In one Sisters of Crime, webinar, I learned that three in 100 finish their novel. We were informed of the three p’s. Planning, Professionalism and Patience. It was suggested that we self reflect each day. Do I plan? I have been writing since I was a child so no. I don’t plan it. I just do. Professionalism - Most of my work if not all has been Professional so yes, a shadow of my professionalism since I write for fun to date and it is my down time. Patience - nada. Each year when I go to Confession, I don’t have to worry about what I will report to the Priest (which is coming up by the way. I can’t remember if I went last year or if I was sick? Probably the year before, because I could barley walk then). I tell the Priest that I have no patience and that will have some give me a little penance and others give me lots (for the same sin - really?) How big a deal is it having no patience? Well it probably is how the Priest has experienced it, listening to others. I could try, “I have been consistently mildly impatient. I am so sorry but I cannot suffer fools - nope, that probably wiill earn me more bad points. I’ll just leave it at impatience. Do I like going to confession? Nope, but it is a requirement. Anyhow, let’s get to self reflection - I am used to it. I am now about 30 pages into my next book or more and I know what the main theme will be and I normally kill people (in my books people) so you can depend on me for that. This time my main actor is a Psychotherapist. I have been having people who read my books and Authors bugging me about throwing some therapy into my work. My Protagonist is a Therapist and this may be the first of a series or not. I am learning that readers love series. So, yup. I am doing it people. I have also turned down some cushy careers, so maybe I will fictionalize that in my book. I decided to do that today as I reflected. Back to the webinar. We were asked what we want from our writing careers? Let me think - money, would be nice. In my notes I wrote,“I’m ok with what I do. Expectations are for others. I am self published, would like to be more active selling my books.” The webinar shouted (not really. Webinars don't shout) if you are self published, you must have friends. So, I am thinking “friends”. You mean real friends. Let’s see. I know a lot of people but lots of friends? What pray tell is the host’s definition of friends? How many friends do I need to be an independent author? The host hired an editor (not what she wanted). She hired someone to do her cover. I have my publisher who does all that and she’s honest which is why I kept her. I also like the covers of my books. She suggesting booking tours, depending on budget. Right now. At this moment, I have no budget. I am in limbo watching the market. I have to prioritize and self care is having priority. We were asked which authors we admire. I wrote down, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, James Paterson ( which I am reading right now and threw it in my own book). We then went into the second portion of skills and knowledge. How do I improve my craft? I listen. I joined Associations. Ok that is all for now. This week shall all continue into next. If you want to buy one of my books or ebooks feel free. If not that is ok too. No pressure. I am still going to update all that once I re-organize all my paperwork. I will be at Word on The Street in Sept and at the end of Aug I shall be at “Meet Your Local Author” in Mississauga. Feel free to invite me at any event I can sell my books. My Legion has stopped so I am open to all Legions in the area, book stores, clubs etc……..Have a good weekend people. And for my friends out there, I am not going to increase any for profit. I actually found that part funny.
www.silvaredigonda.myshopify.com
No comments:
Post a Comment