Happy Thanksgiving. I guess most bloggers will talk about the things we have to be thankful for today. I thought I\u2019d do something different. Let\u2019s call this a \u201ctip sheet.\u201d The theme is the best use of the author\u2019s time this holiday week.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tGet some writing done. You can clean house or the garage anytime. Sure, you want to be with family. Write while the others are handling tasks that don\u2019t involve you, napping or enmeshed in their own pleasurable activities. What you don\u2019t want to do is get comfortable watching TV, remain idle while waiting for the rest of the family to get ready for an outing or get caught up in meaningless email conversations or texting. Use this time to WRITE.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tOrder those books that have been recommended or study those you\u2019ve been meaning to read. These might include my books, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book <\/em>(your basic and complete guide to publishing whether you are leaning toward the traditional route, self-publishing or the pay-to-publish option), Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author<\/em> (a treasure-trove of book promotion ideas and concrete instructions for applying them for fiction as well as nonfiction books). The Author\u2019s Repair Kit, Heal Your Mistakes and Breathe New Life Into Your Book<\/em>. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n \u2022\tJoin organizations that can help to move your writing career forward. For example, check out SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2022\tJoin a local writers\u2019 group and vow to become involved. <\/p>\n \u2022\tResearch blog sites related to publishing and to the theme\/genre of your book. Subscribe to receive regular notices of new postings at your favorite blog sites\u2014such as this one! <\/p>\n