The Writer's Comfy Corner

Vacation

I will be on vacation until Monday, February 9th.  Yay!

Until then, keep writing just a little every day.  You can do it.

Get Involved - Stay Fresh

Almost every day now, I hear something about how traditional print media is dying.  It makes me sad that long established industries are struggling, both because I have friends who depend on those types of jobs and because I believe there's a world of knowledge and creativity that goes into creating magazines, newspapers and the paper book.

BUT I also think there is a writing lesson to be learned from watching the print world struggle with the influence of the web.  Print people need to get current.  Writers need to stay current.

What do I mean by current?  I mean stay involved with new ideas and keep trying to meet new people.  Be curious, even when you think you know your job inside and out.

Our world is always changing.  Fabulous groups are created and technology gives us more options.  I would suggest spending at least a half hour once a week networking or surfing the web for people who are doing interesting things.  Maybe you can learn helpful information or seeing their creativity will spark ideas for your work.

Warning:  I'm not telling you to sign up for every social media network you see.  There's a fine line between being involved and being obsessed.

Just search for new stuff.  Follow the people that make you sit up and clap.  Who knows, that fresh new idea might lead you towards achieving a bucket full of your dreams.

See you next time.  Until then, have an awesome time writing.

Celebrate Your Successes

In a business where even the best writers sometimes take years to earn profits, large readerships and critical acclaim, it is crucial to reward yourself for good behavior.

What are some bench marks you can use to measure your success?  Here's a list:

- Every time you write twenty-five pages, give yourself a few hours with your favorite TV show and a salty snack.

- When a reader gives you an unexpected compliment, write it down on a fancy piece of paper on your refrigerator.  Imagine how good you will feel as that paper fills up.

- When you get published, tell people.  I don't care if you get published in your office's annual newsletter or the local PennySaver, let people know where they can read your work and let them congratulate you.

- If you keep a To Do list, imagine all the pages stacking up and pat yourself on the back for the work you've done.  (I like to imagine all my pages scattering into the winds of time.  In my mind I see hundreds and hundreds of little white papers in the air, like butterflies made of ideas.)

- Take yourself out to a show when you submit your tenth manuscript to an agent or a literary magazine.

There are many ways to celebrate the effort you make as a writer.  Can you think of some ways to reward the writing you do?  I believe that one of the keys to attaining your goals is to keep marching ahead with your plans.  If you keep putting one foot in front of the other, make sure to be nice to yourself along the way.

Until next time, happy writing.