We all have deeply held values and beliefs that carry us through our lifetimes. When we become writers, we get to decide what to write and what to focus on in our writing careers. Most of what we are interested on focusing have to do with what we value and believe in. However, there are some writers who don’t really know what their values are. They are not really aware of what they want to write and focus on. They simply cruise from one subject and audience to the other without any rhyme or reason. Writers such as this have a difficult time sticking to projects. It would seem that sometimes they are interested in one type of writing or subject only to abandon it the next week or month. Therefore, it is important for all writers to really get a sense of their true beliefs and values. Otherwise, they will probably not be successful in their writing careers. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself as a writer if you fall into this category. • What are your values? • What do you truly believe in? • What kinds of writing do you value? • What kinds of books do you like to read? If you can’t answer these questions, it is time to do a bit of soul-searching and reflection. Here are a few things you could do: 1. Go to your local library and browse over the kinds of books that are in the stacks. What kinds of books and topics strike you immediately and make you pick up the book? 2. Pay attention that what you believe in. Are you religious? Do you believe that there should be justice in the world? Do you try to promote this justice? Do you enjoy helping people? 3. What kinds of work do you do? Do you have a career in teaching or nursing? This may be a clue on what you could write about too. 4. What kinds of hobbies do you have? What do you really enjoy to do? This may be something that you could write about too. By asking yourself these questions, you will be well on your way to determining your values and beliefs. Then all you have to write in these areas and you will be most successful. Try it! Irene S. Roth