Hello Everyone,
It is IWSG Time!
IWSG is a writers' support group created and led by Alex Cavanaugh.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
This group is an immense help to many of us who do not mind sharing our insecurities, our successes, or giving encouragement and support to others.
So, if you are interested and would like to join, the link below will lead you directly to us:
The Insecure Writer's Support Group
The awesome co-hosts for the October 7 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Beth Camp,Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!
Submission: The Writer Magazine – Non-Fiction Challenge – Rejected. However, I received a great critique that took away the sting of rejection. The editors gave me a dynamite critique with some great encouragement. Their biggest problem was they thought the piece was too short.
Fiction - A Time To Love – Submitted September 18, 2020
A Writer At Work
I am a writer.
As a working writer, I have a set schedule.
My routine starts with a set time to get up mornings. I go through my daily routine consisting of taking a shower, meditating in my Bible, breakfast, reading two newspapers on my iPad Pro, and simply sitting in my living room or my patio and thinking, letting my mind run free. Without this daily routine, I would lose me. I do it regardless of whether I write or not. It is a 365-day or 366-day thing for me.
I never answer the phone before Noon. If there is an emergency, the people who know me send a text message, and I call them back.
I am usually in my office from 11:30 to 17:00. Then, I take a three-hour break After my break I read or review a book I need to do for an author, play my piano, or knit or attend a meeting in Zoom.
Now that I'm close to having a book published, I must make time for marketing. I've heard some good stories about marketing and some horror stories. But I'm excited about the marketing process and look forward to learning and implementing it.
Did I expect all this work to come upon me as a writer? Absolutely! That I can shout out. I never thought it would be easy for me. Deep within me, at a very young age, I knew I wanted to write no matter what and would be willing to pay the price.
Shalom aleichem,
Sounds like you have a great writing schedule and do it regularly. That's awesome that you are close to having a book published.
ReplyDeleteYou really are disciplined.
ReplyDeleteMarketing will take a chunk of your time. You just have to pick a few things to try and not spread yourself too thin trying to do it all.
That's great that you got such a thorough and positive critique.
ReplyDeleteWow, you have a serious schedule. Definitely a working writer.
So nice to get those powerful critiques that can boost!
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely a working writer!!
I'm glad they gave you encouraging feedback.
ReplyDeleteIt's true. The job gets tougher *after* you're published.
Good to see you again. :)
Glad to hear that you're close to publication, Pat! And if you get encouraging rejections, you're on the right road to seeing more of your work in print!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the release and your marketing plan. Tons of stuff online to help. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
You're amazingly organized. I wish I could keep to such a strict schedule too, but I was never able to. Even when I'm working under a deadline, I still would procrastinate until the last moment. Sometimes... More often than not anyway.
ReplyDeleteI like your morning routine. And those kind of rejections--the ones with a critique--are the best kind.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thrilled for you, Pat. Now the long hours begin. Marketing is tough. Yell if you need help.
ReplyDeleteYour routine sounds lovely, Pat! And congrats on your upcoming release. It's so wonderful to see the result of a life long dream like that. I'm very excited for you and look forward to hearing how you handle the marketing aspects!
ReplyDeleteGreat schedule! Congrats on your upcoming release -- Belinda Griffin has some great tips (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdMj1gmwgGcDr55v_mBSzBQ) and so does Nick Stephenson (https://www.youtube.com/user/iyurertyuioyue) where it comes to marketing your books. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist
I appreciate your forthright assertion that you are a working writer! Yes! And that routine that supports and nurtures you and your writing routine. I too try not to answer the phone in the morning -- for that's the very best time to write. Congratulations on your forthcoming book. Know that you already have a community of readers interested in your writing. We're here! Re the marketing, I'm with Alex. Just pick one or two action steps to try and assess which really works for you. Have a very good month ahead.
ReplyDeleteI love your whole meditative process, your "you" time until 12:00. That's such a great way to start the day.
ReplyDeleteHow I love your routine Pat. The whole process from reading papers to writing to knitting. Wish you luck with the book. I am sure marketing will be great for you.
ReplyDeleteHaving a routine is such a great idea. I never have a routine and I should. But I am distracted by every little thing.
ReplyDeleteGetting a helpful rejection is such a gift. Editors are so busy, so when they take the time to offer advice it's a special thing.
And yeah, marketing and post publication is the worst.
I'm so impressed by your routine. I'm so undisciplined at times. I drift. But you are proving yourself to be a true working writer. Kudos, girl.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first got back into writing I used to have a set schedule. Now, writing block excluded, I write whenever I can fit in the time.
ReplyDeleteYou're not only disciplined, you're a great communicator. I am sure you will excel at marketing, and I hope to learn something from your successes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, and also for the wise words you give to others, Pat
xxx
Pat, I love the sound of your routine. Excited to see you're nearly published. Keep up the excellent work. Your words affect so many lives.
ReplyDeleteFascinating routine. IMHO, easiest when living alone. My thoughts are how I could incorporate some discipline into my day? So far, there are big gaps.
ReplyDeleteHow encouraging to have the positive critique; I'm sure they only do that for the most promising.