We all know that when the world around us begins to change, we must alter some of our plans, ideas and goals in order to conform or to fit in, so that our lives continue working.
You may notice that those who cling to their dreams rigidly, without any sort of flexibility, even in changing times, rarely realize those dreams. It is the realist who perceives his world rationally, and who is adaptable, innovative and not attached to his plan, who will succeed in difficult times.
So you want to be well-known as a science fiction writer, or you want to make a living writing for teen magazines, or you dream of having your book published and making a bundle… Maybe you’ve experienced a lucrative few years within this realm, only to have your income cut drastically in recent months. Now what?
Some writers are waiting it out. “Things are bound to return to normal.”
Others are reaching out and branching out, but staying true to their original dreams.
But those who seem to be “making it” are creating new scenarios for their career lives. They’re tapping into latent skills and talents in order to generate work. They are using what they have in new ways. They are building on what they’ve previously established. And some are venturing into completely different fields within the realm of writing and publishing.
If you want to “make it” in your area of writing passion, here are some tips that might help:
• Do more of what you were already doing: more promoting, more writing, approaching more magazines or publishers, for example.
• Add a new dimension to your approach—write articles on new topics, find new ways to promote your book, consider a different angle for your book that isn’t grabbing a publisher’s attention.
• Reach out for more help: join appropriate organizations and groups and participate, take a class, read a book, hire an editor, find a mentor.
I had lunch with a writer friend, yesterday. With a smile on her face and an uplifting tone to her voice, she told me that the magazines she was relying on to sustain her lifestyle as a freelance writer, were using fewer and fewer of her articles. She said that the magazines are growing thin and that most of the articles, now, are staff written. This is the case all over magazine-dom. So my friend, instead of grumbling, complaining and scowling (a scowl would not look nice on that pretty face), she started thinking. She realized that she had something of value that, perhaps, she could capitalize on. For the last several years, she has run a nonprofit organization.
Like so many other innately successful people, rather than allowing this economy to get her down—rather than fighting a losing battle attempting to keep on keeping on in an industry that has all but died (albeit, temporarily)—she has decided to use what she has. She has come up with a worthwhile project related to her organization through which she can generate a salary.
What changes are you making in your approach to your freelance writing business or in promoting your book? If the same-ole, same-ole is no longer working for you, isn’t it a good time to branch out, reach out, become creative? Drum up some courage and steer your career or your book project in a more reasonable direction—one that will more likely lead to your success.
Here are 3 resources that might help you in becoming comfortable and successful in your new direction:
• Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org
• Order Patricia Fry’s book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
• Sign up for one of Patricia Fry’s online courses: Book Promotion Workshop, Book Proposal Workshop, Article Writing Course or Self-Publishing Course. http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
I’d love to hear your stories of innovation and creativity within your writing/publishing career as a result of these lean times. PLFry620@yahoo. Or leave a comment here.