The weather lately is making it very hard for this old boy to concentrate on his writing. We hit eighty degrees this past Saturday. I’m been in western Washington most of my life, and we’ve had summers we didn’t even sniff eighty, so I am loving every minute of this spring weather.
We are building a new aviary. Our quail business is growing and we need more room for the little critters, so that means expanding the housing options. It’s slow going for me because I am not a gifted carpenter. In fact, most of the time I don’t have a clue what I’m doing. But what I lack in ability I more than make up for in willingness and a work ethic that has served me well over the years. So the aviary is coming along. I’m taking pictures to capture the different stages and I’m sure they will end up in an article one of these days after it is completed.
So, I’m enjoying the weather and I’m doing some minor construction, and that is related to writing how?
Well let me tell you.
The aviary does not just suddenly appear. I begin with a foundation. In this case, six strong posts that will handle the weight that is to come. Without those posts the first sniff of a strong wind will bring the aviary to the ground in a monumental crash.
It’s the same way for a freelance writer or an author. We build our careers from the ground up. We use good materials, we learn our craft as we go, and we build upon our earlier successes and lessons learned. I don’t know of one writer who has attained instant success. Just as I am a better carpenter on this, my second aviary, so too am I a better writer than I was nearly four years ago when I began this journey.
How about you? Is your writing foundation strong? Are you strengthening it daily? Will it withstand the harsh winds that will surely blow in your direction?
QUOTE OF THE DAY
David Allan Coe
TIP OF THE DAY
Pay your dues. Instant success is the stuff of fairy tales.
WRITER OF THE DAY
Think back to when you first started writing. A little bit scary perhaps? A little bit lonely? I know when I first started writing for HubPages, I was thrilled when I received my first comment. Those first few comments gave me the encouragement I needed to keep writing. That’s why I’m always excited when I can be the first follower of a new writer, and I have one I would like to introduce you to today. Her name is Mercedes Monroe and she joined HubPages nine days ago. You can find her page here. Stop by and give her some love and encouragement. We all need it.
TIME TO GO
I’m at 985 and counting on my quest to reach 1,000 articles for HubPages. I’m at 25,000 words and counting as I write the first draft of my second novel in the “Shadows” series. In other words, I’m focused and busy, so I’ll keep this post short. Have a great week of writing, but more important than that, have a great week of living.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
It was over 80 degrees here today, too and just loving this weather so much, as well as much as I can. So wishing you a great nice spring week ahead now, also 😉
Thank you Janine. I know how much you hate the snow, so I’m happy you are finally seeing some rewards. Have a great rest of the week.
We are finally getting some much needed rain here in North Dakota. It was a bit frightening when grass fires threatened our city a few weeks ago with the high heat and very little moisture. Speaking of foundations, your advice, Bill, has helped me to build mine. I was a lot like you and carpentry, only for me it was writing. Although I written before, I didn’t really understand what it meant to have a platform. Now that I have one, I feel much more secure in what I write and am able to be in a position to help people.
Denise, it has been enjoyable watching you grow as a freelance writer. You are doing things the correct way and it will pay off eventually. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Billybuc: You are my kind of person, your love of critters and writing…I know your aviary will be super and I love your dedication to your quails and the excitement you must feel when you have new borns. We hit 91 degrees last week, WAY unseasonal for May here.
I also remember my first comment on the hubs I was SO excited, she was Lynne Murphy. I have never forgotten her name.
VERY proud of you, almost to 1000 hubs, and going like a road runner with your second novel which I cannot WAIT to read…You HAVE to find Robert! Nail biting on my part!
God bless you and please stay in touch.
I will look up Mercedes Monroe. Sparklea 🙂
Lea, thank you so much. We are kindred spirits, I think. God gave us a stewardship of the animals and I take it seriously, as does Bev. We are blessed to have the ones we have and hopefully we can keep adding to the fold.
As for Robert, his day is coming. It’s time for that young man to have a serious dose of reality. 🙂
blessings always
bill
I wish I had the knowledge concerning all that I know about writing back when I got started that I know now. I think that my best advice concerning a writing foundation would start with making consistent effort in producing small but continuous results. Also I would suggest not only studying a seasoned author’s writing,but also that author’s marketing platform.
Great suggestions, Donna. You and me both….the knowledge back when I was young…my goodness, what I could have accomplished!
Perhaps this is what we need to share with this next ge.neration of writers
We can always hope that they’ll listen, I guess. 🙂
Keep ’em coming Bill.
I will do my best, Graham! Thank you!
I look forward to seeing your finished aviary which I know will be a home to be proud of for your growing brood! You pay great attention to detail be it in your writing or around your garden so I know those foundations will be solid. Have a fabulicious week my Yoda, smiles from the Emerald Isle.
Irish, thank you so much. I stumble along and adjust where I need to, but in the end, I get it done. 🙂 My carpentry jobs are kind of like me…not great looking but functional. LOL
Wow!
You always inspire me, and I agree a foundation is needed inorder to build our career from there. Sometimes, my writing building gets shaky, but comments from you all make me get a grip and get going…
When a writer’s life is already going so slow and is dreary, a mere comment can do wonders .
Happy that your manuscript is increasing day by day!
Thank you Ruchira, and I’m glad I could give you a little boost. Best wishes to you.
It’s 8:04 a.m. and it’s already 74 degrees here in Central Florida. As long as the breeze blows, the humidity level will be low, making the temperature bearable.
So glad to hear you’re novel is progressing despite Spring Fever blowing the winds of distraction, Bill!
Enjoy your day. I’m off to check out our new HP comrade.
Sha, just shoot me! I could not live where you live. That kind of heat just makes me a crazy man, and me crazy is not a pretty sight. 🙂 Thank you for checking out the new writer. I appreciate that.