Over the last few weeks, I realized how important simple reminders are. With my routine and my family’s routine out of whack, I fell into that trap of telling myself I wasn’t doing enough when it came to my writing. This was especially so because I was preparing a new book for release.
- When I’m frustrated by the long process from writing to publication to earning, I remind myself there is more than one way to the top.
Some authors achieve success (whatever that looks like to them) after publishing one book. Others in book five. Some, not until book twenty-two. The latter is not appealing but is closer to the reality for lots of indie authors. It goes to show that with persistence and patience, success is achievable. I remind myself that my way is the right way for me and my career.
- I write to my tune.
When I decided to embark on a career in writing, I was overwhelmed by the multitude of writing advice about writing four, five, and ten books a year. And don’t get me started on rapid release and writing to market. It took time but I realized it was okay to do all or none of those things as long as I had a plan, or as you know from my other posts (Sustaining my writing during stressful times), goals that could be carried out from start to finish.
If there is one constant across the board it would be to keep writing. Write the next book. Write, edit, publish, repeat.
- Leverage community.
Great communities have helped increase and improve my skills. Usually, during the summer, my in-person writing group takes a break. This summer three of us have committed to writing more, not less, holding each other accountable with weekly check-ins and critique exchanges.
- Invest in me.
There are three main areas in which I invest in myself but everyone’s area of need will be different. Mine are:
- Health – Without good health, I will struggle to keep pace. Anxiety and stress will set in. Good health means I get to keep doing what I love.
- Family – I believe that a healthy work-family life balance is an extension of good health practices.
- Career – There are lots of parts to invest in here: financial, craft, marketing, business management, etc. As an indie author, I may choose to outsource some of this but I believe it’s important to know what I want and have enough business sense to minimize my blunders.
Week 5
Small steps: Can be accomplished now.
Write daily (no matter the word count). Received book two back from editor and spent the last two weeks reviewing and started editing.
Short term goals: Can be accomplished in one week.
Work on marketing twice per week. Working book two cover which I’m hoping to reveal soon.
Long term goals: one month
Finish book 2. In the middle of book two edits.
Dream: three months or more
Publish 1 story a month starting May – October
Publish 6 titles in six months
Works completed:
- The Captain’s Lady – first draft, edits, cover and formatting done. July release
- Champion of the Isles – first draft, edits, format and cover done. August release
- Loved by a Lady – first draft
What I’m listening to: 2k to 10k: Writing Faster, Writing Better
robeccaaustin.com 
Listing goals is the way to go. It gives you a sense of direction and accomplishment.
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Yes it does. They really keep me focussed on what’s important and I’ve been getting a lot more accomplished because of writing my goals down.
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Great post and great reminders. When you feel crushed under so much information overload, and start comparing yourself to other writers and the routes they take anxiety is surely going to creep in your mind. We have to remember that even small things can be progressed, especially during hard times like these. Thank you for the great post!
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Information overload is so true and sometimes overlooked in our thirst for knowledge. Thank you.
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Health is so important, both physically and mentally. Most writers fall into the ‘it’s cool to write as a broken person’ trap, but I feel that your best work comes from a place of gratitude and security, and you can’t have that when you’re binging on whisky every night. Wishing you all the best in your indie journey!
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You are spot on, Stuart. I think that writing from that place of gratitude and security often comes through in the work. Thank you.
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