I\u2019ve been gone for a few days. I hope somebody noticed. I attended a mini-class reunion in a nearby town with about 25 former classmates. What a blast. We do a lot of sharing and reminiscing. It\u2019s fun to travel back to the 50s with old friends.<\/p>\n
Next year we will gather again and we have an assignment. We are to come prepared to share our passion. We will bring photos and\/or examples of what we do that brings us joy. And I think it would be interesting to also explain what or who influenced us to go in that direction\u2014a shop or home economics teacher, a classmate, an experience we had in Brownies or cub scouts for example. <\/p>\n
For this event, I will prepare a program using photos and stories in an attempt to share my path into and through the world of writing: what the writing life actually entails\/involves, what it feels like to have the freedom to pursue my dream to write and I\u2019ll show off some of my work. <\/p>\n
I typically evaluate my writing business every year and this exercise should assist with that evaluation and possible restructuring in 2011. When I conduct an evaluation, I check to see exactly in what direction my business is going\u2014this changes with the economy and with technology, etc. Through these evaluations, I discover where I need to put more of my time and energy, where I WANT to spend more time and energy and what aspects of my business need an overhaul. Through these annual evaluations, I have evolved from full-time article-writer to author of numerous publishing\/book promotion books to avid speaker on topics related to publishing, to editor and publishing consultant for authors. Every few years, I watch my business shift and, rather than balk and go into denial, I do my best to shift along with it. That\u2019s the only way we are going to stay in the game, isn\u2019t it\u2014by accepting the new rules and massaging our skills and our focus to conform? It is also a good idea to try to stay ahead of the game when possible.<\/p>\n
How is your writing business going? Do you evaluate where you are from time to time. Are you paying attention to trends? Are you flexible in your thinking? Are you constantly improving on your skills? Or do you stubbornly remain stuck in a groove that is not helping you to move forward with your writing work or your book project?<\/p>\n
This weekend, take the time to evaluate your writing world. Does it need an overhaul or at least a bit of tweaking? I\u2019d love a report.<\/p>\n