Hi everyone! Blogger picked a bad time for its auto publish function to stop working, but I just posted yesterday´s post as well. Please make sure to check it out below this one.
By: Steph Damore (aka Allegory19)
You all have one right? The Best Sellers lists, literary acclaim, book tours, six-figure advances… or maybe your dream is smaller, like walking into the bookstore and seeing your novel on the shelf.
Me?
I have this dream. It’s summer time. I wake up at 6 a.m. and lie in bed for a few minutes. It doesn’t take long for my mind to wake up and the writing to start. Afraid the ideas will slip away, I get up and escape down the hall to the computer room. The house is quiet, and I can just write and write and write.
This is actually the dream that I get to live every day. I’m not published. I’ve never sold any of my work. But I’m blessed.
So what about you? What’s your writing dream?
D. G. Hudson says
My dream is about the same as yours, Allegory, except I wake up in a beach house, go for a leisurely walk on the beach, then settle in to write with my coffee and laptop. My novels are published and I have an agent who respects my work and makes great deals from which we both benefit.
Great question that we all love to answer. Makes me feel better just imagining it. Now back to my writing and pursuing that dream.
Mira says
This is truly lovely. Beautiful and from the heart.
I love this piece. Simple and elegant. Oh, good job, Stephanie.
I'll post about my own dream later, thanks for setting up that discussion.
nkrell says
My dream? It depends on the day.
L. V. Gaudet says
My writing dream is to have the time to do the one thing I love most. That is to completely immerse myself in writing, feeling the story as it flows from that strange place, wherever it is that it comes from, a tingling knot in my stomach tightening with the next revelation, living the story as it flows and evolves almost of its own through me to the keyboard …
And not being woken as if from a dream by the non-stop distractions of my darling children drawing blood upon one another.
Rick Daley says
I would like to be able to write full time, generating enough income to provide a comfortable lifestyle for my family.
Kristi says
I used to think my dream was to be able to write all day long – preferably somewhere that guaranteed creative epiphanies – like a cabin by a lake.
Although that might be nice as a vacation, I now realize that I do my best work when I'm juggling many things at once (two of those things being small children). Having only about an hour to write a day keeps me focused and organized, and my kids provide an endless stream of story ideas (e.g. my 5-year-old asked me yesterday how it was decided who was in charge of the rotating the Earth – he said he would like a turn because it's not going fast enough).
So, I guess my dream is what I'm currently doing, although having an agent/contract/ etc. at some point will be fabulous. 🙂
Anonymous says
My dream is to get back to where you're at, Allegory. I have an agent and I'm doing revisions for him preparing for submission. Everyone on the I'm-looking-for-an-agent side thinks I'm golden. And I am fortunate. But some of my enthusiasm has been beaten down by the process–and it is quite a process. I am working on trying to block out all the negative and get back to the pleasure of writing. And I WILL get back there.
Anonymous says
My dream is to create stories that other people will love too and to spread some joy of discovery.
It would be nice if it had a published audience. That -and an income- are dreams I almost don't dare dream.
I would love to see some of my stories become movies.
Big, happy dreams.
Bane of Anubis says
It sure as hell doesn't start at 6 a.m. 🙂
As for my dream — sustainability.
Linnea says
My dream is pretty simple – to have a quiet room all to myself. I wrote my first novel partly in the kitchen, partly in the livingroom and occassionally in the bedroom. My stuff was spread all over the house. While working on my second novel our house burned down and I lost all my research material and my manuscript. We're rebuilding and living in an RV on the property until the house is finished. The only writing surface is the tiny kitchenette table and that's taken up with cell phones and chargers, vitamins to keep us going and stuff for making coffee. I dream, dream, dream about that private writing space once the house is finished.
Cynthia says
Okay I have two.
The Fake Dream:
My books sells and garners a great deal.I throw down the advance for a huge Puffy-Style party at one of those crazy suites with the waterfalls in Las Vegas and invite all of my friends (and my agent, naturally)Everyone wears white, drinks Cristal and worships my brilliant prose making. And then we dance. Aw yeah.
The book becomes a runaway success. Movie and merch rights… the works. Because I'm a mildly obscure author in SF, no one pesters me in my daily life but I am recognized by my peers as a rock star writer.
Okay… now The Real Dream.
My book sells and does well enough to afford me the opportunity to do it again.
(#2, really, is better. I can't dance.)
RW says
To finish a book and to have it published in a way that it finds readers.
Ink says
My dream is to write something great. Not good, but truly great. I want to write something that is the perfection of all my talents, that is the endpoint of my potential. I don't think I need awards or anything for it, but merely that sense of self-acknowledgment. And I probably won't reach that point. I'm not sure anyone does, but that striving probably helps them get as far as they possibly can. But realistic or not, that's my dream: to write my perfect story.
And, you know, making a living at this whole writing thing would be mighty nice, too. Baby needs booties, you know.
allegory19 says
anon@12:24
An income? Now that would be a dream. Or hopefully some day a reality.
Ulysses says
Okay, so I wake up, and my bed is actually a giant book with a big fluffy bookmark for a pillow. But sometime during the night, all the print has come off onto my skin and now I'm being followed by tons of librarians in big glasses with yardsticks and they're chasing me with date stamps because so many people want to read me and…
Okay, so this isn't exactly the kind of writing dream everyone has. I think I'd just like to be able to call myself a writer without eliciting guffaws.
Emily Cross says
All of the above 😉
Really though my writing dream is :
a] live off my writing
b] my writing be of a decent standard
and well you know
c] win the booker man prize 😉
Kristan says
Aww!
Admittedly, my dream is to make a living off my writing — not make a killing, just a living. (Hmm, I just noticed the irony of those two phrases… Anyway.)
But your dream is beautiful. 🙂 I actually really loved this post.
Laurel says
Great post! My dream is similar except it involves a whole weekend by myself and full of a fresh new idea to play with.
And more ideas, always more.
Christi says
My dream…that my book sells quickly, and with enough of an advance to pay for my little boy's much needed surgery.
No pressure.
Kiersten says
Dude, that sounds about right to me. I'd definitely like to sell at some point, too, but thanks for reminding me why I really do this.
The freedom to write however long I wanted to? Oh baby. Must go clean something before I start drooling.
A Paperback Writer says
Steph,
my dream's a lot like yours except that it also involves all my neighbors' kids, dogs, lawnmowers, and stereos being abducted by aliens so that I don't have to listen to them while I write.
dan radke says
Publication. I don't even care if I can never quit my day job. Just a book on the shelves with my name on it.
Well, I guess people being entertained by it would be pretty sweet, too.
Rebecca Knight says
This is a great post :).
The Dream: Make a living off my writing. A tiny living would be just fine. I just want enough to be able to stay home and help my husband pay bills.
The Dream + Super Extra Awesomeness: Make enough of a living that my husband can stay home, too, and do artistic things.
The Dream + Super Extra Incredible Awesomeness: Win a Hugo Award.
Seriously, if I won a Hugo Award, I would pee myself.
Dream # 1 would be just amazing :).
genelladegrey says
I wish to entertain the masses. Making a living at it would be nice, too.
And like Bane of Anubis said:
"It sure as hell doesn't start at 6 a.m."
Yeah, no bloody kidding.
😀
G.
thoughtful1 says
I like your dream. It has a certain peace to it. My dream seems scratchier. I want to find that twist of ideas I am pursuing. I have trod down path after path and find myself spreading out the knotted mess until it is thin and vaporous and inferior to what I intended. I dream of finding that thorny, biting twist that does not disappear while I pursue it. And then what I write will be significant to me and those who read it. And it wouldn't hurt to make some money to live by while I do this and hopefully repeat doing it.
Jordan McCollum says
Sheesh, I don't know. . . . I'm really bad at this part. I guess I'll never feel like I've "arrived," because I have no goals, other than just making my book as awesome as possible and getting it published. Sigh.
I like Cynthia's real[istic!] dream.
My ultimate dream: there are enough hours in the day that I can write to my heart's content without neglecting my children, husband, home or other responsibilities and hobbies (and sleep). Oh, and I'm really awesome at ALL of the above (especially sleep. And writing.).
KellieS says
My writing dream consists of three points.
1. That I always stay true to myself in my writing projects.
2. That people are not only entertained by my books, blogs…or grocery lists, but they actually get something out of them…an epiphany, a gold nugget of advice, or at least the haphazard ingredients that go into my "caserole surprise."
3. And…I really want the Marc Jacobs handbag that I promised myself when I sell my first novel. $$$$$$$$$
Vacuum Queen says
That's interesting…my dream is similar. My dreams at this point involve being able to get my thoughts down on paper as they appear in my head. I wish I could just write and write and write. Instead, I have a life as a mom to 3 kids, which is wonderful but includes endless interruptions.
So for me, as much as I want to be published, I mainly dream of simply being able to write as best I can.
Cynthia says
New Fake Dream: Rebecca pees herself at my Puffy Party because she won the Hugo.
That would be awesome.
Laura Martone says
Thanks for the post, Steph. I second what Mira said (even though I'm mad at her for what she wrote in Eric's comments – harumph!)… this truly is a lovely post. Simple and thought-provoking.
It's not as if I – and surely everyone else here – haven't thought about this question before… but I can really visualize your dream, Steph.
Mine, like Kristi's used to be, occurs in a cabin by a wooded lake (and a couple hours AFTER 6 a.m.)… I'm able to write for much of the day, to really immerse myself in my made-up world… and I'm able to make a modest living doing what I love. In fact, I like how Rebecca Knight put it. I, too, want "The Dream + Super Extra Incredible Awesomeness" – except I'd settle for a Pulitzer.
Hey, a girl can dream, right? That IS the point of this post, after all. 🙂
Jenna Alexander says
To walk by the mall bookstore and see piles of my chick lit novel displayed right in the front where the linoleum meets the carpet.
Jenna
Silicon Valley Diva says
I dream of having a few short stories published and eventually getting at least two novels published (but heck, I'd take 1 LOL).
Of course, I would love if my novels become best-sellers, but really I just long for my readers to enjoy my writing and adore the characters that I bring to life.
I also envision having a great working relationship with the VIP people behind the scenes. And, I would love to hang out with a bunch of my writing buddies.
Elaine 'still writing' Smith says
My dream, upon waking at 6 am – after the kaleidoscopic collision of sensory awareness drags my consciousness from the other realities – is that I could simply write.
Anna says
My dream is to just keep writing, as long as it holds. When it runs out, hopefully there will be chocolate close by…
Anonymous says
My everyday dream is to sell my books to all the libraries, so kids who can’t afford to buy them can find them. My secret fantasy dream is to write as well as Scott Westerfeld. My cake and ice cream dream is to write a best seller.
Victoria Mixon says
Steph,
Thanks for putting this out there and reminding us why we write.
Because we're dreamers!
best,
Victoria
allegory19 says
You're right Laura – that IS the point of this post.
I love reading all the dreams. Especially Ink's dream of writing the perfect story. That's really poetic, and something we could all aspire to.
Thermocline says
My dream is to know what I'm really capable of writing. I like my WIP, but it's so much at the forefront, on the surface of all my thoughts. I want to find out what's in the well shaft, what hasn't even begun to bubble and parse it self out to my subconscious. I know it's there, though.
pjd says
You know those videos of old Beatles concerts where thousands of girls are screaming and swooning when they walk on stage?
Yeah, something like that.
Marsha Sigman says
Mine is simple:
I want to see my book on a shelf at my local Barnes and Noble.
I would hang out all day bothering customers, pointing and saying "See that? Thats me!!"
My husband's dream is for me to make enough so he can retire early. He promises to be my house man(slightly older cabana boy). I will definitely hold him to that!
Mira says
Cynthia – Lol.
Okay, my dream, other than that Laura will forgive me, is I want to write something that will make a difference.
Totally serious now – I'd like to write something that captures what I've learned through having a rather difficult life. And working in the helping profession, well I've seen so much human suffering. I'd like to write something that helps people suffer less, that helps them heal or…perhaps even more important, helps them transform their suffering into great growth.
If I could do that….well, I'd like to do that. That's my dream.
Laura Martone says
Marsha, my husband has the SAME dream! He hopes that I'll make enough money from my writing that he can stop running film fests – and, maybe, make a film of his own! (That's why I can appreciate Rebecca's dream so much – as does my hubby, of course.)
Lisa says
My dream is simple: My baby wakes up at 6:00 a.m. and understands my desire to have a few uninterrupted hours to write (and sleep, but that’s another dream). She miraculously begins speaking and says, “Gosh mommy, I’ve really been hogging your time, haven’t I? I’ll just lie here for a few hours while you write. It’s okay, my diaper isn’t that messy; I mean, the yellow stuff hasn’t actually blown out of the back of my diaper. Yet. And, I’m not that hungry. The two ounces from 4:00 a.m. just plum filled me up. Really, you write, and I’ll just stare longingly at your boobies. And drool.”
Mira says
Oh.
I have another dream. How could I forget!
I'm more an essayist/non-fiction writer, and I would like to be able to write fiction.
Where do you get your stories from????
Laura Martone says
Of course, I forgive you, Mira. Silly willy. I mean, it's not as if you DID, in fact, use my identity to harass Curtis Brown. Right? Right?! Darn it, no wonder I've been blocked from their website! Now, they think I'M the stalker!
Ahem. Back to Mira. And her dream. Her very poignant, noble dream.
Although my life hasn't been terribly hard thus far, I, too, hope that my work will inspire, heal, and transform at least a handful of people. THAT is my true dream… though I'd still accept the Pulitzer. I may be noble-hearted at times, but I guarantee they'd have to pry that sucker outta my cold, dead hands.
I'm just sayin'.
Scott says
I'll take Steph's dream. If someone is supporting you so you can write all day, who needs to be published?
Dawn Maria says
Well, I would love to walk into a bookstore and see my book displayed.
The big dream is to have a career that resembles that of some my favorite authors like Jennifer Weiner, Jane Green and Claire Cook. Not necessarily in terms of sales (though I wouldn't complain) but in terms of how well these women seem to balance writing and their family life.
Livia says
My dream is to get a few letters a week from teenagers who've found my book and liked it enough to share their thoughts with me. What characters did they like? What did they wish would happen? Were they upset that the heroine didn't marry the hero?
Anonymous says
1. Win the Pulitzer.
2. Have 25 published books.
3. Be represented by Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown, L.T.D.
4. Make millions.
Does not have to be in that order.
Dolores says
When Oprah puts my book on her list, I will die a happy woman.