Being a writer is fun. If you do not agree with that, don’t bother to read any further – just go off and do something else – something that might even earn you money perhaps!
We have to face it. Increasingly, with the advent of ‘instant publishing’ an increasing number of ‘published authors’ are unlikely to earn enough to feed our pet mouse on. (You don’t have one?... Really?) I used to have a pet cat, but now..... I am a writer, and catfood is expensive.
Getting back to business, at least we all ENJOY our writing – we meet so many nice people, we are (sometimes) admired, we can be proud of our achievements. We have to face the fact that the rewards for our labours are not likely to be monetary, at least nor for a long time, and not in great amounts.
If we are to have ANY chance at the ‘big time’ (I define that as earning enough to put food on the table – at least once a month) there are several key words which I keep in my mind and try to dredge up when even the poor mouse is going hungry.
DEDICATION. Whatever time we are not working, being a mom/dad, sleeping (optional) we need to be writing, or doing jobs associated with writing, like marketing and planning – I am not a ‘planner’ by nature – but I surprised my girlfriend by taking her to my bedroom and showing her my marketing plan – newly posted on my bedroom door. Not sure why she looked disappointed, but at least I know I am going in the right direction.
PERSPIRATION. Getting going, and keeping going, is not easy some times. We all have bad patches – that is what wine, friends, and more wine is for... We are allowed days of lethargy and sloth – as long as we pick ourselves up and carry on – it can take practise sometimes, but usually once you start you can keep going.
INSPIRATION. We live by new ideas – whether it be a new twist for our plot, a new marketing strategy or a new cage for JKR (pet mouse). Our life blood is a constant stream of newness – especially in our writing and our marketing. There are a million excellent articles/blogs/websites to read. Mostly, they will inspire us – and they are free – there is no excuse.
MEDITATION. We all need quiet times, times away from writing, relaxing – this is often where we get our inspiration. I know I said we had to keep going (see Perspiration) but we also need mental recharging. You will know when you need it if you start to enjoy your writing less or cannot stay awake when you should
This weeks posting is not meant to inspire, or motivate – just to comfort, I guess. it’s ‘comfort eating’ for the hard pressed and hard working author. Keep at it – you’ll get there one day!!
It's the cats that keep me going!..... I would be grateful if you can 'like' my face book page - www.facebook.com/arthurcrandonauthor - and follow me on twitter - @arthurcrandon - that's all for this week. Happy writing
We have to face it. Increasingly, with the advent of ‘instant publishing’ an increasing number of ‘published authors’ are unlikely to earn enough to feed our pet mouse on. (You don’t have one?... Really?) I used to have a pet cat, but now..... I am a writer, and catfood is expensive.
Getting back to business, at least we all ENJOY our writing – we meet so many nice people, we are (sometimes) admired, we can be proud of our achievements. We have to face the fact that the rewards for our labours are not likely to be monetary, at least nor for a long time, and not in great amounts.
If we are to have ANY chance at the ‘big time’ (I define that as earning enough to put food on the table – at least once a month) there are several key words which I keep in my mind and try to dredge up when even the poor mouse is going hungry.
DEDICATION. Whatever time we are not working, being a mom/dad, sleeping (optional) we need to be writing, or doing jobs associated with writing, like marketing and planning – I am not a ‘planner’ by nature – but I surprised my girlfriend by taking her to my bedroom and showing her my marketing plan – newly posted on my bedroom door. Not sure why she looked disappointed, but at least I know I am going in the right direction.
PERSPIRATION. Getting going, and keeping going, is not easy some times. We all have bad patches – that is what wine, friends, and more wine is for... We are allowed days of lethargy and sloth – as long as we pick ourselves up and carry on – it can take practise sometimes, but usually once you start you can keep going.
INSPIRATION. We live by new ideas – whether it be a new twist for our plot, a new marketing strategy or a new cage for JKR (pet mouse). Our life blood is a constant stream of newness – especially in our writing and our marketing. There are a million excellent articles/blogs/websites to read. Mostly, they will inspire us – and they are free – there is no excuse.
MEDITATION. We all need quiet times, times away from writing, relaxing – this is often where we get our inspiration. I know I said we had to keep going (see Perspiration) but we also need mental recharging. You will know when you need it if you start to enjoy your writing less or cannot stay awake when you should
This weeks posting is not meant to inspire, or motivate – just to comfort, I guess. it’s ‘comfort eating’ for the hard pressed and hard working author. Keep at it – you’ll get there one day!!
It's the cats that keep me going!..... I would be grateful if you can 'like' my face book page - www.facebook.com/arthurcrandonauthor - and follow me on twitter - @arthurcrandon - that's all for this week. Happy writing
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