Welcome back to my humble website. It was nice to take a day off, although I admit to being a bit compulsive, so it also felt strange not doing the blog on Tuesday. I am a work in progress, as is this blog, so don’t be surprised if I don’t stick to this and I return to my daily blog postings. Who knows what the nose knows, so speak, beak! LOL
What shall we talk about today? Let’s talk about change.
I have written often about having a grand plan and tailoring everything you do so that it fits that plan, but the second part of that advice is that life is fluid, so you need to be willing to go with the flow OR change in mid-stream. In other words, if something is not working then change it and try something else, or if you see a new avenue to take then incorporate it into your plan.
A Master Plan will only serve you well if it is flexible and can handle change. I know several writers who are undergoing changes right now. They have not changed their plan but they have changed their approach to their plan. It’s an important distinction.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Maya Angelou
Count on Ms. Angelou to put things in perspective. Don’t sit around whining because something isn’t working the way you had planned. Change it or change yourself. Those are the only viable alternatives.
SITE OF THE DAY
Grub Street offers twenty $200 scholarships for writing classes. Find out more here.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
The Indiana Review has a contest going on for prose and poetry. $20 entry fee and a $1000 first place prize plus publication in the Indiana Review. Deadline is August 1st and you can read about it here.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
See it….feel it….touch it….be it…..I know, a stupid paraphrase from The Who, but I’m in a silly mood today and you get the aftermath of that mood. Enjoy the prompt and hopefully it will give you some inspiration.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Review your platform monthly. What is working for you? What do you need to do that you haven’t done yet? Are there any new gimmicks you can try? Is there a network you should be taking part in? Are you still on pace and following your plan?
It is very easy, and I speak from personal experience here, to get sidetracked and off of your plan. A monthly review keeps you on task and headed in the right direction.
“Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.”
Dan Gable
SUBMISSION SITE OF THE DAY
Have you ever thought of submitting to a children’s magazine? If so, then check out U.S. Kids Magazines. You can find them here.
AND THAT’S ALL FOR TODAY
Thanks so much for hanging in there and visiting me on a regular basis. The numbers are growing and hopefully this blog is helping some or all of you as you follow your writing dream. Remember that I appreciate each and every one of you.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Bill, see that is so how I feel too. I have tried cutting back here and there, but then I feel like I am missing something. So, I could totally relate to how you were feeling yesterday. Trust me I have had those moments, too. Hope you are having a great day so far my friend!!
Thanks Janine…I feel better hearing that….I missed doing the blog yesterday….LOL…How silly is that? It’s not like I didn’t write yesterday, but a part of me was missing because I didn’t do the blog. Sigh! 🙂
I love that Maya Angelou quote. She’s purty smart.
I think you’re right about changing course when it’s necessary. We’re naturally afraid of change and even more afraid of wasted time. It helps if you look at time invested as a lesson rather than a waste.
Lizzy, great way to say it. Damn, how come I didn’t think of that line…time invested rather than time wasted….love it!
I do see lots of changes going on too Bill…but I thinks lots has been for the better! Good stuff going on…I just can’t wait to see what happens next every day!
Life is never boring, Kelly! I hear people say they are bored and I wonder what planet they live on. LOL
I love that quote…in fact, it’s one of my favourites! You know what a huge fan I am of change…especially midway when I see something isn’t working. Have a super day!
Mel, you are the epitome of this blog….you change and you change, constantly looking for the right combination….and good for you. 🙂
Hi Bill,
Great post – love the quote by Mary Angelou too. Change is something I know well this past few years and in the last year particularly as you well know! When certain avenues are not working change is important as you say and I for one am walking proof of this. great post Bill and love your “of the day” sections!
Thanks again for yesterday!
Suzie, you are living big change right now and handling it quite well….you are very welcome for whatever help I gave you, and thank you.
Hi, Billy! I’m really loving on this blog of yours! Great thoughts, ideas, links, and helpful hints. you’re a ‘little’ compulsive?? LOL..yeah, like rain is a ‘little’ wet!
Love ya, and i’m checking out that poetry contest, altho – i don’t think i write actual ‘poetry’ per se..
ya know?
tried to ‘share’ but apparently, i’ve forgotten my password and they’re not offering any assistance..lol
Leslie, you write poetry like Ginsburg wrote poetry….in your face, slap your ass, kick you in the balls poetry…and I love it!