It’s Spring and moving swiftly toward Summer. Have you met any of your writing goals for 2008? I know people who deemed this the year that they would become published. Others hoped to start writing a book. And, I’m sure that many of you planned to be involved in some freelance writing by now. How many of you have started living your writing/publishing dream? Are you on track with your goals? If so, you’re in the minority.
Yup, most people flake out on their own important goals. They just can’t seem to jumpstart a plan of action. Some can’t figure out how to move in a direction that might result in success. Others seem to be stuck in a cycle that doesn’t allow for any sort of creative mobility. But few of these hopeful authors/freelance writers have completely given up their dreams. They say, instead, “I will do some writing—someday.†Or “When I have time, I’m going to write my memoirs.†Or “I wish I could find time to write.â€
As many of you know, I’ve been writing for publication for over 30 years. I started writing when my 3 stair-step daughters were pre-teens and I established a writing/publishing career that has been my sole support for over 20 years. I write articles for magazines, work with other writers and authors on their projects and I have 28 books to my credit. People ask me, “How do you find the time to do all of that writing?†Well, it’s all that I do. Writing is my life. And, yes, I’ve had to make some sacrifices and lifestyle changes in order to accommodate my passion for writing.
This morning, I’d like to offer you 5 things that you can do differently in order to create your writing/publishing success.
1: Adopt a “can do†attitude. Often the pure enormity of the industry and the competition is enough to put off a talented writer. Sure, it’s a jungle full of lions, tigers and bears out there. But someone is getting their work published. In fact, millions of “someones†are scoring. Why can’t it be you? Maybe it’s time to stop talking about and thinking about writing and actually start writing.
2: Make some sacrifices. We all have busy lives. And when we want to add a component to our life, something must give. You’ve experienced this many times in your life. You want to go out and party on Friday night so you sacrifice sleep, time spent watching TV, maybe some hours of clarity the next morning. Maybe you want to take a trip or help a friend move, you’ve changed aspects of your lifestyle to do these things. Why are you reluctant to make allowances/sacrifices in order to support your writing passion?
3: Pick and choose your project. Sure, maybe you have your heart set on writing your memoirs or a novel that keeps playing out in your mind. But if you are stalled because of the enormity of this book, why not start with a confidence-building project? Write a simple how-to book on a topic you know well. (I have an article called, “Write a How-To First.†Let me know if you’d like me to send it to you.) Maybe you’d feel more comfortable submitting some of your short stories to magazines/newsletters. Write an article for publication. Complete a few small projects and your book might not seem so daunting—especially if you view it as a series of chapters instead of a whole overwhelming book.
4: Stop studying. I never thought I’d hear myself say this. I am a strong advocate of studying the publishing industry before getting involved. However, I know writers and hopeful authors who buy every book on their genre, attend 4 writers’ groups every month, consult daily with a writing buddy, hire a mentor and/or continually research their project. Some people carry on like this for years, never writing a word. By the time they get around to hiring me, they’re invested in a habit that is mighty hard to break. It’s important to know when to stop, drop and write.
5: Write what is needed/wanted. I know talented, skilled writers who waste their time writing what they want to write with little concern for what will sell. Budding writers come to me complaining that they can’t sell a column idea to the New Yorker or an essay on spring cleaning or washing a Volvo to Woman’s Day. If this describes you, will you do this for me (and for yourself)? Study the magazines you want to write for (I suggest aiming a little lower than Reader’s Digest and Ladies Home Journal in the beginning). What does this magazine publish? What can you offer that might fit this publication? Read their Submission Guidelines and follow them in making a submission.
If you would like some coaching to help you get your freelance writing career off the ground, sign up for my online article-writing course at: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm
Sign up for my courses on book promotion, self-publishing or writing a book proposal. http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
Don’t think you can afford to spend the money in this tight economic period? Can you afford not to learn how to use your writing talent and skill to supplement your income or support you?
Contact me with questions: PLFry620@yahoo.com And remember, if you have a book that isn’t doing well in the marketplace—sales are lagging or stalled, maybe you are trying to promote a bulldozer book. Are you addressing the right audience for your book? Are you using all of the appropriate promotional aspects in your book in order to promote it? My new ebook, The Author’s Repair Kit will help you to breathe new life into your book. Order it now at: http://www.matilijapress.com/author_repairkit.html It’s only $5.95 and it could compute into thousands of dollars in your pocket.