Problems in the Writer's Sandbox: Friends and Marketing

Warning: This is a slightly uncomfortable post for me to write. And MIGHT be slightly uncomfortable to read.

But a fellow pubbed author friend and I were having an "honest" conversation the other day about writing friends and supporting each other in marketing and what expectations abound there, and I realized that we don't really talk about it that much. It's kinda like talking about sales numbers. It's uncomfortable and a bit taboo!

In fact, as an unpublished author, I never really thought about it. I think I just made this vast assumption, as I think most of us do, that once my book was PUBLISHED that all my writer friends whom I love, who I have supported with both my money and my time during my pre-published days, would be SO excited for me and jump on the bandwagon with reviews and Facebook shares and whatnot. Not like huge overboard by any means, but just in general.

But then you get published.

And a few of them share your Facebook post.

Even fewer invite you on their blog or post about THE BIGGEST MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE (not really, but it seems so at the time.)

And even fewer take the time to go on Goodreads/Amazon to post a review for you.

Some do. Definitely.

But a very small percentage.

It can leave an author feeling devalued. Deflated. Especially when we see those same author friends cheerleading and rallying around other author friends in your same "circle" and you think... what in the world?!? Did they hate my book? Do they hate ME? Did I get an F in the author popularity contest?!?

That evil, green-eyed monster called jealousy tiptoes in and takes a bit chomp out of your heart and you're left with more questions than answers and a bleeding heart.

Don't get me wrong. You're thankful for the few who DO support you.

So.... what do you do about it?

That's what fellow newly published author and I were chatting about.

I can no longer claim the status of "newly published" since my 5th book is coming out in February. But I am well acquainted with the feeling of jealousy and that sadness that comes with feeling like no one really likes your books. (My second Sandwich novella has a whopping 14 reviews... and very few if any of those are by fellow authors. This is not a woe-is-me moment, just a fact.)

But over the last few years, I've learned/realized/been-convicted-of a few things.

1.) I value friendship over marketing. At the end of the day, I do NOT want my friends, writer or not, EVER to feel that our friendship is based on whether or not they review or share about my book. Ever. Ever. Ever.

2.) It is HARD to champion ALL the books by ALL your author friends. Especially once you are published. You are on your own deadlines and your own tight schedule and you just can't do everything. And if I shared every Facebook post by all my author friends (or even one of each) my own timeline would look like a whole heap of ads and it would NOT be helpful, for my own marketing or for the people I'm sharing.

3.) Those writers you see being heralded by your writer friends? Chances are they have a large percentage of THEIR writer friends who are silent too. 

4.) Some authors I know just plain don't post reviews. Ever. At all. Amazon has been known to delete reviews by fellow authors (although definitely not all the time.) And because of this, and because of this whole fear of hurting others feelings, there is definitely a new trend of authors not reviewing books.

5.) There is a newish trend for authors to band together. To form a little "marketing" group to help promote each others books and "share" readership if you will. On one hand this is smart marketing. But I also think it is why we are seeing such a feeling of "holy cow everyone is supporting her and no one is supporting me" because a Facebook blitz by 10 people for the same author can feel like EVERYONE is supporting them all the time... even when it is only 10 people.

LAST BUT MOST IMPORTANT!

~~~Not everyone will like your books.~~~ EVEN YOUR FRIENDS. It's a fact. Face it. Deal with it. Move on. Maybe it's too steamy for their comfort and they don't feel like they can promote that. Maybe it isn't steamy enough. Maybe it just isn't their taste in genre or the voice isn't something they care for. It doesn't have to be personal. And I'd rather have 10 honest reviews then 100 fluff reviews from people who are doing so out of obligation. (Okay, that's a lie. I'd probably take 100 fluff reviews when it came down to it, 'cause bottom line, reviews can help sell books. But I'm happy with my honest reviews too, HAHAHA!)


What about you?

If you're published, do you have any tips for other fellow published writers about dealing with the complicated quagmire that is authors supporting each other?

If you're unpublished, had you ever thought about this before? Are you just assuming all your friends will be ready with pompoms and Facebook shares once that first book is released?

I'm a fan of being real. Of stripping off that cloak of PC fakeness and sharing real struggles. And the above HAS been one for me. I'm still working on it. I hope you'll feel this is a safe place to share, too.

How to Trade Stress Writing for Total, Absolute, Epic Excitement Writing

My children enjoy playing video games. They are willing to restart levels even entire games after hitting a roadblock. The competition is liken to a perpetual Super Bowl.

Starting at level one is so exciting for them. Their character bumps unto things, falls over cliffs, sinks in water, and any other variation on the obstacle gamers invent. My kids replay levels over and over until they pass to some mysterious, unseen next level. Poof. A new scene with new obstacles and pitfalls appears. And although they may sink or fall and will have to start the entire game all over, they do--with the energy of the Huns ready to overcome.

This is the life of a writer.

We start at level one and face obstacles like: 

* organizing/outlining an entire book
* disciplining ourselves to write everyday
* realizing that the first draft is not publishable quality
* finding out we have more to learn about grammar
* how to write a good beginning, middle, and end
* taking the time to read, read, read. BTW, The best way to learn the craft.
* holding the storyline to one main problem for one main character crafting strong villains
* accepting and growing from other writer's critiques

Once we hear that longed-for-music that indicates we have passed level one we move on to level two.

In level two we face obstacles like:

* humbling ourselves to reading our story outlaid to detect errors
* learning how to self edit
* learning how to add layers to the story and not let those layers steal the show start networking by:
     setting up author pages, blogs, twitter, etc accounts
     connecting with groups that can relate to your book
     participate in these groups without promoting a book. Become one of the gang. Be faithful to these and grow your tribe.
* learn how to develop your characters into 3-D characters who are so memorable their name along forms a picture in a 
     hearer's mind.
* enter contests. This will let others know your name, your genre, and possibly give you a contact to get your book published, 
    not to mention a critique.

Again the music plays indicating we have passed level two and have moved on to level three:

In level three we face obstacles like:

* Polish your manuscripts so they are the best example of a well written story.
* Start writing another story
* Send out proposals to agents/editors. 
                   OR 
* Research indie publishing. There are many resources out there to help you. Don't settle to 
      get your book published. Look for the gold. The one that will make your debut novel stand 
      out online and in stores.
* Up the networking. Branch out to more groups. Build your tribe. The more people who will  
      recognize your name, the more will be interested in looking at your book.
* Set up a newsletter and get off the ground.
* Research avenues to promote your book. Can you set up a radio interview, speak to a club, 
* Write an article in a magazine that has similar interests. 
* Enter contests. This will let others know your name, your genre, and possibly give you a 
      contact to get your book published, not to mention a critique.

At any time we can be sent back to the beginning of the game. Starting over with level one can be discouraging. But, we can learn from the kids who play video games. Shrug it off and allow yourself to be excited to play again. Always with the goal of publication in mind.

Oh, publication, BTW is not the end of the highest level. Publication is the door to yet another level. AND since I am still trying to get to that level, I have not seen the obstacles. I don't really know how many levels there are...or if anyone has reached the "top level."

Perhaps you have romped around on the Publication level of the Writing Game. What obstacles have you faced?

Perhaps you, like me are still romping around on levels one, two, and three. What other obstacles have you encountered?

I can't wait to read your comment(s)!

Photo Courtesy of header photo.

 *******************************************************************************************************

Rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking top Mary's list of a great ways to enjoy a day. These can be found in her stories as well.

Mary writes young adult mystery/suspense, is honing marketing and writing skills, and loves to pen missionary and tell Bible event stories on her ministry blog, God Loves Kids. She has finaled in several writing contests.

Visit Mary at her website, blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

All subscribers to Mary's newsletter will receive her new short story an intriguing suspense/mystery. Come, read a good story. To get your free gift, sign up for the newsletter at Mary's website or:

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Tackling the Revise + Resubmit Request

You're waiting for news from an agent or editor, and that anticipated name finally appears in your inbox. But what if it isn't a yes or a no? Besides the obvious answers, there's a different option: A revise and resubmit request.

Whether there's an element of your story that needs to be tweaked or a structural component that doesn't meet the requirements for a particular line, this typically means they see promise in your project but would like to see how you change certain things before they commit. Sometimes this happens in a pitch meeting or query response. Other times, they will send full editorial notes like they would for one of their own clients.

Since I'm working on one as we speak, here are my top tips for dealing with a revise and resubmit request:

Number one and most important, this is -- more often than not -- a good thing. Nothing to be upset about at all. Yes, it's more work to put into a project you've probably already spent a considerable amount of time shaping up to send off in the first place. But it will be worth it. Remember that this means your story made this agent/editor think and that he or she is invested in the idea enough to respond thoughtfully to you out of the hundreds of submissions in any given week.

But you don't have to take the advice. Revise and resubmit requests are great opportunities to show how teachable and creative you are with constructive criticism (an editor's dream author). If you've made every attempt to be open-minded and discussed it with trusted people who know your work and you still feel these suggestions don't seem like a good fit with your vision, then it might be best to move on. If their suggestions are so extensive that the structural integrity of your story is lost (and it's no longer your own story), then maybe you'd be a better match with a different agent/editor. But more than likely, a reputable industry professional will give you suggestions to bring out the best in your story and make it a mutual fit, especially if you know this individual has worked with authors whose work resonates with you. Don't be afraid to ask if it's all right to run your revision ideas by the agent/editor before you begin, but make sure you have a good handle on them first to present them cohesively. (And if you have an agent, make sure to get his or her approval to contact an editor first!) Experiment with the changes. See if they resonate with you and give your story life. Then proceed accordingly.

When undertaking this kind of edit, you can never go wrong with a good checklist. If a request seems daunting (Mine was two pages long!), make a list with each change along with action items that can accomplish it. What backstory and plot points need to be changed? Does any of this change your characters' essence or how they would react to things? What questions need to be answered as these changes unfold? What plot points will each change affect later in the story? Having a roadmap or sorts is a tremendous reference as you implement these changes in each chapter and a great way to keep things organized! Plus, the accomplishment of checking things off never gets old.

Here's what mine looks like:

Have you ever gotten a revise + resubmit request? What are some ways you know an editor/agent/critique partner's advice will benefit your story? How do you tackle a big rewrite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

---

Laurie Tomlinson is a wife and mom from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who is passionate about intentional living, all things color-coded, and stories of grace in the beautiful mess. Previously a full-time book publicist, she owns a freelance copywriting, editing, and PR consulting business called 1624 Communications. 

She's a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a two-time Genesis Award winner, and the runner-up in the 2015 Lone Star Contest's Inspirational category. Her work is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary.

You can connect with Laurie here:

Facebook - AuthorLaurieTomlinson

Twitter - @LaurieTomlinson

Web - www.LaurieTomlinson.com

C.O.M.F.O.R.T. While We're Waiting

Waiting....
Sigh.
Sometimes it's okay and sometimes...it gets very long. Sooooo long. And what can we possible do to, not only find our own comfort, but comfort others during the 'wait'.

Phrases like 'hang in there', 'this all happens for a reason', 'your time will come' or 'bless your heart' are not bad in and of themselves, but if you've been waiting a long time...well....they can grate on your nerves a little.  

Whether the waiting is from the delivery of your fourth kid (and I put fourth because there is a DISTINCT difference between the waiting for number 1 and number 4), the results of a biopsy, the funeral march, a soldier’s return, or an editor’s answer- there is just some advice that’s less appealing than other types J

And sometimes all you need is something words can't provide.

On both sides of publication, the waiting game happens A LOT!! But especially when we're on the unpublished side of writing, the days, weeks, and years of 'waiting' stretch into a seamless line of doubts and fears. This stir-crazy game of ‘what if’ and ‘maybe’ can dig a hole in our self-confidence like little else. Sometimes all we want is an ear to hear our rant, a shoulder to cry on, a loving hand providing chocolate, or an all-expense paid vacation.

Since the latter is less likely to occur, one of the first three will have to do J

Even now, on the published side of the bridge, the waiting and doubt continues. Will there be another contract? Do I have the ability, wisdom, courage, and funds to Indie publish? Will this dream putter to a stop after this last book in the series?

For a profession filled with words, sometimes words aren’t enough to quell the worry.

Christians have a particular advantage in this waiting game. No, being a Christian doesn’t mean you automatically write better and have more compelling stories – however, it does mean that your perspective is different while you wait. It doesn’t mean you don’t still roll your eyes when some well-meaning person puts her arm around you and says, “Well God’s got a plan.” But it DOES mean our minds understand the Sovereignty of God more than our hearts at the present. We know He’s in control. He works all things to our good. He loves us with an everlasting love. All the days planned for your life were set in place before you even lived one of them.

Yeah – totally awesome.

But what are some other things we can remember while we wait? Other ways we can crawl down in the fetal position with our friend who has had 2 novels on submission for 3 months (or a year) without an answer yet?

Well, as a good ol Southern girl, I’m going to turn to what comes naturally.

C.O.M.F.O.R.T.  Food!

C: Chocolate, duh! Or that person’s comfort food. Whatever it might be. In the south when we bring food, we're also bringing support, encouragement...we just happen to bring it with sugar on top :-) Nothing makes company better than a little sugar on top. So figure out a way to provide what that person NEEDS...or maybe just wants - and it doesn't necessarily have to be words.

O: Options- Provide practical options while they wait. Could they begin edits? Read a favorite author for inspiration? Or perhaps you could encourage another book they're working on because you already know the market is open to that particular storyline or genre?

M: Merriment – humor is a necessary comfort of life. Laughing is an internal massage. AND it's like medicine over a wounded spirit. Is there a way you could plan something fun with your friend? Or maybe a phone call to provide some much needed laughter?

F: Friendship – Knowing you’re not alone in this crazy business makes the path so much lighter. Just BEING there, may take the need for words away altogether. I know, for me, that just feeling the love of my friends helps me keep stepping forward even if I'm not sure which way I'm supposed to go. They're with me, encouraging me along the way. That's a beautiful and God-given gift.

O: Open for Rant – provide an atmosphere that encourages honesty without judgment. Sometimes there is no need for a ‘fix’, just an opportunity to ‘lose it’ with someone who loves you.

R: Right Perspective- provide fear fighters to help turn to right perspective.  When your friend is ready, an encouraging verse or vote of confidence in her writing might be what she needs. When we're discouraged, we have a tendency to see through a veil of desperation or sadness. Loving truth helps us gain the proper perspective.

T: Tips to ponder while they wait. Practical reminders like:

1.       Are you working on another book so you can be ready when they contact you?

2.       Have you been direct with your agent about what you need from him/her in your relationship?

3.       What ways can you work on building your platform while you wait? (internet? Speaking? Contacts?)

4.   Do you feel this time may be an opportunity for you to develop another creative interest you have?

5.  What are some other options that you might have been afraid to explore before? (Indie publishing? Mainstream vs CBA?

 

Writing a book make take one person plugging away on a keyboard every day, but building a story takes a community of writers, friends, and encouragers.

Comfort food just makes it go down sweeter!

What brings you comfort while you wait?

**************************************************************************

     Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at a group writing blog, The Writer’s Alley. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015, with the second arriving in February 2016. Her first contemporary romance debuts in April 2016. You can connect with Pepper on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com, Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pepper-D-Basham or Twitter at https://twitter.com/pepperbasham

Upping the Stakes -- How Values Can Add Conflict

Hi, all! So, I'm currently revising a proposal, and one of the editor's main critiques was that the stakes in my story aren't high enough. Hook? Check. Characterization? Check. Setting? Check. But stakes... hmmm...

Knowing this was some valuable insight, I took to the streets... well, the electronic ones, that is... and started asking several of my trusted friends for input on how I could put more zing into the stakes of my story, and consequently, add more conflict.

Photo by Ambro from www.freedigitalphotos.net

Liz Johnson (who really, is adorable in every way-- check out her books if you haven't already) gave me some advice that I decided to share on the blog today because it was so helpful to me. She said one of the best ways to raise the stakes is to pit the characters' values against one another. If they are working against each other even while falling in love, they'll have to make a sacrifice one way or another, and that leads to believable conflict.

For example, let's say your heroine has inherited her great-grandmother's home, and it's a prize to her heart. Meanwhile, the hero is a conservationist and has made a discovery that an endangered bird is nesting along the one and only country road leading to said house, and the road must be shut down to protect the hatchlings, rendering the house unlivable. It may seem like the two are at odds, but maybe by the end of the story, the heroine holds one of the little hatchlings, falls in love with it and the hero, and the two decide to use the house as conservation headquarters.

Or, let's make it personal. Let's say the hero has a desire to be a missionary overseas. The heroine, meanwhile, works at a local school for underprivileged kids. Grant money is up for grabs, and the two must vie against one another for the sake of their respected charities... but in the end, God blends their unique callings together, and they start an organization for immigrant children whose parents are struggling to make a living in America.

The key idea is that the values should be deeply entrenched in your characters' backstories, and that these values should conflict beyond something a simple conversation could solve. Forcing your characters into such an uncomfortable situation can actually push them together as they realize they must open themselves to an entirely new job/relationship/home than what was previously in their comfort zone.

Can you think of books or movies that do this well? Which are your favorites and why?

###

Ashley Clark writes romance with southern grace. She's dreamed of being a writer ever since the thumbprint-cookie-days of library story hour. Ashley has an M.A. in English and enjoys teaching literature courses at her local university. She's an active member of ACFW and runs their newcomer's loop. When she's not writing, Ashley's usually busy rescuing stray animals and finding charming new towns. You can find Ashley on her personal blog, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. She is represented by Karen Solem.

7 Ways to find Writing Friends

Just this week I was talking to a good writing friend. She is successful. Her books are brilliant and award-winning. Yet she feels very alone in her journey.

As I was chatting with her, I knew she was not alone. So many writers are naturally introverted. As such, they can attend meetings and feel disconnected. They join the right groups and still feel alone. That makes me so sad. Yet I know it can be hard -- especially when you feel like you have reached out and that didn't go the way you had hoped or expected.

Tweet: Long 4 writing friends? @cara_putman gives 5 ways + 2 bonus. #amwriting http://ctt.ec/8P3AU+

There is a vibrant writing community. I've found it through places like the Writers Alley. But I don't want you to struggle and feel isolated and alone. Here are a few suggestions to try if you feel like everyone else has a writing community, and you just can't quite crack the code.

1) Pray. Seriously. There have been several periods in my writing journey when I felt isolated. The first when I was a brand spanking newbie. Then there was the I've graduated to published, but sure don't feel published me. Then there was the I'm multi-published and still feel like an outsider. Each time I asked God if I could have a community. People who get me. He has answered that prayer. Many times. In each season. More on that below.

2) Reach out to others. My friend is doing this. Just about everyone I was going to connect her with, she's already in relationship with. As you are willing to reach out to others, you may find that they hunger for more than surface social media friendship, too. The way our lives go right now, it is all too easy to do everything online. It can be good - I love staying in touch with people from across the country and world, but it can be terribly superficial, too. So when you can build on face-to-face opportunities. Use social media to stay in contact, but cherish those in person moments.

3) Recognize you will different levels of relationships. Now hang with me a minute. When you're praying ask God to give you people newer in the writing journey than you, at your level, and then mentors. Each are incredibly valuable. When you're starting out you desperately need people slogging through the day to day of writing a book. Join groups like ACFW to find them. But don't stay there. As your writing matures, make sure you are looking for people who are now in those beginning stages. Be willing to pour into their learning and careers. That's how I know most of the gals from the Writers Alley. It's so exciting to watch their journeys turn into published books as they do the work. Which leads to the last category. We all need mentors. People who are further down the road. People who can encourage us and if we're willing teach us. Which leads to...

4) If you want to be mentored, be teachable. Listen to what your mentor is saying. Pray over it and apply what fits. But recognize they are sharing what they know. If they choose to share it with you, it is a gift. It means they see something in you they want to be part of developing. They want to help you succeed. It doesn't mean every piece of advice will fit perfectly. But keep a teachable spirit, or you'll find they move on to someone who is interested and teachable.

5) Don't take a "rejection" personally. Most of the time it isn't meant that way. The other person may simply be strapped for time. They may be out of margin and protecting their writing time. Maybe they have a new baby, a new job,  personal crisis. Extend grace and ask God to lead you to someone who can work. 

Two bonus suggestions:

6) Recognize there are seasons to relationships. In late 2008 (I think!) I attended a writing seminar. It was intimate, and the relationships we formed in that small group, led to a desire to continue online. For several years this group of ladies plus two were incredibly tight. We laughed together, prayed together, moaned about life together. And then our lives changed. Some left publishing. Some changed jobs. Life changed. We are still friends and can reach out together, but it is not the same flurry of emails and communication that it used to be. That's okay. We were what we were supposed to be at that time in our lives.

7) Be willing to be the one who reaches out and asks. A couple years ago I felt God very specifically tell me it was time to form another group similar to that yet different. This time I was reaching out to and asking seven other authors I really respect whether they would want to come into community with me. It was scary. I fully expected some of them to say no, because to me they were already in vibrant writing communities. Yet they all said yes, because they each had that same heart cry for community. This group is different than the first, yet it is just as rich. In fact, we're the Grove Girls. I'm in several others like that. Each with a unique purpose and mission. Each started because somebody was willing to risk. Maybe today it's your day.

-----------------------

Cara Putman

An award-winning author of twenty books, Cara is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

Conducting a Self-Performance Evaluation on Your Writing

Moist palms.  Quickening heartbeat. Churning stomach.



Just a few symptoms of the dreaded performance evaluation. Even though it usually turned out much better than expected, it was filled with what ifs. What if the screw-up I made on the database back in August is all my boss can remember? What if my sales numbers were lower than last quarter? Will I get a raise this year? Will they be able to sign me on full-time? So many questions.



At the beginning of a New Year, what if instead of making resolutions we took inventory?



Performance expert, Daniel Pink, is a business author and speaker and has written several bestselling books. His recent release Drive is about the "surprising truth about what motivates us." His insights are geared to the workplace but are very applicable to writers.



I heard a recent motivational talk by Pink and was inspired by how his ideas could help garner growth in our writing lives.



He suggests conducting a pre-mortem or evaluation. Pink assesses himself every six months, just like a performance appraisal but suggests doing so even more often could be valuable.



What better time than a start of a new year to ask ourselves some key questions about our writing lives. Suggested by Pink here are some ways to assess followed by my thoughts how we can apply this information specifically to our writing lives.

• Were my expectations right?

First, what were your expectations in the last year? Did you expect to get a publishing contract? Sign an agent? Make a sustainable income from writing? Enough to pay the grocery bill? Did you expect to win a contest?

Why were your expectations not met? First of all, recognize that many of these items are not dependent on us alone. So make sure your assessment is based on the things you can change.

Finding an editor who loves your writing can be a subjective and dependent on timing, market, etc. However, we can also evaluate what part of your goal did fall into your hands.

What constructive feedback did you get that might help you readjust your expectations? Maybe an agent expressed that you needed to work on building suspense at the end of each chapter of your novel. Perhaps you were offered opportunities you didn’t take the time to pursue.

Time to quit whining and think about what we can do on our end to grow.

To bring you closer to meeting your writing dreams (in as much as it is in your control), do you need to sacrifice money? Giving of your time is a must! Is it the year you forego buying a new espresso machine in favor of taking a class or paying a freelance editor to help you move further along than you can on your own?

Do you need to give up a favorite TV show? Facebook? (I’ve been called to fast in social media several times to bring quiet to my devotional life and creativity). Maybe give up something else on your schedule that is “good” but not your best?

Write up some new expectations for 2016 after you evaluate your old ones. Remember, most goal setting experts believe getting your goals in writing is super important in making them happen. One author suggests stapling your evaluation to the front of your notebook as a reminder.

• Were the pitfalls I expected what happened?

I love this question, because first of all my problem is often finding the pitfalls. Pink believes that the most innovative leaders find problems before they are noticed by others.

What kept you from meeting your goal? Sometimes we grow in an uneven manner in our writing life. It may be easier for me to improve my dialogue to build realism, but harder for me to write tight. And God has a way of being gentle with us and working with us step by step. He knows what causes overwhelm and is so kind to grow us and stretch us in one or two areas at a time.

What can you do to prevent these pitfalls this year? If your downfall was not allowing enough time for editing before sending in a contest entry, how can you set up your calendar now to prepare earlier?

• Was I able to avoid pitfalls altogether?

Where did you improve in avoiding past issues? Perhaps you had several beta readers evaluate your contest entry in the area you most struggled? Where do you need more work in your unique areas of weakness?

• How could I do better next time?

Specificity is key to succeeding at our goals.

If you need to be more consistent in your writing how about: I will write from 8-9 every morning.

What specific plans will I put into play to grow in the areas of weakness in my writing life?

How will I be intentional about my writing dreams this year with God’s help?

It all begins with time at God’s feet, reading his word and sitting in prayer allowing him to set the agenda for 2016.

To purchase Drive by Daniel Pink click here.  

How about you: Do you conduct a performance evaluation? What pitfalls are you trying to avoid in your 2016 writing life?