8 Tell-Tale Signs That Forecast Writing Success!
8 Tell-Tale Signs That Forecast Writing Success!
'Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." -Stephen KingEver wonder what the hands of fate will deal you in the way of success as a writer? Or why some individuals reap the rewards of literary recognition, while others fail and fade into anonymity?Just as highway signs alert travelers of their impending destination, there are give-away indicators that point to "the road to success" for writers.Here are checkpoints that reveal you're in the literary fast lane!You're Playing the Field- The more genres of writing you apply your talents to, the greater the odds of continued publication and pay. I began my journalistic journey over a decade ago, writing poetry and greeting card verse.What I discovered was that poetry (although my first love), was not very marketable. As a result, these efforts alone met with very little success until I decided to try feature writing for magazines. This change in strategy not only allowed me to establish publishing credits and an impressive portfolio, but also financed the self-publication of 3 volumes of poetry chapbooks and opened avenues for paid performances and open mike competitions as well.Jennifer Brown Banks- Page 2 8 Tell-Tale Signs?You're an Avid Reader- It is virtually impossible to become a marketable writer without reading and studying prominent writers and various styles of expression. Whether you're a member of a local book club, subscribe to a few on-line publications, or regularly escape through a good Harlequin Romance, you're moving in the right direction! Being an avid reader helps you expand your vocabulary, become familiar with different writing styles, and understand the needs of your audience.You're Self-Disciplined- Unlike other professions and industries, writing is by and large a do it yourself success story; there is no delegating or getting by on other team members' strength. It's either sink or swim! You establish your own goals, develop your own game plan, and assume sole responsibility for your career. Successful writers go the distance by making writing a priority, honing their craft and persevering through rejection.You Understand that Writing is a Business- Far too many writers fail to recognize that writing is a business. One that requires much more than creativity and a command of the King's English. To achieve professional status, one must have marketing savvy, time management skills, analytical ability, research knowledge and familiarity with the industry. It also requires putting money back into the "business" by investing in trade related materials such as the Writers' Market, computer equipment and business cards (to name a few things).Jennifer Brown Banks- Page 3 8 Tell-Tale Signs?You Recognize the Importance of Critiquing- Whether it's through a writers' group, a mentor, a college professor, or people whom you admire and trust. Getting an outside, objective analysis of your work can mean the difference between rejection and perfection. Just as "love is blind," many of us are far too close to what we've created to see flaws or gaps in what we're trying to convey.You Know the Meaning of Working Smart- At least 50% of my writing income is generated from resales. The well fed writer realizes the potential to resell and represent the same pieces many times over just by changing the slant and minor details, and by negotiating rights.You're Navigating "the Information Super Highway." Do you Google? Are you able to successfully research, review writers' web sites, and submit work via the Internet? Doing so decreases down time, increases productivity, and puts you in the fast lane to creativity. Check out the following writers' E-zines to enhance your bottom line:Absolute Write Newsletter- http://www.absolutewrite.com- This weekly contains articles, interviews and calls for writers.Inscriptions-http://www.inscriptions.com- Features weekly calls for writers, interviews, book reviews and announcements.Jennifer Brown Banks- Page 4- 8 Tell-Tale Signs3. National Association of Women Writers- http://www.naww.org- Produces a newsletter that provides useful insiders' tips, motivational quotes, contests, conferences and more. It also serves to support and promote the works of female authors.A great book to also help you improve your surfing savvy is 300 Incredible Things to Do on the Internet by Ken Leebow.You Write for the Love of It!- Do you practically eat, sleep and drink writing? Love to communicate and connect? In this field, perhaps more so than any other, passion precedes success. Having the desire to educate, entertain and empathize through the written word is indeed a noble ambition. And it is this philosophy that will allow you to persevere and avoid "road rage" in your daily travels!COPYRIGHT 2004 JENNIFER BROWN BANKSAbout The AuthorJennifer Brown Banks is a writer, poet, speaker and literary consultant. Her work is featured monthly as a contributing writer to Being Single magazine. Additionally, she is a high school substitute teacher.Publishing credits include: Chicago Sun-Times, Being Single Magazine, Funds 4 Writers, Writing for Dollars, Honey Magazine, Today's Chicago Woman, National Association of Women Writers' Weekly, Empowermag.com, Gospel Synergy and a host of on-line and print publications.Her upcoming book of poetry "A Paradox in Pink" is due to be released in fall 2004. Banks is listed in Marquis' Who's Who in America.She may be contacted at
Jennifer Brown Banks
P.O. Box 208821
Chicago, IL 60620-8821
E-mail Jenniferwriter@yahoo.com
Success Is Knowing What You Want – Goal-Setting
Success Is Knowing What You Want
Many people ask me how they can be more successful.The first question I ask is, "What do you want?"Usually the answer is vague. I want to make more money, have a great relationship, write a book, be happy, and so on.The problem with this answer is that it is so vague that it will not yield any results. When you describe your goal, you have to be so clear that the other person can almost feel and taste it. The description has to be concrete, vivid, and rich in imagery. Abstractions will simply not do.Unless there is clarity, nothing can happen. Nothing begins unless there is acute vision.The first step to getting what you want is knowing what you want. People get caught up with trying to figure out if they deserve it or how to get what they want. This type of thinking is a way to avoid clarity. Failure to hold a compelling vision is to fail before you even start.So this knowing has to be very clear, very specific. If you want more money, you have to know exactly how much more money you want. If you want a great relationship, you have to be willing to spend the time to know what a great relationship means for you. Details, details, details.The human mind is like a smart bomb. It needs specific targets, clearly outlined, before it will make an impact. A focused mind, a passionate mind, a committed mind is one of the most potent forces in the universe.It takes some effort to think of exactly what you want. You have to be willing to dream boldly, without reservation, without shyness. It has to be a no-holds-barred, uncensored dream. Clarity is a raw power that will shape your future. It is the first step in magnetizing your possibilities.Once you have that clarity, then a massive power will begin to move into your life. Your thoughts will break all bonds of limited thinking and become a driving force. You will feel an irresistible invitation to explore all possible opportunities. And the realization of your goal becomes inevitable. You will not be willing to tolerate any obstacles or submit to any excuses. When your goal is big enough, and bright enough, and near enough, when it looms in your mind as clear as day, you will succeed.Resource BoxSaleem Rana got his Masters degree in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable lifeCopyright 2004 Saleem Rana. Please feel free to pass this
article on to your friends, or use it in your ezine or
newsletter. It's a shareware article.
Shorten Your Journey to Book Success with Teleclasses – Part 2 – E-Books
Shorten Your Journey to Book Success with Teleclasses - Part 2
Are you an author who wants your book to be a success? Have you read books, but still need some handholding on how best to promote your book? Are local seminars on book marketing and promotion just not available to you?Something wonderful has happened with our flattening world. We can now give and attend seminars over the phone. As a presenter, I send by email ahead of the teleclass the workbooks and how to materials. If you have joined an eNewsletter like Dan Poynter's "Publishing Poynter's" or Judy Cullins, "The Book Coach Says..." or John Kremer's "Book Marketing Tip of the Week, you probably have seen teleclasses offered in them.Part one of this article is available at www.bookcoaching.com/freearticles/article-182.shtml or article-182@bookcoaching.com.How Long are the Teleclasses?Most teleclasses offer you a 55-minute or one hour format. That is a good listening time for most. It allows for 4-5 major points and discussion.You may join a teleclass that is longer too--maybe 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on the format. Presenting a marathon of questions and answers can take from 1 1/2 to 2 hours with people coming and going as they want. When I offer this kind of teleclass I ask for questions via email before the phone session, and am sure to answer those on the call.You can also join a group of one-hour teleconferences spread out every two weeks for a total of five or so sessions. These are sometimes called Small Group Coaching such as "The Book Achievers Small Group Coaching" or "The Marketing Achievers Small Group Coaching." These are even more interactive, and your fellow participants on the line can talk to each other and the presenter. These groups do peer editing by email as well as getting feedback from the coach.How to RegisterLearn how to register when you visit a particular site. They give you step-by-step instructions. Then, you give them ordering information: They offer several ways to prepay for the teleclass such as a credit card or toll-free number. Once you are paid, you are registered and emailed the bridgeline and the handouts or workbooks for the conference call.The Benefits of Teleclasses Over In Person SeminarsNo dress code, travel, traffic, parking problems, computer, time wasted, or large expenses. Many top names charge $2000 for a weekend seminar--one in which you get too much information and little hands one. A teleclass is inexpensive, and is as easy as picking up your phone and talking to a friend! Get expert guidance from professional coaches and other presenters and learn from all on the call if you want to boost your book writing, book publishing or book promotion skills.Over the past five years, people attending my teleclasses have come around to loving teleclasses.. With a personable teacher, you feel you are "there." With a presenter who knows that hearing is important, you can relax and learn--with the back up of follow up email as well as email sent before the program. It's a good thing, and some times the only way you'll get to meet top people for your book writing and marketing needs.Teleclasses are the most cost-effective, quickest, and easiest way to stay on top of your book, business, and marketing skills. They don't replace one-on-one coaching, but they can shorten your learning curve before you spend money on a coach.Judy Cullins