Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Where the hell are you going?!

There's a great quote by Nora Roberts, "If anyone tells you there's a "right" way to write, they are a lying bitch."  Probably one of my favorite writing quotes. Ever.

That being said, I'm starting off 2014 with some advice.  But at no time am I saying this is "THE" way. I'm saying this is my way of looking at things and your mileage may vary. (This is true for all of my blog posts, so just mentally add the above statement to anything you read here in 2014.)

First off, how was your 2013?  I know it was a rough year for some and an amazing year for others.  Some friends of mine had serious personal problems but really had a great publishing year.  That seems to be the way of life.  We win some, we lose some.  The thing is to keep moving when we lose, and enjoy--but also keep moving-- when we win.

I think the biggest "trick" to success is knowing where you're going and how you are going to get there.  In writing, like most things, our final outcome is extremely influenced by outside sources.  Luckily for us this is becoming the age of "indie"power, and if New York isn't calling for your book, you can go Indie and do it yourself.  However, BIG caveat on that "by yourself".  To make sure your book can run with the big boys and girls you really do need a professional editor (or two), professional artist, book layout, marketing...yeah, you get the picture- it's not quite so "Indie" if you are doing it with the goal of building a writing career.

But whichever path you're choosing-- or even if you're into something other than writing--you need a direction. Some folks (me included) just jump into things without a plan.  I did it in college (switched to three different majors thank you very much) and unless I really watch myself, I do it now.  It can be great to just jump in sometimes.  Lots of folks never do anything they want because they won't dive in.  But for the bigger goals, the "this really means something to me" ones- we have to have a direction, plan, focus...SOMETHING.

Let's say I ask you how to get to your favorite restaurant.  You'll probably rattle off directions, a plan for how to get there.  (If you're like me it won't involve street names so much as "turn left at that corner with the big tree"--aka don't ask me for street directions ;)) Well, your plan for your goal has to have some directions too.

If we want something, to be published, to complete a certain number of books, lose weight, get a new job, whatever--we need to know what it is we really want, what our end game target is, and what steps are needed to get there. And while I am all for day dreaming, writing these steps down is probably a good idea.

This year I am going to focus on my writing as a business (no, I'm not quitting my day job, I'm not THAT insane ;)) but I am setting aside time to focus on the business end of it. I am also developing a way to separate the writing Andreas brain from the business Andreas brain, and the editing Andreas brain.  I've found that once I start seriously working on submissions my writing freezes.  So maybe some hats, or special chair covers ( "Ahh!  It's the "business time" seat cushion!") will help with that.

So that's my babbling for the new year- figure what you want and then map out all the steps to get there. Be ready to apply changes as needed...and they will be needed ;).

 What about you?  What are your plans, goals, directions for 2014?

12 comments:

  1. Well, NOW my goal is to get a variety of different hats. I'm going to be the Bartholomew Cubbins of writing. I like that: a different hat for what you're writing/doing.

    My ACTUAL goal is to keep on having run writing/build my publishing empire. The former is easier than the latter. But you are right: you need to have kind of a road map or goal, even if you change it down the line. Looking at what you want to get out of what you are doing is necessary to make sure you're doing the right thing.

    I only just found this blog through the ISWG; I'll bookmark it and come back. I like the way you think.

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    1. Hello Briane! I like the idea of being the Bartholomew Cubbins of writing ;). I'm very glad you found me and that you stopped by to comment- please come by and chat any time!

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    2. It sounds like you are having amazing time,keep witting :) because you are doing Great Job.

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  2. Oh you know me Marie, I have so many goals I get overwhelmed and just end up sitting here wondering where did the time go. LOL
    Well, 2014 is here and it's time to bring out the new me --- no more waiting for it to happen, make it happen. God this is going to make me exhausted.
    1. Photograph more --- not just red carpet events.
    2. write more --- started a blog
    3. lose the weight - started working on that already and working on getting healthier.
    4. Clean up all the little problems - car, taxes, moving. Okay, big jobs but none-the-less they will be taken care of.
    and
    5. BREATH!!!
    The last one is the easiest. LOL

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    1. LOL Carla! You are making an excellent start- now just keep on focus and keep moving forward! (Even if you're like me and forward actually involves a few dozen backwards steps along the way ;))

      Thank you for visiting and commenting!

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  3. I'm doing the indie publishing thing at the moment, having tried the more traditional approach and seen a couple of clients succeed self publishing with things I'd worked on. You're right, there's a lot to do.

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    1. Please keep us updated, Stu! I have a friend following that path and I'm taking notes of the process. I think if done right it is an excellent option in this day and age. Good luck and thank you for coming by and commenting!

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  4. Lordy, plan ahead? I can't even make my next hair appointment ahead of time because it ties me down too much.

    But, you're right. I should plan ahead or all I'll do is sit and spin like Spike in his wheelchair. ( I can never resist throwing in a Jossism. He is my writing hero after all.)

    My goal is to submit. And then submit some more. And then again. And again. You get the picture. No one will love my work enough to publish it if they never see it. No one but me that is and I'm biased.

    Great post, Marie,
    Sharon

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. OY- blogger hate's me- anyway.... my original post ;)

      LOL!! Ok, Sharon- the retired life is getting to you ;). I say plan on a certain number of submissions a month- heck I'll join you! We may even need a wager .... ;)

      Thanks for coming by and commenting

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  5. I just hope to finish revising my two finished rough drafts and begin querying.

    I'll keep my fingers crossed for you if you'll do the same for me.

    Good luck and Happy New Year!
    Leanne ( http://readfaced.wordpress.com )

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    1. Thanks, Leanne! My fingers are crossed for you too :). I hope you have an awesome 2014!

      Thanks for coming by and commenting

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