2014 WORD - FEAR

This year I chose the word Fear as my word of the year.

I’ve decided to conquer the word in my life. I’ve let it stop me from pursuing my dreams and I’m no longer going to let it rule of my being.

I will write about my fears because sometimes if you talk about them you can get past them.

1st fear – Not good enough

I think this fear popped up with the first rejection and it continued to grow as I continued to write and submit my ideas. As a writer you don’t know if anyone will like your stories until you let them read them. For years I kept my stories in the closest. The first book I wrote for years because I didn’t have a clue about submitting. When I was stationed in San Diego I found found a copy of Writer’s Digest at a book store,  that began my lessons on learning to write. I learned you had to submit to be able to get published.

I submitted a query letter to Harlequin, this was the time before AA romances, so I was sent a form letter saying they weren’t looking for these type of books. I was devastated and that’s when the first fear crept in.

Looking back at this I can say the good thing about this rejection was that it made me move to the next book. An idea about another story popped in my mind and I spent many evenings and weekends in front of my word processor.

Fear can stop you from trying new things and I’m thankful I didn’t let it stop me from writing. The words continued to come even though I was worried they weren’t good enough.

I will admit this fear is still inside, but I’m learning to get past it.

Do you ever feel like your words aren’t good enough? How do you get past the fear?

Lessons Learned In 2013 – Make A Plan

With SORMAG (My online magazine) I’ve always made a plan for the year. Then broke it up into monthly chunks to help me work the plan. Creating a Plan for the years always worked for SORMAG I don’t know why I didn’t think about doing this for my own writing.

In the past I just wrote when I wanted to. However for 2013, I made a plan and tried to stick to it. I made a schedule for writing. I set a timer to make sure I met that challenge and it worked for me. I felt productive and I saw my chunks becoming smaller.

I shared this system in December by hosting a Creating An Online Marketing Plan workshop. Even though I was the instructor, I learned a lot too from my students. They created their own marketing plan and I believe 2014 will be their best year for marketing their books. I’m a firm believer now that creating a plan will help you with your writing and your business. Take time to schedule your writing for the year and see how much you get done.

This is my last lesson learned. I hope my seven lessons have been helpful for you.

Feel free to tell me what you think about my lessons or share your lessons for 2013.

Do you create a writing schedule? Share what you do to make time for writing.



Did you miss the other lessons - CLICK HERE TO READ

Lessons Learned in 2013 - Stop Procrastinating

What’s stopping you from being published?

Unfortunately the answer to this question for me is ME. I’m the cause of not being published. I can make every excuse in the book, but I’m the one stopping me from moving forward toward publication.

For years I’ve let Fear lead my life when it comes to following my dreams. I know you’re thinking you are the one who is always saying are you working on your dreams. I do believe in dreams and I do believe in going after them; however I also was scared to death to see what happens if I completed the one dream I’ve had since I was sixteen.

When I started writing, nobody knew who I was. I was going to be the black Jackie Collins. Back then I was into hot romance writing. I didn't have a fear in the world. I wrote everyday. I made it a priority. It was my dream and I was going to get that book published.

What happen to that young naive girl? When did she let fear, push her dreams to the background? When did she let procrastination slip into her spirit?

Thirty years later I'm asking myself these questions. Have I spent 30 years procrastinating? Yes and no. No because I continued with my life. I joined the Navy, I moved back home, married and started a family. Thoughout those years I was still writing and dreaming.

Yes, because I didn't have a deadline. I'd write when I wanted too. I let rejection beat me down. I let fear lead my path.

Last year I started focusing on dreams. What did I want in this life? Was publishing a book still important to me? Could I leave this world without a book with my name on it?

I didn't want to die without realizing my dream. The dream of publication still burns deep in my heart.

Is the fear still there? You bet, I know it will always be there. I'm learning to walk around it instead of letting it stop me and move me toward procrastination.

I've taken time to create a plan. This time I'm taking steps toward publication, versus staying still.

Join me on my journey to publication. I know it won't be easy, and I know it won't happen today or even this year; however I have 30 years of patience and I know I follow a Lord who will give you your heart's desires. My heart desires a book with my name on it and I'm working toward making that dream come true.

What do you do to stop procrastinating?

Did you miss the other lessons - CLICK HERE TO READ