Welcome back on this lovely Friday, June 21, 2013. Thanks for being here!
Today we are talking a bit about planning. I posted an article on HubPages this morning about having a business plan as a writer. If you are in this at least partially to make money, then you have, by definition, a writing business, and all businesses should have a business plan.
What is your plan? What are you trying to accomplish? Once you answer that question then all your efforts should be guided by that plan.
In other words, there is great value in having focus as a writer.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.”
Paul J. Meyer
One of the reasons I like being a writer is because the onus to perform and get results is completely on me. I have my future in my hands, and I firmly believe that if I plan properly, if I focus properly and if I commit properly, I will succeed.
TIP OF THE DAY
Instead of writing about an event after it happens, try writing about it before it happens. In other words, be proactive rather than reactive.
Get yourself a calendar of national or local events online, and see if there is something there that you can preview. Then send your article out for publication in related magazines or newspapers.
You might find there is an advantage to beating the crowd rather than being part of the crowd.
SITE OF THE DAY
Here is a list of national holidays in the United States for 2013. There are similar lists online for all nations. I also have a list of special observance days during the year, like National Hamburger Day. You just might find something there worth writing about.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
Yes indeed, this is a picture of a local street fair that we have each year in Olympia. Naturally I wrote an article about it since it was practically in my backyard. Do you have a similar event in your area?
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
You are the CEO of your business. You are in control of your future. I find that very reassuring. You see, I trust in my abilities as a writer, and I am convinced that I will succeed if I do the work and plan ahead.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
Not one contest but an ongoing list of future writing contests can be found here at Freelancer. Again, plan ahead. Winning a writing contest looks mighty good on your list of achievements and can push your platform to infinity and beyond.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
Yes, I’m done for the week and hopefully you are too. Give yourself some time to rest, and during that rest period give some thought to where you want to go with your writing. Find some focus and then come back Monday refreshed and ready to tackle the job.
Have a great weekend and as always, thank you for stopping by.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Checking out that list and you already know I love your writing plan from Hubpages. I am wishing you the best weekend now my friend and thank you as always for just being you!!
Janine, you are a good writer who is obviously following a well-designed path. Keep doing what you are doing and good things will happen to you.
Thanks you as always and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Onus is a funny word. I’m glad you used it.
Lizzy, you always make me laugh. I needed it today. Thank you!
Awesome! I have a business plan that is of the “fly by the seat of my pants and do what feels right” variety. Um…perhaps that’s why all these changes are going on in my life, LOL. I hope you have a Fabulous Friday!
Cyndi, I don’t believe that for a second. You know exactly where you are going with your writing and art and photography. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
Happy to get inspired on a Friday morning 🙂
I am the CEO of my writing…awesome !
Have a great weekend, Bill
Yes you are, Ruchira! Now go light the world on fire with your words!
Have a lovely weekend my friend and thank you!
Good morning Bill! As always, awesome advice. I’m just learning how to plan, so basically – i’m planning on planning…LOL..
question: those contests ask for ‘pages’ of poetry. for instance 15 – 18 ‘pages’ of poetry..
what does that mean?? who writes 18 page poems?
lol
Interesting, Leslie! Since I don’t write poetry I’ve never looked at that, but my guess is it means 18 poems….I hope you enter some contests…look for one that matches your style….there are contests out there for “alternative” style poetry that you would be perfect for. 🙂
oh, and i won’t know if you answer me here..so.. please find me anywhere else..fb maybe?
thanks dear..xx
Well I just answered you. 🙂 I’ll go to Facebook and do it again.
I like the idea of being my own CEO hehehe… I’m a little irritated that we are moving on Friday and probably won’t have internet access for a few weeks till they get the telephone line up…arrrg. So it’s going to be a VERY busy week as I need to write like the devil’s chasing me in order to pre-schedule posts and all the magazine articles + an extra 9 ready. Whew! Hope you’re having a fab weekend in the sun 😉
Mel, it’s always good to see you my dear. Moving and no internet…just shoot me. LOL Good luck during the transition and I hope you are back online quickly. In the meantime, you will be missed.
Thank you and best wishes coming your way.