I finally made it back. So much to do. I’ve been calling it a day early of late because I need to get the wood split before the rains arrive. Once they get here they won’t leave for six months, so time is of the essence lately.
Anyway, a good weekend. How about you?
I just celebrated my 66th birthday. I’m not sure if celebrate is the right word when you get to that age. It is more like a reminder that time is running out, if you get what I mean.
It is also a reminder, for me, that I am exactly three years into my five-year writing plan, and that means it is time to reflect on where I’ve come from and the progress I’ve made.
And that leads us to today’s topic.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Benjamin Franklin
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
When I started as a freelance writer, I laid out a five-year plan. Why five years? It was based, at least partly, on the 10,000 Hour Principle, and my belief that a writer, like anyone else in any profession, must pay his dues and put in his time in order to excel.
I started by building my platform and establishing myself as a professional writer. I have done that. My ultimate goal is to be published by a traditional publishing company, so I have two more years to achieve that. I think I’m going to make it, but it will require more work and more improvement.
TIP OF THE DAY
Take some time this week to reflect back to where you started, and then look at where you are now as a writer. Can you see progress? If the answer is yes, then keep doing what you are doing. If the answer is no, you have some changes that need to be made in your approach.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
Happy Valentine’s Day! Can you think of a special Valentine’s Day you have had? I ask this because, if you are going to write articles about Valentine’s Day, now is the time to do so. Give those articles a chance to circulate on the Web, so write them by the end of October.
WRITER OF THE DAY
Take a moment and go say hello to my friend Dianna…she is Teaches12345 on HP. She’s one of the good guys, and I’m proud to call her my friend.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
Flash fiction seems to be the new rage, so I found you a flash fiction contest. This is an international contest with no entry fee, so take a look here.
HOPEFULLY MORE LATER IN THE WEEK
Sorry, but I got behind because of all the birthday wishes I had to answer….actually, I’m not sorry at all. I love that I have so many caring friends in the writing community, and spending part of my birthday with them was a thrill.
Have a great week of writing.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Aww, hoping you had a wonderful birthday! And love that you did a bit of reflecting here, as well as shared Dianna, too, because I just adore her and so happy to see her getting a nod on your blog today. Have a wonderful day now 🙂
Thank you Janine. Like you, I’m all about sharing the love and highlighting my friends.
Thanks for the reminder about Valentine’s Day. That is a special day for us, even more than our anniversary, as that is the day that my husband responded to the injunction from the powers that be that he do something to let me know that he loves me, or he would not have me! It has been the subject of several essays and poems over the years!
I love it, Denise..a.special day for sure. Thank you for sharing that, and for always being here.
Bill, I wished you Happy Birthday on your FB page yesterday, but neglected to do so on HP (I was busy working on my latest blog topic). For that I apologize. Happy Birthday yesterday! 🙂
When I look back on where I started as a freelancer and where I am today, I’ve progressed, but not to the degree I’d like. It’s obvious I still have lots more work to do in order to get there.
You’ve come quite far in a short period of time. You’re an inspiration, for sure, my friend!
Sha, thanks for the birthday wishes. One can look at one’s 66th birthday a couple ways…thankful to still be alive, or dreading the fact that about 80% of life is gone. I think I’ll celebrate. 🙂
I think you have the right attitude, Bill. As you say, PIPO. As I say, PMA!
Happy Birthday Bill – Every one is preciousxx
Thank you Sis! I don’t think I’ve been called precious since my diaper days. 🙂
Loved your tip of the day, and once again a belated happy birthday, Bill
Thank you Ruchira…it was a lovely birthday.
I hope you took some time out to celebrate your birthday, Bill – you deserved it.:) You continue to inspire me all the time with your writing tips and articles and your outlook on life. You should raise a glass this weekend to that my friend… And OFTEN!
Thank you Mel. I hate to say this, but I worked all day on my birthday. Bev and I did have a little celebration the day before, though, so I guess that counts. And I appreciate you, my friend.
Happy belated birthday, Bill! I hope you had a nice time with family. I am going to take your Tip of the Day in this post and reflect on what I’ve started to see if I can say “yes” to progress made. HUGS
Hi Christy! Yes, I had a good birthday, thank you. I hope you find that great progress has been made. It sure seems that way to me. 🙂
hugs
bill