This is what I want out of life – an easy to read, easy to follow map. I want to quickly and easily see my options and know which way I should go.

I’d really like this to be an option for my writing life. I have so many questions:

– Should I focus on freelance writing?

– Should I continue studying fiction?

– Should I switch genres?

What I want is the map of my future, so I can steal a glance and know the quickest way to achieve certain goals: “Keep writing for your local papers for another couple of blocks, then hang a left at the short-story contest. After you cross that bridge, you’re on the way to regular contributions to a national magazine.”

What I have is this: too many ideas, too many options, and nothing coming together at right angles. There are endless possibilities.
That might sound good to some people, but it’s pretty overwhelming to me. I don’t want to know how many ways I can make it as a writer, I just want to know the BEST way for me.

Some people might enjoy that “freedom”, but I like organization, constants, and objectivity. I prefer for my editors to give me assignments, rather than “letting me” choose. There are too many options – just tell me!

But life doesn’t work that way, and neither does writing/publication. I know that. I’m not trying to change the ways of the world, and I’m not going to bail on my decision. I enjoy writing, and I really believe this is what I’m supposed to pursue as my career, but there are times when I wish it was easier for the structure-seeking individual. Oh well. I’d better get to work if I want to get this figured out…