New Year: New Direction

The new year brings with it the possibilities, and, quite frankly, probably more goals and far-reaches than you really want to think about.

But perhaps your new direction isn't in the abundance of goals that you may or may not follow through with, but a change of heart and focus when it comes to your writing direction.

Allow me to explain what I mean.

Perhaps you want to publish your first novel this year, just as you wanted to publish your first novel last year. And maybe you're thinking, "I could have this goal every year and nothing may happen." 

Maybe your repeated goal is to write every day, but you find yourself wishing for more time, or you're working a full-time job to pay the bills and you hope to be able to let it go and write full-time; a goal you've had for the past five years.

A change of heart in the first goal might look something like: "I am going to work toward publishing my first novel this year, and I'm going to do it by writing every day, taking criticism and making changes when necessary, and looking into self-publishing." 

A positive attitude works!!

If you're in the second goal thought processes, you may decide to write: "I am going to write when I can and I'm going to do this by eliminating or decreasing my television watching by _____%."

If you've decided that your job is no longer working for you and you'd like to quit it to write full-time, do a bit of studying to see how this can be accomplished. Frankly, most writers have to work outside the home, even if it's a part-time job, so perhaps the answer isn't in leaving your current 'away' job, but finding ways and means to write while you're off.

Concrete goals are wiser thinking because you are specific in your requests to follow and complete your goals. Your heart is saying, "I am going to accomplish my goal because I am going to do this and this to make it so," rather than, "I am going to publish a book this year," and leave it at that.

A new direction in writing is best accomplished with positive thinking and specific ways you are choosing to direct your life.

For example, one of my writing goals this year is to get my name out through booth set-ups at conferences and craft fairs. This is best accomplished by scheduling these events early (I have already scheduled 3 of the 7 planned for this year).

Because I have found that person to person selling creates greater interest in my books, I have decided to make it a priority. Yes, I will continue with my blog and social networking, but I will be adding interest to my books by increasing the amount of times I share my books one-on-one during the year in a real life setting.

What is your new direction as a writer for this year? I would love to hear it.

Kathryn

Networking With Readers & Writers

I think it's interesting that most of our networking these days is done online. We get on Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter and think we're doing a wonderful thing with networking.

And maybe we are.

Just yesterday my mother and I were talking about letters. You know those things written on paper and mailed through the post office?



Photo by Muffet, courtesy of Flickr

We talked about letter writing being a lost art. And I believe it is. Instead of writing a letter, a thank you note, or even sending some actual pictures through the mail with an "I Love You," attached, we find it satisfactory to do an attachment.

And maybe what we're doing is just that. Satisfactory.

It made me think of ways to connect with my readers that fall off the typical cyber track. Things like:

• Sending a paper note to reviewers who have reviewed our book.
• Writing a paper letter to fans who have complimented us on our work.
• Being available at book signings to speak with fans as well as those who are interested in writing and making yourself available for future help if they need it. It's far too easy to sit there just hoping for a sale; far harder to focus on the person and their needs.
• Being just as concerned about another author--and their success--as you are about your own success. Inviting authors to join you at book signings and other events that you have put together is a great way to make new friends and to let others know that writers need to stick together.  
• Giving away your book for free when you feel prompted to do so. I always carry a book with me. Recently, I was at a business meeting and heard a story that touched me. I knew that the person would be open to receiving my book, "Conquering Your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones," but I had forgotten to take a book with me that day. She had to be satisfied with my thoughts on the book and the postcard about it that I gave her.
• Go out to lunch. Spend some time with another writer.
• Get involved in networking groups but not with the intent to make a sale. A change of heart will bring you the people that will need your book.

When it comes to networking with readers and writers, it might be easier to send something via email or even by Facebook, but the most rewarding things in my life come when I have met directly with an individual and shared with them.

How about you?