And a very happy February whatever to you. Whatever, I say, because I’m not sure when I’ll finish and post this blog. I’m knee-deep in final edits of my latest novel, and it is taking me longer than I suspected, and that means I need to adjust other things….and that means this blog will get done when it gets done.
Why are the edits taking so long? Because the book just isn’t right yet…it’s that simple. I’m still not satisfied with the main character, and since he’s carrying the load, so to speak, I think it would be nice if I helped him by clearly defining him. So the battle continues, but it’s a battle of love. The book will be finished when the book is finished and not a moment before. For me, it’s all about trusting the process.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Joseph B. Wirthlin
True words, Joseph, and I thank you for them.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
I don’t know how many times I’ve had this conversation with new writers. Heck, for that matter, I’ve had the same chat with students and employees. There is a process that must be respected in any undertaking. You simply can’t rush the process. Learning takes time, my friends, and anyone who thinks they are going to master a task or craft quickly is a fool.
Quite frankly I’m amazed by some online writers who think they are going to go online and start making money immediately, or fiction writers who think they will whip out a book in a few months and make thousands of dollars. It might happen once in a blue moon, but we’re talking once out of seven billion people.
TIP OF THE DAY
The tip if five words long: get a grip on reality.
Okay, I’ll add to that. You have to pay your dues. You have to learn your craft. You have to learn about marketing and social media. It is all part of the package of becoming a successful writer.
Get a grip on reality.
I THINK THAT’S ENOUGH FOR TODAY
Sorry to cut this short but I’ve got things to do. I wish you all a successful day. I wish you all a successful week. I wish you all…success.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Bill, we need to think back to all the skills we now have under our belts. It took years to master them. It took practice and supervisors and managers who believed in us enough to pass their wisdom on.
Writing is no different. Well, yeah it is in 2015 because now we have to pay for managers and mentors, whether it be with our time or dollars we don’t have but can’t afford to not invest in our craft.
Writing for a living today is much harder than it used to be. When you freelance, you downsize from a company that has a sales department, marketing department, creative department, art department, audio studio, and the means to make dubs of our work to send to clients who have already been sold on the product.
Today, we have to be all of that. It’s extremely daunting, to say the least. We are in a constant learning mode. That might be easy for the up-and-comings, but for those of us who know life as it was before industry put more responsibility on capable souls without compensating them for extra tasks, it can be overwhelming.
What we freelancers need to remember (and demand) is we are offering an entire company’s functions run and executed by one person. Our training has cost us time and money, as it did for those who spent thousands of dollars in a higher education environment.
We freelance writers are worth our weight in salt. That is IF we perfect our craft and have a responsive audience. I’ve seen some very poor writers who think they have it going on. At the same time I’ve seen some phenomenal writers who doubt themselves.
There comes a time when we have to face the truth. It may mean keepin’ on and it may mean finding another strength you can perfect. Whatever it is, we all have something unique we can offer the world.
We need to find the purpose to our journey and give it the best effort, no matter what that journey is.
Wow, Sha, I have absolutely nothing to add to your excellent comment. It is rare I can’t think of something that needs clarifying, but you covered it perfectly. Thank you my friend.
It came from my heart. Lots of love, Bill! 🙂
I agree so much Bill and I get asked often enough by others for quick surefire tips on how to make money online writing and such and always tell them that this doesn’t happen overnight. By the way, so excited for you and can totally understand you are taking more time on editing and such for your novel. Have a great evening now, Bill 🙂
Thank you Janine. If anyone understands this, I know you do. This is a marathon and it requires one hell of a lot of work…but it does pay in the end. Stay warm my friend. Thanks for being you.
Well said, Bill
Honestly $$$ does not come easy to me until i sweat profusely…lol
so, I shall continue to sweat with the hope that someday I make substantial amount also with the hope that it will help sharpen my skills 🙂
Happy Tuesday 🙂
Ruchira, I’m with you. I don’t know how to make money without working hard for it. I wish i did, but I missed that lesson growing up. 🙂 Thank you my friend.
Great post, and great comment from Sha, and others. I did follow the process in my first novel and I love it and feel good. I rushed the second one, for really no good reason, longing back, and I’ve regretted it ever since. They third was really good, as well, but still carries the stigma of the second, in my mind, at least. FOLLOW THE PROCESS. Don’t let it drag on forever, but don’t cut it short. If you do, you will regret it… and you cannot take it back. Thanks for the great thought! 😉
Thanks Bill. I have the same regrets about my first novel. One day maybe I’ll go back and re-write it so I can finally be “done” with it.
I believe I am still paying my dues Bill. I sometimes rush things and I pay the piper when I do. Thanks for the reminder and good luck with your lead character.
Thank you Greg! I believe in paying dues. I don’t want this writing to come easy…true art should not be easy.
Well said Bill. Best wishes for your labours.
Thank you Graham. I can always use best wishes.
Always inspiring to hear from you. I am getting into the habit of reading your blog every time before I settle into writing for the day.
Zelda, I appreciate that very much. Thank you!
I wish you all the best with the final edits, Bill. You’ll know when the book is officially ‘done,’ although I think that we always still want to keep editing our stuff even after we publish it…! I send you a big hug for your day, my friend.
Thank you Christy and you are right, we never reach the point where we think the editing is completed. I just have one more wrinkle to smooth out and then I’ll call it a wrap. Thanks for the hug, my friend. Here’s one heading north to you.
Bill, I love your tough love style. I also love reading the comments. Yes, Sha. Wow. And everyone else too. It’s so wonderful to hang with a group of people who get it and to welcome those that don’t yet but want to.
Cristen, I have to give my dad credit for the tough love. There was no nonsense in that man. No excuses were allowed….just deal with the situation and move forward. That was his legacy to me and I am very appreciative of it.