Doreen McGettigan

I know its cliché, but the weeks seem to be floating by leaving me feeling like I’m missing something or not living life to the fullest. One of my goals for this year is to slow my days down and to be present and mindful of every minute. Another goal is to find something to be grateful for in each season.

What where your favorites and flops this past week? What did you watch? What did you eat that was fabulous or not?

The last few weeks have been so busy. Two big fundraisers I work on all year are behind me, so this past week has been one of rest. Resting involved spring cleaning my bedroom (lol.) I still need to finish both our closets and wax the hardwood floor.

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Wednesday is the day I share what I’ve learned on my journey from writing, publication, marketing; and doing it all again, and again. The kind of information I wish someone shared with me back when.

Just when you thought writing the book was the hard part you were told you had to write a synopsis, then an outline, a proposal and the hardest of all a query letter. You finish all of those and breathe a big sigh of release only to find out you need to write a marketing plan.

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Wednesday is the day I share what I’ve learned on my journey from writing, publication, marketing; and doing it all again, and again. The kind of information I wish someone shared with me back when.

I’ve always been a planner, so it makes perfect sense I’d be a plotter when it comes to writing. One of our local libraries hosted a panel of literary agents a few weeks ago. I was surprised to hear them say they are now requesting book proposals for fiction and nonfiction books.

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Wednesday is the day I share what I’ve learned on my journey from writing, publication, marketing; and doing it all again, and again. Information I wish someone had shared with me back when.

We all have them. Some of us call it procrastination and others call it writers block. Then there’s: • I have so much going on right now • There’s no time • I’m waiting for inspiration • You’re tired • It’s too hard to get published

Writing is HARD work and let’s face it nobody likes hard work day after day after day. If it was easy everyone that had a great idea for a book would sit down and write that book. Listen to me, you’re different. You’re a real writer, however, so you will be the one that sits down and writes your book. It isn’t too late; and you aren’t too old. You can do this, I promise.

Writing only one page every day for a year would be 365 pages, or approximately 91,250 words. If you write two pages a day, you’d have that book written in six-months! Think about dividing that time up any way that works for your schedule. Maybe you can only write on Saturdays. Seven pages, every Saturday keeps you on track to finish in a year. The most important thing is to find a schedule that works for you and then being consistent no matter what!

Most great things start with a plan. Do you have a business plan for your book? You may need a proposal when it comes time to find an agent or a publisher. A proposal is similar to a business plan. I suggest writing the plan as you go and tweaking as needed. An accountability journal is a simple but extremely useful tool. Use a notebook, a journal or a calendar. Write down what you want to accomplish at the beginning of each week and evaluate at the end of the week. Include any ideas or concerns you have in the journal too. If you’re like me great ideas will come to you and by the time you sit down to write you’ve forgotten the great ideas you had. Don’t lose your journal, it’s an awful feeling☹

Staying in and writing by yourself is so much more comfortable than risking failure, but you must get out there and find supportive, like minded people. The first few times will be difficult however, I promise you, once you get out of your comfort bubble and take those steps it will build your confidence, make your writing better and you will gain some awesome friends.

No matter where you are in your writing career, it’s never too late to take a step back and reevaluate your plan. Most importantly you need to keep on writing and never give up!

Happy writing, Doreen #keepmovingforward #neverquit #WritingWednesday

Have you written a book and have no idea what publishing route is best for you? Are you struggling with platform building? I am a book coach and would be happy to offer you a free ½ hour consultation. For questions or to schedule your free consultation: doreenb8@verizon.net

A book coach is knowledgeable in all things writing, publishing and marketing. The most important thing your coach can offer is to provide you with the tools you need to feel confident and motivated to create the best and most successful manuscript possible, to make the best publishing decision and to guide you in making the most effective marketing choices for you and your book. The services are affordable, and packages are available from as little as one session to sessions throughout the entire process.

Ghostwriting services also available.

email for a free consultation.

doreenb8@verizon.net

I know its cliché, but the weeks seem to be floating by leaving me feeling like I’m missing something or not living life to the fullest. One of my goals for this year is to slow my days down and to be present and mindful of every minute. Another goal is to enjoy each season. Friday is a great day to take some time to reflect on my favorites, flops and food over the past week.

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I’d be perfectly happy to stay curled up in my comfy writerly world but unfortunately if I want people to read what I write I need to let them know I’ve written something. Does the thought of public speaking terrify you? The secret to a winning speaking experience is being prepared and practiced. Today’s Writing Wednesday tips are on preparing your talk.

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Friday is a great day to take a few minutes to reflect on what went right during the week, what went wrong, the best thing you ate, and what you can do to make next week better. Please feel free to write a post of your own. Let me know so I can read and comment.

I know that’s silly to say but honestly I’m struggling with my goal to stop and be mindful of minutes. Those moments I was able to able to be completely present for were:

We went to my daughter, Joan and son-in-law Dominic’s house. It felt so good to follow the little ones around and see the excitement, and pride on their little faces as they found those goodie filled eggs. It was heartwarming to see the older grandkids helping the younger ones. I was filled with memories of them toddling through the yard.

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Wednesday is the day I share what I’ve learned on my journey from writing, publication, marketing; and doing it all again, and again. The kind of information I wish someone shared with me when I started.

Have you ever stumbled for words when someone asks you what you do, what do you blog about, what is your book about? I have and it always leaves me feeling so unprofessional.

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I couldn’t be happier to see this crazy week come to an end. All in all it was a good one, but I’m looking forward to spending Easter Sunday with my family and eating candy!

If you follow the news, you’re either thrilled about no collusion & obstruction or your thrilled that there was collusion & obstruction. Once again, proof that words can be spun to fit any narrative. It’s a wash and a waste of 32 million dollars. What a flop!

The fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in France is devastating. I can’t shake the feeling that it was arson. 7 other churches across France burned last week too and the number of church fires over the past year is staggering.

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The Reverse Mortgage Business is a big confusing industry with more than its own share of pros and cons. Before making any financial decisions, especially one that involves your home please do diligent research and have an attorney review any contract before you sign.

If you are at least 62 years of age, you may be worried about the reduced income that usually comes with retirement. You may have heard that a reverse mortgage can help you but cutting through the reverse mortgage hype can be difficult. How do you really know what they are and what they can do? Here are the true answers to some top reverse mortgage questions to help you cut through the hype.

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