Showing posts with label publishing is a business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label publishing is a business. Show all posts

Monday, March 6, 2017

Getting Way Ahead Of Myself...


Some days I get in a super groove and wish I had more time to spend on this crazy little gig called being a published author. Then I wondered if I'd be as disciplined at being a writer (and publisher) if I had even half my days fully available to me to focus solely on writing/revising/publishing tasks.

Could I juggle my time properly and make sure I spent the necessary time on what needed my attention on any given day?

I'd like to say, "Of course, I would!" But I'm only human and am as susceptible to common distractions as the next person. Housework, TV, a really good book, the out-of-doors on a gorgeous morning--but hey, in Texas, you have to take advantage of those because, come summer, they're few and far between! Well, they're gorgeous looking, but too hot and/or humid to be out in them.


I am fairly disciplined, though, and I keep track of my to-do's with lists, lists, and more lists. Oh, and spreadsheets. There are a dozen of those I touch on any given day. (I swear.) Right now, I've got a composition book for the publishing company with a full sheet (front & back) for each month and the things that need to happen. I'm happy to say, I'm on track so far, but it's only been a month. :0)

I asked a couple of author friends of mine if they still found the process fun as full-time authors. One said she didn't think she ever found writing 100% fun and the other gave me an unequivocal YES. Writing has almost always been a fun thing for me. It's been solace and friend in turns as well.

I think I just need to keep my perspective as time goes by and always enjoy the work, enjoy the creativity, and the subject matter. I need to keep life balanced and feed the muse as much as I abuse him to make the magic happen.

Happy Monday! Let's make it a great week.



Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Back to the Business Plan...


Okay, so...more reading and light research in the last couple of days and I came across some blogs and articles that say all business plans are not created equal. What ho??

For someone like me who's a one-woman shop and not planning on needing investors or to go to the bank for a loan, I don't necessarily need the traditional business plan. Oh, thank goodness, 'cause really, why???

There are some modified--simplified--plans for entrepreneurs like me who just need some basic direction and areas to focus on to get started. I dutifully answered all the questions on the form that spoke to me and they were helpful.

I'm still planning a more formal business plan with the vision, mission, and goals portions because I think those are important, even for me. As I said Monday, those things will help me make decisions later on down the line--will my decisions support and move me toward or away from my defined purpose?

Knowing what those are and keeping them in sight somewhere in my office will be helpful I think.

Now that I don't feel like I *have* to have some twenty page document full of research and revenue projections, I'm breathing a bit easier. My vision, mission, and goals are modest, but if I do someday need to approach the bank, I can certainly upgrade my plan and, by that time, I'll probably have some sales figures behind me to use.

Still some work ahead of me, but it's no longer as daunting or scary a task. :)