"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Saturday, August 8, 2015

30 Days Net* A Month's Look at my Writing Life

 


There's something to be said for blogging and the online accountability provided to others. Trust me. If you publicly announce your plans to participate in a contest, finish your novel, update your blog every week, or land a guest post at a prominent site, readers will keep you on point.

They will periodically inquire. They will remind you. They will keep you true to your word. True?

Which is a good thing. It's one of the reasons I think it's important to share our creative goals, dreams, failures and lessons learned.
It also helps to build a community of support and a healthy exchange of ideas, strategies and suggestions.

And who understands the struggles of a writer better than another writer?

With this in mind, today I am revealing my "profits," "losses" and related activities for July and August, thus far. My hope is that...

A). You'll be inspired and encouraged in your own efforts.

OR...

B). Rejoice in knowing that you're at least doing better than I am! :-)
 

THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS
 
1. I finally submitted a draft of my poetry book to a publisher, for release later this year. Yay!
 
2. I applied for a position as a columnist for a local magazine in my area. No word yet on the status of my application.
 
3. I created a beautiful blog for a travel agency that caters to women. It was fun and enlightening.
(By the way, if you need someone to design and set up a blog for your business or new book, I am available). Please get in touch.
 
4. I am working on three guest blog posts to be submitted by the end of the month.
One of my long-time goals is to write for a food blog. (If you or someone you know has one, I'd love to potentially post something).
 
5. I had a poet re-sign with me for some promotional work.
 
6. I'm working on a crowdfunding campaign for one of my favorite clients.
 
7. I've sent pitches to two former clients about future work. The verdict is still out on this one.
 
8. I am having challenges with some technical work required for the re-launch of one of my other sites. Details at a later date. Word to the wise: things always take longer than you think, budget your time accordingly.
 
9. I am planning a blog break for later this month to catch up on things and get a second wind.
 
10. Looking into incorporating more templates in my weekly tasks, to save time and "work smarter, not harder."
 

Well, that's it for now. Wishing you a great week ahead.

Care to share?
Comments?





10 comments:

  1. Smarter is always better than harder.

    Congratulations on all the risks you've taken. If you don't apply and submit, there's no chance of getting a "yes."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Sioux. I'm tryin'! :-)

      Thanks for starting the discussion off today.

      Delete
  2. Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?

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    and would love to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my audience would value your work. If you're even remotely interested,
    feel free to send me an email.

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    ReplyDelete
  3. Work smarter, not harder is certainly a goal of mine. You are very ambitious. I wish there were more freelance e$say markets.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I appreciate the feedback, Lin. I will try to include essay markets in a future post. Okay? Have a great day.

      Delete
  4. Sounds like you've had a productive summer. Congrats on your poetry book! Looking forward to hearing more details about it. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Karen,
    Thanks so much for your time and comment. I value your input.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well, for one thing, Jen, your writing space is a Whole Lot Tidier than mine! This summer a lot of my writing is on hold. We're under the gun to get some work done related to our mortgage and it's work, work, work all the time. But my third mystery has been reviewed by my editor (lots of work to do there!), I've subbed two stories to Chicken Soup, and I've kept up my blog. So - this fall I'll be ready to get back in the writing saddle. Company in October, but I'll work around it! Thanks for sharing and congrats on your poetry book!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As for my office space? For some reason, I have to have a clean work area to approach my projects and keep my thoughts "uncluttered." Although it doesn't always work that way... LOL

      Delete
  7. Hi Sue,
    Sounds like you have your hands full. But, they're very "capable" hands, so no doubt you'll get things done! Every year I say I'll send some "Chicken" stories out and most times I forget. Maybe this year? Congrats on your book! Thanks for chiming in. Always lovely to hear from you. :-)

    ReplyDelete