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. Gwendolyn Avatar
    Gwendolyn

    Hello Holly,
    I’m excited about your dream and wish to give you a hand in it. I don’t know what I would be good at. I’m anal retintive though and pay attention to detail, I’m also at fault for over building worlds, too. My last project included several three ring binders on races, wars, technology, magic, backstories, character profiles, maps, etc. And the subsequent book was written by an ADD muse with a love of battle and gore for the ADD. All this boils down to, thank you, Holly. You’ve saved me lots of pain and I believe in you. I’m going to pass this along to my sister who is a corperate paralegal, she may be able to help with legalities, the only thing she’s not allowed to do is to present in front of a judge, but everything else is the same as a lawyer, except the pay rate. She is also a phenominal artist and works in acrylics, oil, water color, pastels, ink, ink and brush, graphics, chalk, the list goes on and on for her. She asked if I could get her a plot and synopsis of a book I’m working so she could do the cover for her art class. She’s back in school getting her art degree.
    As for me I read a novel a day, but the books I’ve been finding lately haven’t got the magic pull I remember growing up. I can see the places they need fixed. I’m more oriented to writing in the Fall through Spring and have no end to ideas my muse has been chattering steadily for twenty-two years now. The first storyI wrote was in elementary school, being about a girl who is sent on a quest by a wizard to slay a dragon with a talking horse. I still reread it even though the teacher wrote the note on top that parents were not allowed to help with this project. It kinda makes me laugh now because they didn’t help at all. Back to the point, tell me what to do and I’ll do it.

  2. Tripp Smith Avatar
    Tripp Smith

    I am 20 years old. i was dignoised with schizophernia at age 15. sence then ive been struggling to seprate fact from ficition wondering whos real whos not. thats why i love to right it doesnt matter whos real whos not. anything can happen on paper. my dream is to show people theres more then what you see in this world. i hope to do it with writing. i’m working on a story about a boy who has mulipule personality called “dusk and dawn one X” it s the first step in my dream and i hope to achive it soon. and it will be my first novel but only 150 pages in its hard to focus on thats why getting ur emails help me when i get stuck thanx
    -Tripp

  3. Penny Avatar
    Penny

    Hi Holly
    I am firstly a reader, I read for the story and the emotion.

    Romantic suspense (historical, contemporary and futuristic) and its fringes is where I am happiest.

    When I cannot find a book where the cover blurb jumps out at me screaming ‘read me!, I write and research material for my works in progress, as well as keeping up to date with the various publishing houses current requirements and submission guidelines to see where my work could fit or I will ‘pull apart’ one of the books that has been pushed to the back of my bookcase and analyze just why I did not like it and what could have been done to make it stand out for me.

    I currently work in Cash Management, foreign currencies, have worked in public sector administration and private sector Finance and have done a small amount of editing in each.

    I would love to expand my editing experience, help others get their stories out there and help you in any way I can.

    It is said that the 50’s is the new 40’s. Believe me, this is so true – in our 50’s we start doing the things that we wanted to do in our 40’s but never had the time to do! If you prioritize, delegate but keep your fingers on the pulse you will achieve your goal.

    Penny

  4. Lisa Threadgill Avatar
    Lisa Threadgill

    I just very recently read about this and it excited me a great deal. I have been doing a lot of thinking about how publishing and media is changing and how the old models are slowly giving way to new ways of sharing/experiencing stories and other forms of entertainment.

    I would like to be involved in editing definitely, writing if I can, and I want to learn as much as I can about the vision and help with it because I do believe things like this are our future.

    Wonderful idea!

    Lisa

  5. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    Hi Holly,

    You are a dynamo of positive energy in the world. You use your power for good. May the universe and God bless you always. You certainly deserve it. I can’t do art. I can read. I can write a little. Better, thanks to you! So let me be your tool.

    be well
    Carol

  6. R.A. Connolly Avatar
    R.A. Connolly

    Holly,
    I’m a SAHM first and an aspiring author second. My youngest will start school in the fall and I will have all sorts of time to dedicate to my writing endeavors. For me, becoming an author encompasses much more than just writing (and finishing) my novel. I’m interested in the big picture. I know that I can fit into more than one place.

    Scanning through the other responses, I see that there are several of us with similar strengths. I know administrative duties (advanced excel, power point, data entry, website maintenance, etc.). I have written several training manuals and how-to guides for three different companies that I have worked for.

    I have assisted in training sessions. I prefer assisting to being the lead. I consider it one of my strengths to assist and work with people one on one. It works well with my personality as I take direction easily. I’m interested in editing; however I have not done any of it.

    You and your How to Think Sideways course has lead me to a self discovery that has changed many aspects of my life. The bonus will be when I fulfill my dream of becoming published.

    Thank you for any opportunity. May we all be successful in bringing wonderfully written words to the world.

  7. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    I think it’s a wonderful goal. Unfortunately, I can’t exactly help, and my family and friends come first.
    But it’s definitely worth aiming for.

  8. Chanisha Avatar

    OK, I’m a writer. Wow, you’re helping me already! I am admitting my addiction to the written word to you and to a few hundred random others who admit the same. I am not published (yet). Heck, I haven’t even finished a book, but I am sure that this is not the end for me. I have been so blessed by every tidbit I glean from you. I still have to take your How To Think Sideways Course but until then, I am a cheerleader. I am a really, really good cheerleader, but I don’t do splits or cartwheels. Please don’t ask me to do them. It’s not worth it. However, if you need me to drop you an occasional line of encouragement or a funny anecdote or just a quick story of something insane one of my three boys have done this week, it would be my absolutest honor.

    Thank you for who you are and all you do,

    CeCe “Randomly Speaking” Wilson

  9. Marjorie Vawter Avatar

    Holly,

    My goals are similar to yours. I write (though not yet published in fiction) inspirational historical mysteries, and have several articles and devotionals published.

    How can I help you? I am a freelance editor, both fiction and nonfiction. I’m willing to offer my editing services to your efforts. I am also a writer and teacher and can help you in those areas as well. As needed.

    Margie

  10. Kevin McLaughlin Avatar
    Kevin McLaughlin

    Holly,

    My own goals are fairly simple right now: I want to write fiction, and I would like to become skilled enough at the craft that I am able to support my family in doing so. Right now, I have three young children and a wife with chronic illness; I’m an RN, so jobs are not scarce. But I want to create. I’ve written since I was seven, when my mother’s own attempts to write inspired my first stories.

    Right now I am arming myself with the tools to write. I’ve read several books on writing (I can recommend “The Writer’s Journey”, “Coaching the Artist Within”, and “The Business of Science Fiction” as valuable tools, incidentally) recently. I’ve been revising one of my novels using HTRYN. And I’ve been following a course of *voracious* reading – something like sixty books in the last six months. The latter is paying off – just the other day, I jotted down three new novel ideas (one might actually be a novella) in my little notebook. I credit the bursts of imagination partly to opening my mind by reading.

    It’s not going to happen all at once; but I’m moving in the right direction. If on that path I can help you accomplish some of your goals as well, I would be glad to do so. I have some skills as a teacher, past skills as a marketer and business owner, and some small talents in web design and computer art, along with the writing skills I am working to develop.

    Best of luck – to us all!

    Kevin

  11. Robert Adams Avatar
    Robert Adams

    I’ve been working in the field of printing as a prepress technician and typesetter for over 20 years. I am interested in what your design, layout and typesetting needs might be. Let me know if you’re interested as well.

  12. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Holly, I would love to help in any way I can. I write urban fantasy but am not yet published. I could also help with data entry. I type between 80-100 wpm. Contact me if you think you can use my skills. Good luck! I look forward to this new endeavor of yours as I have learned so much from your website, newsletters, and HTRYN crash course at Savvy Authors.

  13. Oxygen Plant Avatar

    I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
    .

  14. Urvi Patel Avatar
    Urvi Patel

    Dear Holly,

    You’re wonderful. I started writing fiction when I was 7 years old, and started writing seriously when I was 10. I was 10 when I first stumbled onto your website, and read “Your Book is Not Your Baby.” Needless to say, I was inspired. I joined Forward Motion, and I have followed up by becoming your student in HTTS and HTRYN.

    Today, I’m 21 years old. I will be a senior in college this upcoming year, studying Engineering Physics–but I still write, and you’ve taught me to pursue my passion. I would love to be a part of your project, encouraging others to pursue their passions as well. So how can I help?

    (Btw, I have built up a of technical and nontechnical skills, so I’m not sure where I will fit in–but I really hope that I will.)

    The best of wishes and thank you so much,
    Urvi

  15. JM Avatar

    Over the years, and reading all that HL.com has had to offer, I still haven’t dedicated the time that writing well requires, so I have disqualified myself from the ‘authoritar -ian -ious’ group and offer a baser service.

    As a critiquer, I’m more technical than emotional. Following that vein, I’ve earned one copyedit credit given by you for my work regarding the errors I encountered in the PDF version of Hunting the Corrigan’s Blood. Thus, I offer my [however basic] skills in copyediting for whatever you see fit.

    Should you accept, may my services serve you well. Should you decline, may your endeavors benefit you in familial, spiritual, and monetary order.

    P.S. I am a defender of the serial comma in all venues, thus I offer it here, there, and everywhere, regardless of what Wikipedia says. *~)

  16. Najma Avatar
    Najma

    Dear Holly,

    Even though I am going to sound confusing in the next few words I would be writing, I like to say in general that, thanks to you I have become a better writer in the past months on learning through your lessons (I still have so much of your PDFs to read!) anyhow I would love to help you because I also have that same dream!

    P.S. I love writing ever since I picked up that pencil in third grade and started writing unpredictable things!!!

  17. Emily Dixon Avatar
    Emily Dixon

    I am totally on board with your plan. I am an aspiring author and I’ve been wondering how to get my stories out to readers, etc. Your newsletter/email was inspiring to read, it really was. In the future, I want to continue to write, as well as help other writers to achieve their goals. Editors should get feedback from readers directly so they know what the readers want from writer’s material. But understand this, Holly, 50 is not the end of the road, it is merely a halfway point. If you’ve gotten this far, it proves that you have “the smarts” and the gumption to continue.

  18. Chet Dailey Avatar

    I am a writer, but do not make a living at it. That is to say, I don’t sell what I write. However, I couldn’t have earned my living without writing. I’m a contract specialist for the federal government. My writing records the desires of our customers and clarifies processes that are made hard to understand by well meaning legal counselors and policy makers as well as presents arguments to these same well meaning purveyors of bureaucracy. It communicates what is expected to be done by legal agreement and explains the legal obligations to both business professionals and blue collar workers who have to know they can or can’t do once the rules are set by a signed contract.

    Just a cautionary comment, I once signed up to a website that tried to do very much the same thing you are doing. Unfortunately, the creative owner let control and power slip away and the site was taken over by other. She was ousted and I ended my membership as a meek but strongly felt protest. I don’t know what became of the site, but I was sadden at how a good idea by a very well intended and encouraging teacher got high jacked.

    To be honest, writing fiction grabs my imagination but it’s never held for long. I’m not sure if it’s because I write so much through my occupation or because I prefer expressing opinion in my spare time rather than fantasy. Some would say there is no difference in the two.

    I have found a satisfying outlet for my creative drive through photography. I don’t sell my photos because I feel have captured a moment in time but cannot claim ownership. I appreciate those who enjoy my photos and never try to prevent their being shared.

    What I have to offer is somewhere in the above paragraphs. If you see something you think you can use, let me know.

  19. Dana Avatar

    I added links to the Holly Shop and your free resources to my own blog. I don’t have many readers, but there it is.

  20. Otomo Avatar

    Holly –

    I loved your post and I’m checking out your site. I’m a newer writer who’s working on a novel, some short youtube scripts and various comic book scripts. I’m on my way to getting 2 of my comics I’ve written drawn and I’m hoping that you’d allow me to contribute to your project in any way I can!

  21. Ken K. Chartrand Avatar
    Ken K. Chartrand

    Alas I am one of those that need guidance once in a while. You are one of a few professional writers I have sought for advice and tips on writing. I have found them quite valuable. For instance now I am published. Though I have not had a ‘hit” yet, I am still writing; hope I can for at my age, (a late bloomer boomer) I don’t know how long my health will hold up. I would like to write way into retirement age and beyond. Back to your topic, I want to write the best fiction possible. The kind that makes people say ,”hmmm. A ha! great book”

  22. Teresa Avatar
    Teresa

    Holly,
    I signed up for your newsletter several years ago after retiring from my grant writing job, and since that time have written a fiction novel, (not published yet). In that time, I’ve read your work, lessons, and blogs; and I’ve come to one unrelenting conclusion: If Holly decides to do it, it will be done and done right, because Holly knows the real value of a mistake. Few people do. To quote from old cliche’s “Everyone knows that Babe Ruth hit more home runs for his team than anyone eles, but few know, he had the highest strike-out average, too. Why? Because he wasn’t afraid to take a swing at a goodlookin’ curve ball.
    That’s how I see your Rebel Tales! It will be great, especially for beginners, (no experts allowed, I hope) and I am thankful for the opportunity to offer any contribution. I would not have the novel I have now if it weren’t for your encouragement, your no-nonsense instruction, and all betwixt and between. Thank you!
    Go get ’em,
    Teresa

  23. Jane Avatar

    Holly,

    I’ve got so much out of Thinking Sideways so far that I’d love to be involved in any project you’re putting your name to.

    I’m a reader and a writer. My publishing credits are limited to corporate newsletters and the like, but I made my living from report writing for several years before I left paid work to have my daughter (now one). I also have considerable experience in proofing & editing (non-fiction) from my paid work.

    My dream is to find work that makes use of my writing skills and gives me enough flexibility to spend more time with my daughter while she is little. I’ve already made considerable progress towards this dream … but Rebel Tales sounds like a fabulous opportunity.

    Jane

  24. Deborah Turner Avatar

    Holly,

    I love your vision and hope I can help you achieve it. I have been writing seriously for 26 years and am a published author of many articles and one historical novel. I’m currently working on two novels (one historical and one futuristic) and have ideas for several articles and short stories.

    I am also available to help with data entry, which I absolutely love doing. and reading/editing as needed. I have critiqued my share of manuscripts as part of a writing group and also helped several young people achieve their dream of writing (one of them got her first A+ ever in High School by working with me for her Senior Project. She has gone on to write some very interesting stuff).

    So I hope I can be of use to you in your dream. There are a lot of us out here willing to help you and get you up and running. But did you really think otherwise?

    Happy Birthday coming up. I hope it’s everything you want it to be.

  25. Storm Weaver Avatar

    Holly,

    I’m behind you! If you need it, I am an editor now, doing medical editing for professional publication, and have a strong background in medical information, cancer, and surgical specialties for reference, should you need it. I also write. You’ve made so many profound changes in my life in the past year as I’ve firmly established myself. Like you, I’m creeping up on 50, and I can taste your dream on my own tongue, so I am looking forward to help.

    1. Storm Weaver Avatar

      Last sentence should read “…looking forward to the opportunity to help.” (I am learning not to multitask. *chuckles*)

  26. Craig Avatar
    Craig

    Hi Holly,
    There is alot of feedback. Goodluck with it all. I think you have a grand plan and I think you have good people coming forward. I am a project manager so however I can assist let me know. Useful in most common microsoft applications, organising and completion of projects in a timely manner. Can type as have ten fingers, keyboard only recognises two however.

  27. Mark Smith Avatar
    Mark Smith

    Hello Holly:
    Although I have written a few things, I may be able to offer some additional assistance. With 28 years of banking I have significant experience in knowing why businesses succeed and more importantly why they fail. If I can offer any help in either area please feel free to contact me.

  28. Shelayne Avatar

    Holly,

    I am 20 years old and have wanted to be an author since the age of 7 or 8. My main genre is fantasy, though I have dabled in straight fiction as well as science fiction and incorporated elements of suspense, romance, and horror. I have finished 8 “books” (most are not actually book length, but when you’re 10 years old and hand-write 124 pages of continuous plot for the first time, there’s no way you’re not calling that thing a novel), a good number of short stories, some poetry, and a multitude of song lyrics. I have never been published, though my music–which I sell on my website, and which I write, produce, sing, and occasionally play for–has brought in a few very satisfying dollars of income. Music and writing have been my passions all my life.

    I have not been writing or reading regularly for many years now; my creativity was derailed by four years of an eating disorder and what, in retrospect, has probably been almost a decade of borderline personality disorder. A few times a year, I’ll start to crave writing again, but have not managed to stay with it for more than a few months at a time before losing interest, momentum, and time to spend for the cause. Recently, I came to the realization that if I wanted to have writing back in my life as it used to be, as more than a fluttering whim or a pipe dream, it would require a serious commitment of time and energy and a refusal to abandon that commitment, even when it is difficult. It will also require overcoming my serious case of Publication Intimidation and actually submitting what I’ve written (this prospect has overwhelmed me into paralysis and inaction for ages).

    I am thrilled and eager to start seriously diving back into the writing world, and I would love to be involved in this project of yours and to help in any way that I can. I can write, read, edit, sing, sometimes draw, and always tell people what to eat (Nutrition major in the hiz-ouse). I want writing to be an active part of my life again, and I want to recapture the confidence and certainty that I had in childhood that my writing was good and my dreams were worth pursuing; if you can help me in this pursuit, I will happily do my best to help you in yours. I’m out of college for the summer, and will hopefully have plenty of time to devote to the cause through at least mid-August. Once I’m back in school, I will make time.

    Good luck, happy writing, and thank you for everything you have done for those of us who dare to dream. Your e-mails have helped to keep me from fully burying the part of me that screams to put words on a page, and always remind me not to lose hope. You are truly an incredible resource and a fantastic human being.

    –Shelayne

    PS: When I first found your website, I think I was in 7th or 8th grade, and I stayed up until 3 AM in nearly hysterical excitement reading almost everything on it. That is just how severely you rock.

  29. Jessic@ Avatar
    Jessic@

    From what I’ve read here for comments so far, it looks like you have a whole slew of qualified individuals to pick from. I’d love to help out in any way I can, but I don’t have years and years of experience in anything besides reading.

    I am able to put things in a way that people tend to understand. I’m good at organising things, and arranging things so that they are pleasing to the eye. I can type about 50 wpm so I could do some data entry.

    I’m willing to do almost anything to help out. Anything I don’t already know, I can learn.

    For me, the only thing missing to make my life perfect is a job that can support and fulfill me at the same time. If I could make a living at writing stories, I would be happy beyond belief. There’s nothing quite like creating for me. Nothing else gives me the same contentment. Now that I’ve found my passion, I couldn’t imagine living without it. I’d love to help others to discover their own dreams.

    Please don’t hesitate to ask if there is any room in your vision for one more. I’d love to keep more dreams alive in this world of ours, and I’d love to help you make yours a reality.

    Yours truly,

    Jessic@

  30. Colette Viljoen Avatar
    Colette Viljoen

    Hallo Holly

    Thank you for your inspiring e-mails every time I think that what I write is not good enough.

    To be part of this would open doors for new and aspiring writers, like myself.

    You need any data entry done, I’m your girl!

    Kind regards

    Colette

  31. Nepeta Avatar
    Nepeta

    Holly, I think you have a beautiful dream. It’s wonderful that you want to help other writers so much. I’m not sure what I can offer, but, if I can, I would like to help you to achieve those dreams.

    My dreams…
    I used to do some editing in high school and college, and I would love to do that again. It’s one of the few things I’ve tried that was enjoyable and satisfying. I love helping others, and I love the written word.

    One of my dreams (becoming an early childhood educator) has recently died. I put everything into pursuing that dream, and now I’m not sure what to do. The things I’m good at–web design, editing, and writing (non-fiction)–have not helped me get a job, as I have no diploma.

    That sounds a bit gloomy, now that I read it. I wish I could put more enthusiasm into this. I’m usually very optimistic, but things have not been going well for me lately.

    I hope you will see your dreams blossom. I have no doubt that they will. There are already a lot of responses here from people who would love to help; if you have that, anything is possible.

  32. AMEASHA BROWN Avatar
    AMEASHA BROWN

    AMEASHA BROWN
    I CAN’T EXPRESS ENOUGH HOW MUCH OF AN AMAZING WOMAN YOU ARE, AND I MEAN THAT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! YOU ARE SUCH A MENTOR! TO WANT TO HELP WRITERS IN SO MANY WAYS ASTOUNDS ME!
    WRITING HAS BEEN MY PASSION ALL MY LIFE, AND ALTHOUGH I DON’T HAVE ANY WHERE NEAR THE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE THE OTHERS HAVE, I DO HAVE FOUR ENGLISH COURSES UNDER MY BELT AND WENT BACK TO SCHOOL IN MY LATER YEARS TO GET THEM. LIFE SEEMS TO GET IN THE WAY AND WITH TWO JOBS, A HUSBAND AND CHILDREN TO REAR, I JUST COULDN’T PUT INTO MY WRITING WHAT IT DESERVED.
    I JUST TURNED FIFTY-EIGHT AND LIKE YOU SAID LIFE IS GETTING SHORTER, AND I AM DISABLED NOW WITH MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS, BUT THAT HAS BEEN A BLESSING IN DISGUISE. IT HAS ENABLED ME TO DO AND ENJOY MY PASSION WHICH IS WRITING. I HAVE ONE NOVEL IN FIRST DRAFT TITLED THE CALLING, WHICH IS A FORTY CHAPTER FANTASY NOVEL AND THREE MORE ON THE BACK BURNER. I’M AN ASPIRING AUTHOR YET TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE TRADITIONAL WAY THROUGH AN AGENT AND PUBLISHING HOUSE. THREE THINGS STAND IN MY WAY: EXPERIENCE, CONNECTIONS, AND MONEY, MOSTLY MONEY THOUGH.
    BUT THE IDEAS, PLOTS, AND NOVELS THAT ARE SWIMMING IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY BRAIN ARE ENORMOUS AND ARE JUST DYING TO GET OUT ON PAPER. I DON’T KNOW IF I CAN HELP YOU IN ANY WAY, BUT I WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE TO PAY IT FORWARD TO YOU IF I CAN. IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU FEEL I CAN DO TO HELP YOU IN THIS GRAND ENDEAVOR PLEASE THINK OF ME AND JUST ASK PLEASE!
    AMEASHA

  33. Charlotte Avatar
    Charlotte

    Hi Holly,

    I have been silently reading your wonderful advice and recent challenges both in life and in writing, and I have to say that this call for help has drawn me out–I feel I need to say something, to offer what help I can give. I’m not certain I fully understand your need but I hope to learn more and I’d be very excited to hear from you.

    My dream is sort of a complex one, and I’m not certain I fully understand it either. It’s something that I have been discovering and developing for quite some time. The writing portion of my dream started all the way back in kindergarten, has survived the brief dream I had of becoming a marine biologist (I grew up in Alaska and LOVED tide pools and searching under rocks), and really blossomed in fifth grade. I have been writing and developing my fiction and the players in it ever since. Weaving a story, generating ideas, and learning new things about your characters as they change and take control of their own lives is an intense feeling, and I have felt elation and terrible depression over the course of my “writing career.” I wouldn’t give it up for the world. Writing is part of who I am till the day I pass on. Hopefully it will live beyond even my life.

    But to better understand writing, one must be able to pull it apart and understand the craft and how it all comes together. Hence the second part of my dream is to gain the expertise of an editor. I have edited my own work, the work of classmates in writing workshops, and works translated into English and intended for publication, all to that end. Though I don’t believe you have to be a writer to be an editor, being a writer/editor definitely makes your skills more marketable! But just as I was fascinated by the inner workings of a fish and how the parts created the whole, I am also fascinated by how writers create the story’s weave from the individual threads. Creating the weave myself only increases that wonder. As an editor I’ve taken a firm hand to other people’s work (I was paid to do it), but because I understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into writing, I’ve also encouraged writers by showing them the positives of their work. I know what it’s like.

    I want to continue writing and sharing my writing. So far, I’ve suffered only rejection, and no matter how much I build myself up against it, it still hurts. But I have to keep trying–my writing means that much to me, and I want to share it with others. I also want to continue editing, because not only do I help myself from learning from others, I’m also a valuable asset to writers in that I help them see the things they missed, or help them generate new ideas.

    Holly, I’d like to help in any way I can. I am passionate about writing, and I am passionate about editing. Writing offers the wonder and satisfaction that gets me through the day, and helps me escape when I need to, and editing offers me the challenge I need to keep my mind and my writing sharp.

    Please let me know how I can help.

    Charlotte
    Gerrard (at) drexel (dot) edu

    1. Charlotte Avatar
      Charlotte

      I should probably also mention that I am 23 with a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in Library and Information Science. I’ve edited, designed, and packaged my university’s undergraduate literary magazine for printing. I currently work in the university’s IT department, writing and editing/managing the department’s technology newsletter and print publications. I actually started college when I was 13 because I desperately wanted to improve my skill in writing. I’ve always wanted to work in the publishing industry but sadly I was rejected there as well. I would desperately love to see my novels in print (I have three of them being drafted, been working on them for many years), mostly because I want to share my work and find out what others make of it–if they enjoy it, how they interpret it, how they imagine it, etc. If I could make a living as a writer, I would, but I’m much too careful with my writing and plagued by self-doubt. Such things cause delays. But the other reason I want to write is so that I can become part of a larger writing community.

      There are so many authors I wish I could speak to, one-on-one, writer to writer, so that I could learn more about the craft and receive advice that matters. I also wish I had more encouragement to face the rejections I keep receiving (I have nothing published). Even though we’ve never spoken face to face, I already feel like your advice is personal and I’ve taken much of it heart. Thank you!

      Charlotte

  34. Joseph Emeka Avatar
    Joseph Emeka

    I love your work. Actually I just got started and not so active yet. I’m a singer, an aspiring artist. I got into your program because I believe language is power. I need to learn to use the actual words for the right places. I’ll assist you in one thing, no matter how small; I will say a simple prayer for you. My Father will see you through. I thanks God for people like you in the world

  35. Michael McCurley Avatar
    Michael McCurley

    Holly,

    What you say strikes a chord in me, even here in Costa Rica. You are practically the only person I have ever really paid attention to. I admire many of the things that helped you to become a successful writer, and I hope to learn from you as much as I can.

    There are four goals I have in my own vision for writing. Though I cannot be sure how close I will ever come to accomplishing them myself, I’ll share them because you asked and because you are the first long distance person I feel confident about communicating with.

    One: Create
    Over the past 20 years I have writen articles, plays, poetry, short stories, and novel manuscripts, but I have never commercially tried to present or publish any of these for money. This is because there is almost no market whatsoever for what I could do in Costa Rica, and the U.S or international writing markets look like almost impossible mountains. But I write because I LOVE TO WRITE, because I have to, because it is a part of who I am.

    Someday (soon) I want to sell what I write. This is especially important to me now because I must soon close my own business and I have to consider new employment. My heart’s desire would be to go into some sort of business by doing what I’ve always wanted to do in writing. This is my wildest dream, of course, but I have worked for it.

    Two: Edit
    Editing is an area where I have had some success. I worked for two years and was paid (several thousand dollars) for editing the monthly country report for Costa Rica in English for the International Monetary Fund representative. During that time, our report from Costa Rica came to be known as one of the best in Latin America, and partially for that reason (and some convincing writing which I helped to create) Costa Rica was chosen as the first country to be backed by the International Monetary Fund for a debt buy-back arrangement that would soon set the standard for all such agreements with other countries in the future. The IMF helped finance a buy-back arrangement for 750 million dollars of debt that helped the country save about 500 million dollars. So writing IS worth money.

    I also edited and helped Lincoln High School produce the school newspaper for ten years. Although not much is said about the process, editing student work (especially when it is the work of ESL students) is a labor of patience and love (reading and correcting hundreds of articles), for which I was also paid as a journalism teacher. I could do editing with teaching again, though I can see that the demands of commercial editing would be quite different (final copy much more demanding) from the kind of editing/corrections I have done.

    Three: Publish
    Although I have published perhaps up to 10 articles in Costa Rican magazines and newspapers, I have received little or no pay (not more than about $100). I also posted at least a dozen articles and essays on line, but none of these produce any income either. Obviously, I couldn’t survive for even a month on what I’ve published thus far. My goal is to eventually publish enough to have a wider reading audience and produce enough to economically sustain me. I hope to do this by publishing one or more of my novels.

    So far, I have materials for 3 novels and ideas and notes for at least two more. My goal is to produce a novel that can be published commercially, and, once I have done that, to continue doing more of the same until I can’t do it any more. Perhaps what is more important is that I might help you with the process of helping others to publish.

    Four:Teach
    Teaching has been in my blood for 30 years, and even when I’m not in the classroom, I can’t quite give up the idea of teaching. My last novel has some of that revealed in its scope and characters, and I suppose I will always be a teacher at heart. I have degrees from two countries in English (BA), Education (M.Ed), and Educational Leadership (M.A.), and though I am not presently in a classroom or running a school as a principal, I still want to help others to learn. I have always enjoyed the interactions I had with my students (and teachers), some of whom (at least 3) went on to become journalists. The surprising thing is that I helped some of my students to become more than I could be myself. I would very much like to learn how to do more of that. The entire learning process is often experimental and regenerative, helping everyone to grow at once. One year, my students even collaborated to create their own novelettes, one of which is published on line as Deus Vult.

    Teaching is a form of service I would like to continue, but I think I would like to work on line through Internet as you have done. I once completed an entire program in System Dynamics through an education extension with MIT online coursework. I would like to be a teacher or tutor and provide internet training for writing as well.

    If there is any way I could somehow collaborate with you, I am very interested. I will be 55 next month and the time for me to start is now. Otherwise, as you said, life is short and time is running out.

    –Michael McCurley

    p.s. I see there are many comments and mine is too long. Sorry!

  36. Cheryl Richter Avatar
    Cheryl Richter

    Holly – You have very large goals – but that’s good.

    My own skills lie in a few areas. Research – I have seven years of library science and this is not Wikipedia based. Finance – I have a CPA and and CIA (certified internal auditor) so I’m organized. I have helped others edit their work while secretly working on my own projects.

    I am not sure how these can help you – but the offer is there with best of intentions.

    Cheryl Richter

  37. Lisa Sisneros Avatar
    Lisa Sisneros

    Holly,

    If there was ever a moment guided by fate, it would be the day I stumbled onto your website, almost a year ago. Since then, I have learned SO much from you, about writing–and life. And although I am a drop in an ocean of other people you’ve inspired, I’ve felt it was no accident that I’ve come to know and appreciate you as a writer, a teacher and a human being.
    This dream of yours has resonated with me and I’m anxious to give back. I’m still a newbie writer, with only a handful of unpublished projects under my belt, but I can tell you STORIES are by far my passion. MY dream is to be able to make a living telling stories that matter, that explore new worlds, new ideas and reveal characters that have purpose and heart. I’m tired of the ‘fluff’ showing up on the shelves as well. It’s always made me wonder how many REAL stories are out there, hiding behind a writer’s insecurities (I can relate!) or a flawed publishing system that snuffs out originality for the safe sell.
    I believe whole-heartedly in your project, Holly, and would love to help however I can. Other than a novice writer, I’m a SAHM with a lot of free time (other than my writing time!) and I’m also a digital scrapbook designer with professional experience in Photoshop, photography and some web design. I’ve dabbled in creating book cover mock-ups and book layouts for fun, as well. Just let me know what you need, Holly!

    ~Lisa Sisneros

  38. Tina Winograd Avatar
    Tina Winograd

    Seems like you have enough volunteers to cover all you have asked for. But I’m here if someone gets bogged down and needs assistance. I write thrillers with romance mixed in–unpublished.

    My non-fiction strength is writing training manuals and instructions that are easy to comprehend and follow by all levels of trainees.

    i love to help writers become the best they can be through learning the craft. Writing is mostly a learned skill. You can have a great story idea, but if you can’t write a sentence that makes sense, you’re doomed.

    Thanks,
    Tina

  39. William Lewis Avatar
    William Lewis

    Holly,
    When I read your email about this vision it resonated with me on several levels. I have always wanted to be part of how the publishing industry will change in the future. As we watch what is happening to other media outlets like newspapers, it is inevitable that book publishing will also face a change. I have been struggling with figuring out how this change will occur and what I can do to be there to deliver the written word through these new channels.

    Aside from being a writer in my off time, I have been doing large computer installations for 20 years. Most of my experience is in delivering content to users over the internet and other electronic delivery systems. Although I hope to some day write for a living, thiis lifetime of experience doing internet work can be a huge advantage to delivering your dream. If you think I fit in or you might need my help, please feel free to contact me.

    Have a great day and thanks for everything you do for the community.

    Bill Lewis

  40. Gina Leigh Maxwell Avatar

    Dear Holly,

    I would love to help you in any way that I can. I’ve recently finished my first novel and am now in the process of revising before I send it out to my beta readers and use what I learned in your How to Revise a Novel in 7 Days before I send it out to agents. My passion is writing romances, due to my love of the relationships and connections between people and story of how they overcome the odds against them. I’m not sure if you consider that “canned fiction” or not, but I like to think I have a unique and interesting spin with my Paranormal Romance series I’ve started.

    I can also help you out with administrative duties if necessary. I’ve been an Exective Aministrative Assistant for over a decade and I’m darn good at my job. If you need things typed or if you’re looking for something to be presented using any of the Microsoft Office programs, I’m your girl. I love making things look spectacular and I’m also very excelled in creating Excel spreadsheets. (Pun intended 😉 )

    I’m a huge fan of your vision, Holly, and even if you find you can’t use me, I’ll be backing you up 100%.

    Thank you, for being you!

  41. MCHart Avatar
    MCHart

    Holly,
    Thank you so much for all the effort you have put into your writing tutorials on this site. I first came across your site six years ago, when I was fourteen, and since then your advice helped me drastically improve my writing. My current focus is my architecture studies, but even within that field I believe that my writing abilities will be an enormous benefit as I explore some original design theories that I have developed and want to ultimately publish. I also want to eventually teach architecture.

    I could contribute my writing or graphic design or web design, and I also know some programming. It would help me pursue my dreams by providing me with an opportunity to practice my writing and visual design skills, but beyond that I would be honored to be able to pay forward to someone who has helped me so much.

  42. Cynthia Avatar
    Cynthia

    Holly,

    Thank you for sharing your dream with us, and for inviting help. I would very much love to help. Professionally speaking, I am not a published author (yet), editor, graphic arts designer (unfortunately I can’t even draw a straight line), or web designer. Even so, I believe that I have a lot to contribute.

    What I can do:

    I can write. Thanks to your course, How To Think Sideways, I am learning how to write very good fiction. I have been in love with the written word for as long as I can remember, and I have been writing regularly since grade school. At present, my writing strengths lie in nonfiction writing and poetry. I am certain that I will be adding fiction writing to my list of strengths in the very near future.

    I can edit. I homeschooled my children (and assisted others) for quite a number of years. I have also edited materials for those who speak (and write) English as a second language, and wanted help with syntax and establishing a natural flow in their English writing materials.

    I can do data entry. I type at least 80 words per minute, with a very high accuracy rate.

    Why I want to do it:

    I believe strongly in the principle of “paying it forward” and I intend to glean a lot and benefit greatly from the world of writing; earning a living as a writer is my ultimate goal. Therefore, giving back to the writing community has always been one of my goals. Why not begin right away?

    Where my passion lies:

    My passion lies in the written word—poetry, fiction, nonfiction (writing it and reading it). I live it, breathe it—and I want the creation of it to be my career, my primary way for earning a living and spending my time. Writing brings me inexpressible joy.

    My passion also lies in the area of teaching—especially through written materials. I love to teach. Although my teaching focus has been more in the areas of alternative health, inspirational/motivational, and spirituality, I am not closed to the idea of teaching in the area of writing; maybe I could even combine the teaching of writing with the other things I know for certain that I want to teach.

    My dream:

    My dream is to do meaningful work that I love from home, earning a surplus of money to spare and share. Ideally, this would be achieved mostly through writing, and also through some one-on-one interaction with others in the areas I mentioned above. I am happiest and healthiest when I am creating and teaching, and in this way I can hopefully contribute something of value to this world.

    How working with you could help me achieve my dream:

    Right now, I lack professional experience in the world of writing—I am not well established like you. So, if I can help you in any way, then I am contributing far more in this area than I ever could alone—experienced or not. I would be growing and building my own writing dream while helping you to build yours. I truly believe that I would be participating in something wonderful, something that can and will make a difference for generations to come. You have a beautiful dream, and I can’t wait to see it manifest! It would be a privilege to help in any way that I can.

    With Gratitude,
    Cynthia

  43. Stephanie R Avatar
    Stephanie R

    I love how much you work for all beginning writers. It’s saddening how fiction has become today–I know some people who want to write a book only to get the money and popularity. I, myself, am a writer and I’ve written a few books, none of them published, still in the process of being revised. It would be great if I could help you, but I’m only 15 so I don’t think I can do much. But if you think of anything, let me know, and I’ll try to help.
    Thank you for all the effort you put into your website. I always read your emails and frequently read over all the articles you put up. You really are great!

    1. Rebekah Y Avatar

      Ms. Lisle:

      Ditto. I’d love to help you out, but I’m thirteen… and the one book I’m revising for the fifth time is probably the only one of three with much hope of being published. (I’m using your method for revising this time, and I think it’ll be the last.)

      I just wish that people wouldn’t look down on teenage writers. Most people think we’re just trying to write another Twilight, and if they use Quizilla as reference, they’re right. I know anyone who ends up on your site is serious, Holly… but your site is not the entire world, and most people are either disdainfully assuming or patronizing.

      Anyway, my two cents is: Stephanie, you just gained a ton of my respect. Not only have you done enough research to find Holly’s site and to read through it, but your punctuation and spelling are exceptional, and you’re respectful–not to mention that you’ve actually taken the time to write a full book, whereas most people lose patience after two chapters.

      Actually, I probably could do something–I have a web site of my own. It’s myexplodingcat.com. Wouldn’t be too bad to get a few teenage writers together and dethrone a few myths–now would it? ; )

  44. Jennifer Chandler Avatar

    Holly,

    Your most recent email DID strike a chord with me. It’s refreshing to cross paths with another writer who longs to do something to help others along, to push people to create great fiction, and someone who is willing try something daring and new all while continuing their own creative journey. It’s brave; it’s risky.I also believe it’s worth it.

    I’m a 32 year old writer and artist and I would love to lend a hand. I have been creating stories seriously for the past fifteen years. I’ve helped put together articles for newsletters and produced one myself several years back. I’m a voracious reader and am in the final stages of editing my fourth book and will be submitting its query to agents shortly thereafter. I’ve also taken courses in graphic design and photography and would be happy to help out in those areas as well, if needed.

    I long to get in the thick of things, to help others discover the joy of writing, of expressing themselves, of learning that (with some tough love) they, too, can produce good, solid creative works. I hate seeing talent go to waste because people have been told it’s not “practical” or it’s too “risky”. Anything worth doing takes considerable risk.

    I read about Rebel Tales a couple of days ago and I think it’s a brilliant idea. Please let me know how I can help you.

    Best wishes,
    Jennifer Chandler

  45. Jonathan Rock Avatar
    Jonathan Rock

    Holly,

    Thanks for being such a tireless inspiration and help for new writers. I’ve been benefiting from your advice and articles since the podcast when you put the pencils in your teeth.

    The gospels and the writings of Paul have indeed saved my world, and from them I come away less violent, less selfish, and more loving of others, regardless of their background, orientation or circumstances, than I would have been had they never been written.

    Of course there have been travesties. But I would be more evil if I had never read, “love your enemies.”

    So there’s one example out of the five that I disagree with, but I will not be trying to save the world through typing.

  46. Emily Seaman Avatar
    Emily Seaman

    I am a 22 year old wife and mum and I have been published twice (albeit poetry) but my dream is much like yours; to teach through the written word. Unfortunately I have Bi-polar disorder and it would be difficult for me to work in an actual teaching post; not through my lack of trying. I am currently studying towards an access diploma and have been accepted onto a History and English degree at my university.

    My dream is very much the same as yours but in addition I want to break peoples misconceptions of mental illness and fulfil my dream despite the things that have been thrown my way.

    I would love to help in any way possible.

  47. Kayla C Avatar
    Kayla C

    Holly,

    I’m 19 years old, and ever since I knew how to form sentences with my words, I’ve been writing stories. Granted, when I was in, say, second grade, my story about how “Know-It-All Eagel” became humble (though, not in those words…it was more like, “the know it all eagle showed off and then had no friends,” or something to that effect) weren’t exactly the best fiction work ever. Now, I’m a college student working on a degree in English, and my dream is to become a professional writer. I’d love NOTHING more than to sit at home and write, rather than go off to a job I hate, or even one I simply tolerate.
    Right now, I’m actually working on a couple of different novels in hopes that at some point, my dream can become a reality.
    Wow, this is getting longer than I meant…heh.
    In short, I would love to help you with your vision in any way that I can. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help out!

    Kayla

  48. Annalisa Avatar
    Annalisa

    There’s so much to say, but I will keep it brief: I am behind your vision 100%. What I am able to offer is artwork. I am working hard at building a portfolio of fantasy illustration (I work in oils) and I would love to be part of this project you are heading, Holly.

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