Ask the Author: Lisa Dordal
Answered Questions (2)
Lisa Dordal
Don’t compare yourself to other writers. The only person you should ever compare yourself to is earlier iterations of yourself. When I look back at where I was eight years ago versus when I am now, I am immensely proud of myself. When I compare myself to other writers—certain ones in particular—I feel like a failure. And who wants to feel like a failure? No one does. And guess what. No one has to.
Also, focus on writing success, not publishing success. Publishing shouldn’t be your primary goal because whether or not you get published is completely out of your control (unless you are self-publishing). Your primary goal should be something you have reasonable control over—otherwise your happiness will be completely dependent on what others think of you rather than on what you think of yourself. This is not to say that publishing isn’t important. It’s just that if it becomes more important than the actual writing, then there’s a pretty good chance your writing will suffer.
Once you do start sending things out for publication, set reasonable goals. Some journals have a one or two percent acceptance rate. Others having a higher acceptance rate. Submit to a mix of journals at first to figure out how to target your work.
I also recommend finding or creating a writer’s group. Show your work to other people. Get feedback. Be open to getting feedback.
Also, focus on writing success, not publishing success. Publishing shouldn’t be your primary goal because whether or not you get published is completely out of your control (unless you are self-publishing). Your primary goal should be something you have reasonable control over—otherwise your happiness will be completely dependent on what others think of you rather than on what you think of yourself. This is not to say that publishing isn’t important. It’s just that if it becomes more important than the actual writing, then there’s a pretty good chance your writing will suffer.
Once you do start sending things out for publication, set reasonable goals. Some journals have a one or two percent acceptance rate. Others having a higher acceptance rate. Submit to a mix of journals at first to figure out how to target your work.
I also recommend finding or creating a writer’s group. Show your work to other people. Get feedback. Be open to getting feedback.
Lisa Dordal
Mostly by reading. Writing is the speaking part of a two-way conversation. The other part of the conversation is listening. Both parts are equally important. If I told myself that I had to get up every day and write, I might not ever get out of bed. But getting up to read is another thing altogether. And, more often than not, when I sit down to read poetry, I am inspired to write poetry.
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