A common question writers often have is: now what?
I think that the answers can certainly vary writer to writer, but I also have some general advice that might be helpful:
Consider the big picture…but not for too long!
I wrote The Writer’s Workout to help writers take a long view of their writing careers. But, of course, I never wanted readers to take a permanent long view. Read this book in sections or a page a day, but don’t neglect to invest daily in the real work of your writing career.
Always Be Beginning — Write Every Day
I created the 21 Moments Writing Challenge to help writers create fresh content every day. But we don’t just want to write for the sake of writing, we want to write better as we go along. This writing challenge is specifically designed to help you accomplish this goal for a very low cost.
Create & Update Your Platform As You Grow
A writers platform is not static. Yours likely grows in fits and starts. It’s often hard to know when and how to update. But I do recommend that active, successful writers update at least once a year. And I designed Platform Bingo to be a fun, helpful job to break the task down and get the job done. If you prefer to use a workbook to tackle platform on your own time, I suggest you try my Discover Your Platform Potential workbook. Or if you just want to read about platform development and jot down notes as you read, try my book, Get Known Before The Book Deal.
Start With Nonfiction & Get Published Faster
I often suggest that writers with something to say begin seeking publication by writing nonfiction. Opportunities for nonfiction work abound with new markets emerging every day. Specifically, I have always worked with mom writers via my book, Writer Mama, my class Writing & Publishing The Short Stuff and my Dream Teams for former students. Moms who want specific suggestions getting started writing nonfiction should check out my latest e-book, Write For Regional Parenting Publications For Fun & Profit.
Apply My Philosophy & Techniques To All Writing
What if you are a poet or a script writer or a fiction writer or a memoirist, and you would still like to work with me? Of course you can via my phone coaching. Phone coaching can happen once in a blue moon, once a month, once a week, or however often you choose. The schedule is always up to the client and I offer a discount for returning students. Need to talk to someone about what makes the most sense for you next? I am just a phone call away.
What Should I Do If I Feel Like I Need A Break?
Sometimes the solution for writers is hard work where there hasn’t been much or enough. Other times, when you have been working long and hard or have been dealt a steady stream of life challenges, the key to increased productivity is to make time for yourself. And I’m sure you are not surprised to hear that I wrote an e-book on this topic, as well. It’s actually a compilation of my articles on the topic and it’s written expressly for moms.
Yes, sometimes writers need a break, especially after monotonous work. But more often we just need to hunker down and focus.
I’ve seen it again and again: the non-productive writer is not blocked, as she may have thought, she is simply not focused and determined enough.
Get focused and determined and the outcome will change accordingly. I’ve seen it happen hundreds of times.
What’s stopping you?
Impatience?
Unrealistic expectations?
Frustration?
Just put all that aside and do a little bit today.
Slow and steady gets every job done.
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It’s great to be reminded that slow and steady works. Thanks.