This morning, I had an email from a friend telling me about a bargain she got downtown yesterday. She saved over $700 on items that she typically sells on eBay. <\/p>\n
When you hear about a savings of that magnitude, you imagine that the bill was around $800 or even $500. But no! She spent only $94. Don\u2019t you love a really good bargain? <\/p>\n
But, there\u2019s more to this story. It\u2019s about timing, being alert and making quick and appropriate decisions. There was another woman in the store who questioned the prices. She hesitated making a purchase\u2014said she didn\u2019t want to be greedy. <\/p>\n
My friend walked into the store not knowing about the dramatic mark-downs. She happened to overhear this woman confirming the prices on some of the items with the clerk. And she didn\u2019t hesitate, make excuses or procrastinate. Instead, she rushed to the back of the store where the sale bins were, began loading up her basket and made her purchase.<\/p>\n
In other words, knew she was at the right place at the right time. She paid close attention to the information she was hearing. She took action. And she scored!<\/p>\n
I think this is a good lesson for freelance writers and authors who tend to procrastinate, who don\u2019t notice the opportunities around them and who are afraid to take action that isn\u2019t pre-planned. As writers and authors who want to be published and sell our works, we must keep alert to opportunities, maintain an open mind and, while being discriminating, also be willing to take risks. <\/p>\n
How\u2019s the writing of your book going? How is your published book doing in the marketplace? Are you satisfied with the direction of your freelance writing business? If your response to any of these questions is a tad (or a lot) negative, maybe it\u2019s time you made some changes in your life. Here\u2019s what I suggest:<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re serious about producing a book, get serious about sitting down and writing it. If you\u2019re stuck, move off dead center, get out and join a writers\u2019 critique group, for example. <\/p>\n
If your published book just isn\u2019t selling, do something different. Look for the opportunities in the newsletters you subscribe to (and probably don\u2019t read). Get more involved in the networking activities offered through your writers group or publishing organization. Purchase books by book marketing experts and actually read them (remember to open your mind). Sign up for my book promotion course. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/course_bookpromotion.htm<\/a>. If your freelance writing business is going nowhere, go somewhere in search of a solution. If what you\u2019re doing isn\u2019t working, do something different. Study Peter Bowerman\u2019s Well Fed Writers series. Take my article-writing course. There\u2019s a course in progress now\u2014it\u2019s not too late to sign up.<\/p>\n Catscapades Report<\/strong> This morning, I had an email from a friend telling me about a bargain she got downtown yesterday. She saved over $700 on items that she typically sells on eBay. When you hear about a savings of that magnitude, you imagine that the bill was around $800 or even $500. But no! She spent only […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3,4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nAnd then grow the courage to try something new.<\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/course_magarticles.htm<\/a> <\/p>\n
\nBe sure to order your copy of Catscapades, True Cat Tales <\/em><\/strong>before March 15, 2010 and get free shipping within the US. I\u2019ll also throw in a free gift. Visit the Catscapades blog at
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades<\/a> I\u2019ve posted an unusual photo depicting several of my cats in a heavenly place. Meet my Persian, Crystal; Katy, my sweet Himalayan; Winfield, our white odd-eye cat\u2014one blue and one green; Carli, Gus, Daisy and Rosie. Order the book here: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades.html<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"