When Lack of Money is Keeping You From Writing Full-Time

I have many friends who write, far fewer that can afford to write full-time. And that's okay. It has to be. For we writers are not only creative thinkers, we are real life livers.

That means that we don't give up even when we know we can only spare a part-time career in writing; at least for now.

We may write at 10 p.m. or 2 a.m., but we write because we can't not write.

Yes, we may dream of the day when, Lord willing, we can drop our full-time job away from home and write, but until then, we keep writing and dreaming.

We don't stop because the stuff of life is difficult and doesn't allow us to do what we - want. We're not little children after all who need to be catered to their every whim. We're adults, and although many people say we have a certain 'childlike' quality (we couldn't really write if we didn't) this child knows better than to complain about his/her sorry life in favor of doing all they can to make their life work, the way it is - right now.

Living in the moment is important, probably even more important than dreaming of the future, because right now at this very moment something tangible can be done.

So Write.

Positive Attitude Attracts Like Readers or How to Have a Successful Book Signing

The other day I heard this quote:

"I want to match what I'm going to meet."

I like it. And I agree with it. Not only because I believe those I connect with in life are living lives with similar goals to my own, but that people in general, who connect with me, may just decide they love what I write even if they haven't read any of my work yet.

How do I know this?

I have experienced the change that happens when the potential reader and I connect. It's like, suddenly, we've been friends for years.

Granted my positive attitude helps. I know that what I have to share is worthwhile and it reflects in what I say; what I share. My positive attitude shows not only in my voice; my tone, but in my presentation itself. I NEVER sit behind a table, hoping someone will walk up to me and begin a conversation. I stand in front of the table. I pass out postcards. I smile. I talk to people.

Sure, it may be that the person is broke, strapped for time, or simply doesn't want to try out a new book no matter how good the book looks, or how wonderfully you've connected with them, but be assured they will remember you, and when the time is right for them, they will buy your book.

Readers are just like you, with the same hangups, the same challenges, the same joys. If your attitude on the day of your next book signing is less than positive, expect that you will also meet like individuals who may not be intent on getting your next "positive"  Christian novel.

Remember, if you're more intent on "selling books," and less intent on "connecting with new readers" you may sell very little anyway, because people can sniff out snake oil salesmen from miles away.

Sure, your book has to be good, but it also have to fill a niche for your potential readers. That's why it's so important to be positive about your work, and to take the initiative to connect, rather than expecting others to do it for you.

If that means you need to change your attitude, you simply must do it.