Writers: Avoid Frustration

-- Quote of the Day -- 

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”

~ Theodore Roosevelt

Writers – How to Avoid Common Frustrations

When first published, we authors have a rush of emotions ranging from ecstatic joy that a publisher was interested in our work to fear and anxiety when we realize how much work is involved after the book is published. There are a few things that I’ll share here today to help ease the emotional journey writers face in this career and keep their enthusiasm going.

What I have done is keep some quotes on my bulletin board along with my own little mission statement  - when ever I am feeling overwhelmed or depressed I can look at those bits of paper and remember why it is that I do this work; I am reminded that writers can help change the world one word, one reader at a time; I am reminded to appreciate this opportunity to embrace my curiosity and to face the fear and do it anyway. This bulletin board sits directly above and slightly to the right of my computer screen, where I can easily glance at it whenever I need to.

Having connections on writer message and forum boards, listening to or reading other writer interviews can definitely help – just knowing others are going through what you are, getting their support, and hearing their advice for whatever you are going through at the moment is invaluable. Writers are very supportive people so don’t be afraid to ask even the most “newbie” question.

Becoming overwhelmed with the office and the long list of to-do’s is very common. The trick here is to take one day at a time, one moment at a time – and to reflect your business or marketing plan to reflect that statement. Sure you want to have a plan for the year or even the next few years, but what will you focus on this week and what will you do today to reach that goal? Sometimes it is best to do the easiest things on your daily planner first because it gives one the sense of accomplishment and seeing things getting crossed off the list is very encouraging to continue. Otherwise you might be tempted to give in to your exhaustion and not do anything at all.

Set easily attainable goals that will fit your schedule this day, this week. For instance you might decide that this month’s goal is to contact every library in your district, but today’s goal is to connect with 5 of those libraries.

Keep a note on any marketing opportunity in a file on your computer so that you don’t miss out on anything, but don’t feel like you have to do the items on that file today. As your schedule opens up and you have an extra moment you can go to that file and choose one of the items listed there. That file is like having your own publicity or PR agent – only you don’t have to pay anyone!

And one last tip for fellow writers today – keep detailed records of your endeavors using a program like Excel. Initially it may take some time setting up the method you’ll use for recording information but once you have that done the chore becomes a very simple one. You’ll find that by having good, brief notes you’ll spend a lot less time wondering what was said last, what their information was and having to scroll through endless “sent” messages to find discover that information. 

Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!