The snow is falling here in Olympia. It’s the first sighting of snow in two years here, and it’s beautiful.
We don’t get much snow here, so I make sure I enjoy it as much as possible while it lasts.
And that just happens to be my message, to you and to me, this Monday morning.
But first, a quote.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.” Theodore Isaac Rubi
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
I doubt seriously if I will ever be a famous writer. Riches do not seem to be in my future.
Still, I write! Each day I get up and do the best I can with the words, and talent, I’ve been given. There are days I will not hear a word of praise from family or friends. There are days I will not sell one book. There are days when, what I write, will not affect a single human being.
Still, I write! And because there are many days when tangible rewards do not appear, I have to find satisfaction in the fact that I am doing the best I can to add to the beauty in this world. I am trying, hard, to perfect my craft, and in so doing to raise the bar in literature. I try hard to support other writers and encourage them through my comments.
I have talked to countless writers who all say the same thing, that they receive very little support from family and friends, and they are discouraged. And I say to them that happiness is an inside job, that we must learn to find satisfaction in a job well-done.
That is my message to you this morning.
That is my message to me this morning.
TAX TIP OF THE DAY
Linda, are you paying attention?
If you consider yourself to be a freelance writer, or if you have formed a writing business, you are eligible for certain tax deductions. Do the research and benefit where possible. A tip before you venture into this scary area: the IRS loves documentation. Keep all your receipts. I’ve been using these tax deductions now for six years and not once have I been questioned, but if I am questioned in the future, I’m confident I can support my expense claims.
Documentation is the word of the day!
MARKETING TIP OF THE DAY
The best time to try and pitch your book to the public library is during June or December . . . right around budget appropriations and spending seasons.
COMMON SENSE TIP OF THE DAY
Don’t get so busy that you don’t take time to give back to your community. If you are asked to speak for free at a writer’s group or a school, jump at the chance and say “it’s an honor.” You may not be getting a speaker’s fee but you are still getting free publicity.
FINAL TIP OF THE DAY
Get out there and promote. Ask local businesses if you can sell your book in their store, even if they aren’t a bookstore. What’s the worst that can happen? They’ll say no!
Call up local newspapers and radio shows, and ask for an interview. What’s the worst that can happen? They’ll say no!
AND THAT’S IT FOR THIS WEEK
Yes, my new novel, “Shadows Over A Hangman’s Noose,” is being released this week on Amazon. It should be out by Thursday and I’m excited by it. It is the best thriller I’ve written to date.
And I’ve decided my next book will also be in the Shadows series. The plot came to me this weekend and I’m eager to get started on it, so my Sixties reflective book will have to wait six months.
Such is life!
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 