Doreen McGettigan

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.

Please tell me I’m not the only one freaking out about that. It’s just a date right? Do you set New Years Goals for yourself and/or your business? Normally I’m extremely serious about my goals and I’m pretty good about accomplishing them. The past two-years, not so much. January 2018 started with surgery on my right hand. I squeezed a lemon and tore some ligaments.

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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

What is it about the fall that has me scrambling to finish everything I ever started and never finished? I know the answer is, because the end is near. The end of the year that is, and my goals are up there hanging on my office wall (the office I don’t write or work in) letting me know I’m about to fail.

I only set 10-goals for myself each New Year and I usually do pretty well, this year not so much. I’m going to give myself a pass and change up my plan a bit. In the mean time I will keep writing and moving forward. There is still plenty of time to catch up and there is all that writing fuel (candy) to look forward to this month.

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