Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Insecure Writers Support Group - A Made Up Mind

Today is IWSG day-the first Wednesday of each month. IWSG stands of Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can follow other IWSG members here on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG.

Our purpose is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Join us!

So today, my question to you is:
Do you have a writing plan? A marketing plan? A plan for success? Neither do I. Every now and then I jot down goals and things I want to accomplish during a month or week but other than that ... nothing.

However, I did draw up a plan several years ago and set out to accomplish some specific writing goals and guess what, it worked. I started publishing on a regular basis. That's why I believe in The Power of the Made-Up Mind.

Back in November, I was asked to replace a conference speaker at the Bayou Writers Group conference. I had a week to prepare. I can't do much talking or teaching on craft--not confident enough to go there--but I can talk about how to accomplish dreams and goals. I think I've made that a life study. I have a passion for helping people succeed or at least get on the right track. And I know--and believe with all my heart--that any of us can succeed and reach our goals (no matter what they are) if we just make up our mind to do so. We just need a plan and make up our mind to do it. We have to put forth some specific action.

This morning, I read PJ Nunn's blog post called Business or Busyness and I want to share it with you along with a couple of her other posts:  Is There a Method to Your Promotional Madness and A Publicist's Day. PJ Nunn owns BreakThrough Promotions. She shares a lot of great tips and advice. These tips are not only workable for your promoting, but adaptable for your writing and selling. No, I'm not suggesting you get a publicist, only you can determine if you need one, but I am suggesting you read these posts, draw up a plan and implement the power of your made up mind. We can accomplish anything if we have a plan and if we work hard enough. Honestly, we can.

Do you agree? Have you put the power of a made up mind into action? Share.


11 comments:

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

I wish I knew more about promotion, was better at it. I need to do more research, I guess. (Research. Blech.) ;)
Good luck. :) (And by the way, your cover looks awesome!)

Jessica Ferguson said...

Hi Rachel, thanks for your comment about my book cover. Promotion scares me to death! :) I'll have to FORCE myself to do it. \o/

Charles Gramlich said...

I think sometimes my major "plan" is to just be stubborn, to bang my head against the wall until it falls down. Or I do.

Jessica Ferguson said...

Charles - Be careful! And create a REAL plan. Your books should be selling like fireworks on the 4th of July!

Unknown said...

Your post gave me a lot to think about. Surprisingly, since I started writing 4 years ago, I've accomplished almost every goal I set and seem to be on the way to accomplishing the rest. (But my goals were never as wild as being an NYT bestselling author or anything.)

Sometimes I whine about how hard it is, but I'm a pretty determined person, and I'm glad you are, too. :-)

Jessica Ferguson said...

Hi Lexa - was looking over your site. Remind us when your YA comes out. I whine too--especially in my mind. :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I am big on goal setting!! You can't hit an invisible - or nonexistent - target. That was a wise topic to select.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Plans are good. That's good advice.
Heather

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I have a lot planned for my next book, but I'll definitely read those articles to make sure I'm as organized as I think.

Unknown said...

My plan for this year was to get my first draft finished already, and i've met that goal. So making plans does work. Don't forget to channel some of that passion for helping others meet their goals into your own work. ;)

Shel Harrington said...

Well, I'm a little late to this party, but since it's ongoing I thought I would say hello. It looks like a great place to visit for a dose of support and good information. Thanks for the additional posts you suggested!