And a very Happy Tuesday to you all. I hope you had a great weekend or at the very least a restful one. Shall we once again tackle the subject of writing?
I had a very sobering conversation with Bev yesterday. I read her a new article that I posted today, and I told her how much I enjoyed that type of writing….the social conscious stuff…the inspirational stuff…but I also said I don’t know how to make money doing it. I’m an essayist if I had to narrow down my niche…I’m kind of a Henry David Thoreau without his talent. J Or put it another way, I’m one of those coffee house poets of the 1950’s and early 60’s….I have important things to say but don’t have a clue how to translate my passion into money.
Well, I do have a plan, but whether it works or not is another question….but back to the point. Bev listened to me and then told me that I needed to call on my first college degree and start marketing my work.
Of course I started to get defensive and tell her that I do market my work, but then the truth smacked me in the face…..I don’t even come close to doing the marketing that is necessary to become known in this business. I need to get out of my comfort zone and start hawking my wares….and God how I hate doing that. Truth be told I just want to sit in my writing studio and write, and I want millions to knock on my door and buy my stuff.
It just doesn’t work that way.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Don’t blame the marketing department. The buck stops with the chief executive.”
John D. Rockefeller
Unfortunately for us writers, the marketing department and the chief executive are the same person….us.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
I don’t know why I chose this picture. Just look at it and see if you get any vibes from it.
MONEY SITE OF THE DAY
UCross Foundation Residencies in Wyoming. A quiet place to work on your craft…room, board and stipend. Deadline is October 1st and you can find the application here.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
The Dogwood Multi-Genre Contest with a $15 entry fee and a submission deadline of October 15th. Submission guidelines can be found here.
TIP OF THE DAY
Do one thing each day to market yourself. If you need some ideas I wrote a couple articles on marketing writing and you can find them on HubPages…..and I think I better read them again because I need to pick up my game.
UNTIL THURSDAY
Maybe you have no desire to sell your writings. If that is the case then ignore 75% of this blog. If, however, you would one day like to be paid what you think you are worth J then you need to start marketing. How else will the world discover just how talented you are?
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
My first comment did not go through..Forgot pass word..So summing up..You are a wonderful and insightful writer…When I wanted to become a famous astrologer–I was relentless. I had a girlfriend pose as my PR person and got on my first radio show. I wrote, called and did whatever I could ..and I had 15 minutes of fame..So the radio show idea, and all others..You have to be relentless on and offline. It works even in today’s landscape…Just keep trucking and do something new everyday to market..
Thank you Carol! It is so easy to get down and feel like you are wasting your time as a writer…even I go through it despite my constant positive messages to writers. I appreciate your support.
Bill,I’m in the same boat. I guess I need to go over your articles again, too. I hate marketing! I’ve never been a sales person, but I don’t have anyone to do it for me. Except maybe my mom. She told me someone should snatch me up – and soon! If only the paying public would listen to her….. Oh, well. I guess I need to step out of my comfort zone, too. Today, I’m devoting my time to finding work – and not the content mill crap. I mean, someone who’s willing to pay for talent.
Ok, I’m through moaning. Time to put myself in productive mode. Have a great day, Bill!
Thanks Sha and good luck with your efforts. I’ll be doing the same thing this afternoon. Good luck to us both.
With that kind of positive energy reaching from one corner of the continent to the other, how can we not succeed? I’ll blow some of my energy your way if you’ll blow some mine! 🙂
Careful, Sha; all that blowing will cause a tornado in Missouri. LOL
Bill agreeing with Carol on this and you have to be forceful with this. Trust me I am not even as forceful as I would like to be, but still you need to be strong and never give up. I know if anyone has them in them you did and can so do it. I know this seriously to be true and hoping you will succeed now on all levels my friend. Wishing you on the best and hoping this Tuesday is a great one so far!!
I know you are right, Janine, and I thank you for it….I just need a kick in the butt today.
You will be successful because your essays are freakin’ amazing. And they keep getting better.
Just do the thing.
Just do the thing???? Lizzy, as soon as I figure out what “the thing” is I’m going to do it with style and flair. 🙂
Hahah! Yeah, I’m in the same boat.
I agree Bill…nothing comes out of marketing.
gone are those old days when life was simple. I hate doing it but, I agree if I wanna get noticed and wanna get some appreciation for what I do the whole day…gotta go out and jabber about it.
Happy Tuesday, Bill
thanks for your words of encouragement!
I hate it Ruchira but I have to do it. 🙂 Best wishes my friend.