy up anything that needs to be tidied.

    And as always, to generate good vibes for the project.

  9. Denice Avatar
    Denice

    You are amazing … I have followed you peripherally for about a year, and I am in awe of your drive … it is wonderful, and your vision is so inspiring

    I am a writer and an audiobook narrator. I would love to help, if I can.

    Take good care,
    Denice

  10. Marti Verlander (marti-v) Avatar

    Holly, I’d be pleased to help you with this project, and I’m flexible enough to accept whatever niche you think would fit.

    Here are some things that may help define what that niche is:

    * B.A. in English (Creative Writing)
    * Grad of HtTS and still working on HtRYN (my HtRYN novel won a 3rd place Paul Gillette award from Pikes Peak Writers in 2010)
    * Publications include nonfiction (Consumer’s Digest, Kansas City Magazine, Inside Karate, Pikes Peak Writers NewsMag) and short fiction in Flashquake and AlienSkin Magazine), and I wrote/edited/published the RyuTe News for fourteen years
    * Job background includes library assistant, police department / sheriff’s office (student secretary/clerk), legal assistant, senior training specialist
    * Strong background in martial arts (RyuTe Karate), including a live workshop on “Write the Fight,” presented to writers’ groups
    * Teaching experience (Latin to grade school children, CPR/First Aid, Peak Performance in Presentations, Total Quality Management, martial arts and self-defense) and course development
    * Owned, operated, and taught RyuTe in The Self-Defense Academy for eight years

    Please let me know how I can help.

    — Marti

  11. Candy Nicks Avatar

    Hi Holly and all,
    Go for it. I did back in 2005 when I was a founder member of an epublisher where I was chief publishing editor. In 2006 I moved projects, with another author friend and founded Alinar Publishing, a self publishing co-op where we publish mainly ebook romance. I got my first number one bestseller on Fictionwise when I self published. I’m not here to advertise myself or my website, just to encourage you to follow your dreams if they feel right. It’s the perfect time. If I can give any pointers along the way, feel free to ask.

  12. Patty Avatar
    Patty

    Hi, Holly —

    I retired from family medicine back in 2000, after a disability rendered me unable to work. So I went home to take care of my three small children and figure out my life. I went on to have (as in write, market and maintain) a patient education website for four years, and do some non-fiction freelance editing and writing. My dream back when I did NaNo for the first time in 2005 was to write a novel. I’ve written eight, and came to realize this winter that not only HAD I achieved my dream, but that I had run out of things to say for now, in the fiction realm. Not to mention that the thought of publication gives me anxiety attacks.

    So it’s time for a new dream, which for now is a work in progress.

    What can I offer you? Knowledge of medical stuff, some expertise in genealogy and history, reading/critting/editing (I’m better at copyediting than the big picture stuff, but it’s much easier for me to do the latter on other people’s stuff than mine), some knowledge about plants/foraging/gardening. I can write basic HTML and won’t screw up a website if someone needs copy/pictures/ads moved around or changed. I can draw (plants especially), do photomanipulation (I work on Paint Shop Pro, which I know is like caveman, but I never got the hang of Photoshop), make ads or sigs, help with marketing, or just cheer people on. I don’t travel much or do face to face or phone conversations well, but anything online I can do. 🙂

    Good luck in whatever you decide.

  13. Walter Williams Avatar

    I will contribute to this in many ways. I am offering my expertise in computer security to make certain you have a safe website for your business, I will contribute my stories (and finally get that 33 mistakes writers make about hackers written), I will help you get other content besides stories up and in place, and I will happily purchase quality stories from the site.

    Good to be working with you again.

    Walt

  14. Vicki B Avatar
    Vicki B

    Sign me up!!
    I’ll be 52 in November, and your first love was mine, too, a couple years before….I’m a “retired” psychotherapist and social worker (Master’s level), and finally living my first and best dream… to write. and still living my second dream….to teach (how to navigate one’s own forest).

    Sign me up!
    Vicki (and I do write with joy)

  15. Emma Cunningham Avatar
    Emma Cunningham

    Hi Holly,

    I have a post-grad in Book and Magazine Publishing. I currently work as the Production Coordinator for the Digital & Internet department at Harlequin, and have also worked as an editor for a few books and magazines.

    I’d love to help out if you could use any of that.

  16. Dawna Kreis Avatar

    Holly,

    I would love to be able to help. Writing is my passion. I’ve been writing in one way or another since I could put a written sentence together! With several starts and stops along the way, I’m slowly making my way toward my dream – being able to write for a living!

    This past spring, at the urging of a dear friend and mentor, I started my blog, Hiccups In Time, as a way to get my writing out there. I am currently writing non-fiction works. Memoirs. Stories as a mother and military spouse, but am starting to work toward getting the fictional stories that have been flitting about my mind forever, it seems, into type as well.

    I am making progress toward my dream. I am a contributing writer for the Mom Renewal Project (http://momrenewal.com/) and have been approached by the marketing manager of an online baby clothes boutique to write stories for marketing purposes. My first submission can be found at: http://www.momcentral.com/cms/119828/time_does_fly. They’re not paid “gigs”, but I’m working on getting my writing out there in the hope that some day they will be.

    I hope I can help in making both of our writing dreams a reality!

    ~Dawna

  17. June Avatar

    Hi Holly,
    I’m an author working on my second book. I love the written word. If I can help one person escape for a little while from lifes everday problems, I’m happy. My dream is to become bestselling Author. And Holly I’m sixty-five. I’m never, ever giving up! Thank you for dream and what it will accomplish.
    Best,
    June

  18. Jem Avatar
    Jem

    This is a great and inspiring idea! I’d love to help in any way I can, be it writing, reading or art work, they’re all things I love. So, just ask and I’ll see what I can do.

  19. Leona Wisoker Avatar

    Love the idea. Will ponder and come up with suggestions when brain funtion resumes next week (I’m at BaltiCon at the moment). Thanks!

  20. Tracy Avatar

    Hi Holly, I’d like to help too. I have a website for writers http://www.fiction-writers-mentor.com, and like you (but in a much more meagre and low-key way) I am passionate about helping writers. I have good teaching and critiquing skills, and website-creating skills. I throw my hat in the ring!

    All best, Tracy

  21. Jos Avatar
    Jos

    Hi Holly,

    Nice to see good news in today’s world.
    In my humble opinion too many have pushed creativity into canned, bite-sized uniformity, not only in artistry but anywhere where the uninhibited use of a person’s mind is called for.
    Your initiative is counter to that and I applaud it wholeheartedly.

    Of course I would love to be a part of it even though I’m only really working on becoming a writer for about a year now with my first novel in a bit too preliminary a state. Considering that, it might actually be a good thing for me to find out if I’m worth dangling a carrot in front of, or, need to be threatened with an unforgiving boot to the lower extremity of my back once in a while.

    My modest contribution for the party would be the stuff I know, gladly shared.
    I used to be: a merchant marine academy graduate, ships engineer for not long, small recreational sailing boat instructor, meat packager and other smaller career accidents.
    For the most part I have been an IT administrator for Microsoft servers and I like to make photos a lot. My native language is Dutch, I am adequate in German and I live in Portugal but my Portuguese is, ehm… pending.
    To complete the little picture I can be rather vocal on the subjects such as politics and religion and can shrug all that off with a good laugh. I like humour in good taste with a tendency toward sarcasm. I am politically incorrect.
    I play well with others.

    Fully aware that there will be people far more qualified offering their services to you I could not let this go by no matter how small the chance.
    It is a great initiative, the best of luck to you and anyone participating.

    Sincerely,

    Jos

  22. Duane Avatar
    Duane

    Hi Holly,
    Your idea sounds great! Having worked menial and meaningless jobs throughout life, I found a few years ago that writing helps me move my innerself into the world of reality. We all think, create provoking ideas, formulate visions inside our heads. We begin to live within ourselves. A vent, we need a means to purge these words, ideas, thoughts, these jumbled up masses of synaptic firings. In my college studies, I found the power of words allows me to vent, to flush those electronic hairballs out of my head and onto paper. Words–words can rip a person’s heart out, fill it with indescribable joy, cause tears, comfort souls, start wars. For me, I allow my innermost feelings to flow from my fingers, sometimes a smile, sometimes, a tear as my heart explodes from the lightening of emotion.
    An opportunity to place my arrangements of words is what I long for at this point. To write, to allow these words the privilege of manifesting a different vision within each reader. A site such as yours could help me out as well. It should be fun, rewarding, and enlightening.

    Duane

  23. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I may still be learning and growing as a writer, and it might be more time before I become good enough to become published. But I still want to help out however I can

  24. Bonnie W. Avatar

    Hi Holly,

    I’m usually pretty silent on here, but felt the need to chime in. I’d be more than willing to help you out with your endeavor as well. I can help with quite a few aspects of the project. I would love to work on your editing team. I’m hoping to apply for an editing job in the next year once jobs start becoming available again. At the moment, I edit for a non-paying Photoshop magazine that’s just getting off its feet for the experience, and I have edited my friends’ writing in the past. I’m also an (unpublished) writer myself, so I can help with writing assignments. I just finished a certification program at the community college to become a Technical Writer.

    I’m also good with graphic design. Adobe Photoshop is my media of choice, though I can also use Adobe Illustrator. I’m hoping to start freelancing design/writing work later this summer once I set up a web page for myself. I’m about to take 36 hours worth of web design courses (Dreamweaver) at the community college next month. The class will be over on July 17th. I can’t promise how much web building knowledge I’ll work away with, but I may know enough to help you build your website as well.

    At the moment, I can help you with all/any of these elements. Please feel free to get back to me if you have any questions/want more info/etc.

    Your project sounds like it will be amazing!

  25. Allen Tipper Avatar
    Allen Tipper

    I love writing, and reading, but I’ve found that my real passion is for editing. I truly enjoy working with a writer, helping them to both do the simple editor stuff (grammar, flow, spelling consistency, etc.) as well as the complex, fun stuff like real content editing. I would love to help in your project, and writers always need a good editor or three ^^.

    My real dream, in the long run, is to both write myself, and help as many writers as possible get their works published by being a good editor. I’d love to be able to make a living at it, and quite possibly to help others make a living at it. Creating more truly good fiction is always a net positive to the world, and I’d love to participate, as a writer, editor, and reader.

  26. Nikki Avatar
    Nikki

    Hi Holly,

    First of all, congrats on your upcoming birthday. May it be a happy one.

    I love your idea. I studied HTTS and later HTRYN with you and besides all the valuable advice you give, I love your attitude towads everything. You make everything seem doable.
    For the most part, my fiction writing got pushed aside due to work and life – both keep hitting me on the head very hard and often. But with your courses and other books, you’ve helped me figuring out a way to get closer to where I want to be. So I am very grateful to have found you and would be more than happy to help you in turn.

    As for dreams: Oh, so many at this time. In the writing area I want to make fiction writing my day job, I want to write about who people really are as opposed to the roles they play, strip them bare naked so to speak. I hope that readers will be reminded of what people are really about not what they want to make us believe. And I want to love what I am doing every day (not the case these days).

    So with my background as non-fiction writer and journalist in the world of health and finance, as a writer in both German and English, as a long time office person, as a “yes it can be done person”, and lots more, I am sure there are many ways I could help you.
    I can definitely offer my help on all the organisational stuff, all the things you said we can’t think of, get your courses put together to keep your dreams rolling, even write with you if that’s what you want, proof read, test read, test experience books & courses … Ahh, the possibilities are endless!

    I hope you find what you’re looking for through these posts.

    All the best,
    N

  27. Jean Avatar

    Hi Holly,
    Seems that my last comment has disappeared.
    I’d love to help you with this. I am a published writer (romance) and I teach romance writing to raw recruits by corresponence on behalf of a New Zealand institute.
    I have also been an affiliate of yours for about a year but have just taken it up again. Time and liife got in the way.
    Let me know how I can help your wonderful dream.
    Sincerely
    Jean Drew

  28. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    Hello Holly!

    I’m currently finishing a diploma in Writing and Publishing and should you decide to bring Rebel Tales live… I would LOVE to be an intern! I am a great web monkey and I love working on websites and I’m fascinated by the publishing industry.

    I can be your little web monkey!

  29. Ashleigh J. Avatar
    Ashleigh J.

    Dear Holly,
    I came across your site several years ago while looking up stuff on writing. I have searched the internet high and low, and again and again I keep coming back to your words, your articles, your site. Because of you I have the determination I need to be a writer. You gave me the tools and the hope – no, the certainty – that I could make it as a writer. I’m not there yet, but I have written an entire novel, quite a feat for someone who never finished anything before. I love writing, just about more than anything else. I want to help. I can write reviews for your books and courses if you want, write articles, and I’m up for anything else you might have in mind as far as writing goes. I’m afraid I’m not very computer savvy, and designing website material would be virtually impossible for me.
    I would love to help you in anyway that I can. Please contact me if you need me.

    Humbly yours,

    ~ Ashleigh J.

  30. Eileen Avatar

    I love your dream! I’m nearly 67 years old so probably past helping you, but can offer encouragement if nothing else.
    I have had a few bits and pieces (mainly articles) published , but not recently. Like you I lack time. Apart from writing I am an artist and craftsperson and have sold some of my work. In the UK, where I live, there is almost a negative outlook to anyone wanting to be creative. Only fellow artists seem to be able to offer encouragement – and only they seem to understand the time and effort that goes into that creativity.
    Go for your dream Holly, and I wish you every luck in the world with reaching it.

  31. Linda Menkens Avatar
    Linda Menkens

    Holly,
    I am so glad to hear you are expanding your influence yet again. I think that if anyone can put this together it will be you and the tremendous talent that you have attracted and cultivated over the years.
    I do believe the web is the way to go in creating the freedom and abundance that today’s writers need. It will give new writers a chance to create a following that may have never happened in the publishing market.
    Thank you for being brave enough to follow your desires and to tackle the impossible dream, I would love to help you make it a reality in any way I can.
    You go girl!

  32. Jaym Gates Avatar

    Holly, this is a lovely idea, and I am glad to see someone so qualified and awesome doing it.

    I humbly offer any editing or publicity help that I can, and lots of word-of-mouth.

    I mean, hey, if a random joke about zombies in the morning turns into a full-fledged anthology of zombie erotica by evening, then I’m sure that I can actually do something intentional and constructive.

    (I’m not kidding about the anthology. Rigor Amortis. Gack.)

  33. Michael Rasmussen Avatar
    Michael Rasmussen

    I’d love to help out somehow with your project, Holly! 🙂

    I can supply some of those stories, first of all… when I finish writing them. 😀

    Writing and Artwork are my two great passions. I do sketching, pixel art, computer coloring and image manipulation, and more. I have a huge imagination, and I enjoy making things “fit” …like a jigsaw puzzle or a tapestry.

    I’m good with computers, professional correspondence, editing and proofreading, English usage & grammar… all sorts of things that could be put to use for a project like this. 🙂

    I like your way of doing things, Holly, because you really know how to make a difference and make things accessible to the people who need to access it. Any sort of company or publishing/producing organization would surely be supremely beneficial to the writer’s world, and I would be most glad to be a part of it. 😀 Let’s make it happen!

    Take care and God bless,
    ~ Michael
    (Kalon Ordona II)

  34. Trish Avatar
    Trish

    Ya see…
    there’s this cottage, and although it started out as a fantasy of refuge and retreat
    –escape, I’ve come to understand it’s much, much more than that. Looking for asylum, I found a dream, too.

    I’m 52, and for some reason, seeing myself in that cottage by the lake –writing, writing well, and writing good stories seems to make perfect sense to me. Even though I’m just now returning to this passion I’ve so wrongly neglected. I’m moving toward that dream– surprising the heck out of myself by working with a financial advisor to get my bucks in order. On a 3 year timeline to purchase the property. Actually going forward…and well, I’ve been writing, too. Not yet disciplined, hardly ready, but I’m so faithful about this being my journey. It feels soooo right.

    Wow, seeing this today and I’m wondering– is this another one of those road signs that’s tellin’ me, ‘this way, honey’. It was one of those crazy weeks. Exhausted as I stumbled out of work, but I still managed to print off your posting to read on my train ride home. I’m glad I did. I got all tingly, and it perked me up bigtime! Reminding me about my dreams. This sounds like a real nurturing place you’re trying to give birth to, Holly.

    Reading the comments on here, I’m amazed at all the talents of the folks responding.

    I don’t have the schooling, experience, or kickbutt resumes of these accomplished people. I really am in awe of how much so many of them have done.

    Hmm, what do I bring to the table?

    What I can offer to you and to all these great teachers and mentors, volunteering their help–is a humble and respectful student who just might have some talent that I hope you guys can help me tap into, so I can give the world great stories. Ah, to live in my gift! I’m just now finding out how important that is to the soul.

    I’m very excited about the possibility of being in a community where experienced folks are genuinely eager to share with newbies and to help them become working writers.

    Also, I think I bring the spirit of encouragement and it would be a great joy to participate in helping you build this great writer’s community you’re revealing to us…your dream. It’s quite the masterpiece.

    And the thought of being able to make money from writing– would be a thrill!

    Thanks for the post. It made my day!

    All the Best!

    Trish

  35. Josh Avatar

    It seems some dreams take a long while to coalesce from fluffy clouds somewhere on the horizon to something you can take a firm grip of. I’ll admit to still feeling like an outsider, looking in on the world of writers and publishers, not quite one of “them” yet. But that’s silly. I worked for a major publisher in NYC for a couple years and know the business (all the pros and cons) much more in-depth than most people I know. I’ve sold short stories to a range of semi-pro and pro spec-fic magazines. I’ve had an agent, lost the agent, and am now having fulls requested by other agents and editors…

    Right now my main dream is to make that break into having a novel published. I know when that happens it isn’t suddenly going to make life easier–more likely just going to add to the chaos. But that’s the chaos I always want to be a part of. I get jazzed talking about eReaders and online book sales and all the ways the industry is evolving. I love creating worlds that are unique and that, no matter how dark things get, there is always some hope to be discovered. I want to cultivate a constant flow of creativity that will last me until this body dies and they download my consciousness into a mainframe…and then keep on going. And if I can make a living doing it, through whatever blood, sweat and other bodily fluids I have to shed in the process, then so be it.

    So, dreams. Get that first novel published. Then get another one. And another. Switch names if I have to face that reality of the industry, and get a few more novels published that way. Take advantage of technology and the online community and not be hemmed in by traditional marketing pressures. Build up a sustainable career and living through my writing, and keep doing it until we all transcend into beings of pure energy…and then figure out what those kind of beings read and start working on that.

  36. Vivian Lundgren Avatar
    Vivian Lundgren

    Hi, Holly,
    I love your dream and I think it is an exciting dream. A few years back I came across your site to learn more about how to make maps for worlds I could create..
    It gave me some creative ideas and other goals for the future. Not only do I love to write, I love to read, read, and read. There are many authors I have so much admire. I am only an amateur non-publish writer who got the inspiration from Gene Roddenberry’s universe of Star Trek when I was only 5 back in 1966. When Lord of the Rings movies came out I decided I really love J. R. R. Tolkien’s world too. You have helped me realize there are endless possibilities and there are so many worlds and settings to unfold through creativity. To me writing is a hobby and an escape. To make it a career, I haven’t given it much thought. It would be nice to make money and have readers be entertained. Your dream is exceptionally exciting to me. The writing aspect is not the only thing I love. Ever since I learned how to type, which was on an old typewriter, having the keys move down under my fingers has always been a thrill to me. Pretty strange isn’t? Having a computer keyboard or a laptop keyboard is a thousand times better. I have softwares that helps with the writing process and I also have a software reader to read back what I have written is helpful and exciting too.
    I would love to help if I can. Just let me know.
    Good luck and take care.
    Vivian

  37. Brendan Boyle Avatar
    Brendan Boyle

    I love your emails….especially the previous one.

    I think you have a solid audience and could reach a great number of would be authors with online publishers/publishing.

    When searching for a publishing house (online), I would like to see their genres sorted and accessible with as much as a chapter or prologue available for perusal before purchasing. Have yet to find one—maybe they exist—but I believe there is a market for such a beast, with your contacts.

    Hopefully something will exist in the next year, but until then I’ll continue to sift through until I find something worthwhile.

    Regards,

    Brendan

  38. wednesday Avatar
    wednesday

    Forgot to add. My experience:
    1. Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on creative writing.
    2. Technical editor and writer 25+ years.
    3. One short story sold to Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Fantasy magazine.
    4. One original fantasy novel sold. And then real life descended.
    5. 25 fanzines published in a long-dead fandom. Amassed a readership of 3,000 within 4 years and ran the zines thing as a small press/sole-proprietorship .
    6. Extensive experience with a vampire agent who is still out there predating eager, novice writers. She’s even made the “warning!” lists on Writer Beware.
    7. Am currently earning a living as a graphic designer. My skills include Photoshop and Dreamweaver. Can design and maintain web pages. Can also design marketing materials while my writing partner of 25+ years can write advertising.
    8. If you see anywhere any of this would be of help, I’m willing.

  39. Shelley Avatar
    Shelley

    I’m still putting the final finishes on my first book, but, am undecided on whether or not to end it, or leave it open for another book, or series. The problem is, and has been, I have no support mechanism to turn to. I’ve tried to join various writing groups, but, they offer not a whole lot of help. I need an editor to proof my first 80,000 words, and make commentary, and offer help into whether or not this is going in the correct direction or not. I’ve also sent inquiries to various agencies. Only (1) thus far has responded to me. (Declined). So, as a fellow traveler to the land of 50, I welcome any commentary, direction, or commentary, I get get my hands on. Thanks.

  40. wednesday Avatar
    wednesday

    I’ve had a dream for a long time of writers (professional those writing well enough to build an audience) cutting out the publishers entirely and forming an e-books co-op. If electronic is the way to go, why are we so willing to still sell our creative children to Madison Avenue? Especially if we can steadily build a readership online?

    In short, Holly, would the readers you’ve established through your multiple novels follow you to e-books? Or is it more profitable for you and other writers to remain shackled to a publishing house? Do we really have to change genres every so many years to survive? If our first love is fantasy, but the right sales numbers aren’t there to the publishing house because of the way they take orders and abandon backlists…do we have to shift to another genre simply to keep doing what we love?

    Is there any way to take creative control of our books the way series creators in Hollywood take control of their characters? Can we, as writers, form an online co-op and sell e-books (and print books as fanfiction writers used to print zines, only of higher quality?)…and abandon the publishers?

    THAT is my dream. THAT is what I could get behind. If there’s any room for this in your dream, please let me know?

  41. Ash Avatar
    Ash

    I wish I could say I worked long and hard on this comment. I’m sure many people spent hours editing and refining what they had to say to you. But the truth is, if you choose me to help you, I want you to see me as I am. I’m writing this off the top of my head, while the feeling is still fresh in my heart, while the fire still burns on my fingertips.
    I adore you. I adore what you put out for people like me who, in the past, strained and struggled to find a glimpse of silver-lining. People like me who could not see any trace of a future for a long time. I adore you for the raw, unfiltered passion that comes through in your words to striving writers. Because you are willing to bear your soul to the world in text. Because you aren’t afraid to say what you believe. I adore you because you give me courage and vision. I adore you because you live your dream, and follow your heart. I adore you because somewhere along the way, right when I needed it most, I found your website, and I feel like I’m closer to finding me so much sooner than I ever would have been without you.
    You were the hand that subtly nudged me in the right direction. The kindred soul that proved to me what I had felt all along in the depths of my heart. When I read your words, from the very first article for writers, I felt an ache like I was on the edge of eureka, and could almost taste victory. What I felt finalized the truths I had been fighting for my whole life. That I could write. That I could do what I love. That I can be anything and everything I want to be. And I burst free, then.
    Holly, I don’t know what I can do for you. I’m 24, I have an excruciating job in retail, I’m can’t even scratch experience in your book.
    But, I can tell you that I want this. I can tell you from the moment I read your email that I followed up the second I got to the end. I can tell you that I’ve longed for a chance to give back to you and the writing community, and spent many silent years thinking the only way I could was to go on and be the best I could ever be and give my all to my fellow writers in the process.
    I’m in the process of both of those things, and nothing will hold me back. This life is mine. This passion is mine. These things are -real- and I have claimed them.
    I don’t know what I can do, Holly, but give me a job and I will nail it for you. If I lack the proper knowledge, I have the ability to learn.
    And thank you, for being you.
    Never, never, never give up on your dreams.

  42. pamala owldreamer Avatar

    My dream is to write and have really great stories published. What write doesn’t? I want to write novels that elicit strong emotions of love,hate,longing,sadness,hope. Laughter and memories of past loves,losses and new beginnings. I have been told in workshops that I write really good love scenes ,settings that come alive with scents,cold,heat,rain. The sounds of the wind moaning through the trees and rattling the skeletal limbs of the bare branches. What can I do to help? I read when I’m not writing and I draw a bit too.

  43. Sumiyyah Avatar
    Sumiyyah

    Hey Holly!

    I’ve loved your website for a while and you’ve been a great inspiration to me. I want to help you in anyway possible because I know the comfort and self exploration that reading and writing offer people. I believe that reading and writing refine the soul and I would want this to reach as many people as possible in the best manner possible.

    Thanks
    Sumiyyah

  44. Elizabeth A Smith Avatar
    Elizabeth A Smith

    I love this Holly! It sounds absolutely wonderful. I’m a writer and a reader, and I want to help out in any way I can.

  45. Jessica Montgomery Avatar

    Hi Holly,

    I normally read these updates, and rarely respond because of, well, because I’m shy. I know that sounds silly because it is the internet, but I just don’t know how to say what I want to say unless it is in a work of fiction. Fantasy is my life, especially since I was legally declared disabled.

    However, I was touched by this message in such a way that I couldn’t stop myself from writing this. I have butterflies in my stomach, and feel a little ill, but I’m here to offer my services in any way I can.

    As for what I can do, there isn’t anything I can’t do if I put my mind to it. I am into digital art, writing, poetry, short stories, and web design. I am very anal when it comes to spelling and grammar mistakes, so I would make a great editor as well.

    So, here is the fly on the wall. If you can use me in some small way, I would love to be a part of your team. Please e-mail me with any questions you may have, and I will be more than happy to answer them.

    I may be timid, but I get the job done.

    Can’t wait to hear from you.

    Sincerely,

    Jessica Montgomery

  46. Catrina Barton Avatar
    Catrina Barton

    Reading has been my biggest passion since as far back as I can remember. These last six years, I’ve turned to writing as well. Growing up all of my dreams were discouraged.

    Since I started writing I feel better about myself. I want to help others enjoy reading as well. To me reading and writing are an escape from the chaos that is the real world. The sky is the limit. I Think you have a wonderful dream and would be honored to be even a tiny part of it.

    My dream is to write and publish books that can help others feel happy and just for a while forget their troubles. It’s a passion of mine and this is one dream I won’t ever let anyone discourage me about. One day I will have some novels published, I only have to be patient and persevere until it happens. Writing is in my blood, it’s who I am and I will continue to nurture my dream. Good luck with yours.

    God Bless,
    Kitty.

  47. Bryl R. Tyne Avatar

    Awesome vision, Holly! Not only do I write unique stories that move my readers and make them think but also, I am a developmental editor for a fast-growing romance publisher, a promotion manager for other authors, a freelance graphic designer, and I work as an advertising coordinator for a printing company (evil day job). I’m certain I have something within the mix of specialties advantageous to your cause. I’m interested in hearing the details.

    Thanks,
    Bryl R. Tyne

  48. Chelsey Cook Avatar
    Chelsey Cook

    Dear Holly,

    My dream is to write. I do not wish to save the world, rather bring the truths that I see to others, even if a person does not agree with it. I want to write fiction, poetry and literary essays. I graduate this year, 2010, on June 21st with a bachelors in English. With my creative writing, analytical and research capabilities I hope to be able to write, and also help others’ writing by proofreading/editing. My dream is to write and travel while I do so. This is my freedom.

  49. Tracy Riva Avatar

    Dear Holly,

    I was on earlier and left a comment, though I can’t find now for the life of me. I entered my own website address wrong. I came back to fix it as a reply, but can’t locate it to add this too. I’ll recap what I said earlier in case the post has actually managed to get lost somewhere in the system and isn’t lying dead somewhere because of my faulty website link.

    I’ll do grunt work. I’ll type, do data entry, convert documents to PDF for electronic distribution, etc. My kids are grown, the youngest is 18 and graduates high school in two weeks. Time is the one commodity I do have, even doing book reviews and writing.

    I review books for Goodreads and Midwest Book Review. I’ll review books or edit them for things like misspelled, missing or additional words. I can’t edit for things like dangling participles or split infinitives. I know they exist, but that is closest I’ve come to acquaintance with those mythological beasts. Personally, I think readability matters more than anything else. I’ll review for either your personal perusal, or for placement on one or both websites. My blog contains many of the same reviews so I almost always post there too. I average 5-6 reviews of books of approximately 350-450 pages per month.

    I have my own writing career that I’m pursuing I can only commit to 6 – 8 hour workdays, five days a week. I do my reviews on a voluntary basis and would do so for you.

    Let me know if I can be of any help. I’ve taken HTRYN-Lite, bought several of your “Clinic” books and am currently enrolled in HtTS. I’ve learned a lot from you and would really like the opportunity to work with you because I think it would be a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow. I love to read, not only because it will make me a better writer, but because I am in love with words, images, far off lands, and a tale told with excellence and skill.

    Sincerely,

    Tracy M. Riva

    P.S. – I review anything, but I like fiction. i prefer fantasy, dark-fiction, steampunk and sci-fi. Hope that helps.

  50. D. Anthony Brown Avatar
    D. Anthony Brown

    I am intrigued by this! You will get a submission package from me, though I can’t guarantee when that will happen.

    ~D. Anthony Brown

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