A NEW YEAR IS UPON US
So let me wish you aHappy New Year, and then let’s get to it.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“That’s been one of my mantras – focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” Steve Jobs
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
And of course many out there will be making New Year’s resolutions.
I don’t do that.
I’m anal.
I have a plan and I stick with the plan. Write, publish, repeat. That’s my plan. I toss in some marketing, try some new things as I go, see what works, make revisions, but the basics always stay the same…write, publish, repeat.
I don’t like deadlines. I don’t like goals. I don’t like false expectations or unrealistic visions. I make a plan and then, with laser-focus, I work on that plan.
Write, publish, repeat!
Five novels, one non-fiction, five novellas, over three-thousand articles . . . write, publish, repeat!
How about you?
TIP OF THE DAY
Stay focused!
I don’t think that needs explanation.
SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS OF THE DAY
Maybe you do some of these things. Maybe you don’t. Maybe you will after reading this. Maybe you won’t. I’m not here to give you the Bible of Writing. I simply make suggestions.
Consider these “do’s” when using social media to promote yourself:
- Take the time to reply to comments and questions
- Post links to articles that will interest your followers.
- Update regularly
- Tell people, in moderation, about your offers and products.
- Share good, quality images.
- Promote businesses complimentary to your own.
- Always offer a quality product.
- Allow your personality to show with each post
- Think before you post. Once you post there is no stuffing the genie back in the bottle.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
“The Writer” magazine starts a new contest called “Your Turn” on January 1st. It calls for a 2,000 word essay about the craft of writing. More information will be posted on January 1st and you can find that information by following this link. I believe 1st prize is $1,000 and publication in the mag.
BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS
So, you’re an independent author and so, you’ve written an eBook.
Well how good is that eBook? Would you like to find out how it stacks up against competition?
The Independent Author’s Network is holding their annual Book of the Year Awards, and you can enter your eBook into the competition from now until August. There is a fee, of course, but hey, maybe you’re the next Steinbeck.
GO TO THE LIBRARY
Have you gone lately? If you have a book, have you approached the library staff with it? Libraries are wonderful for supporting local writers. Even if you are a poet, approach the library and ask about doing a public reading. Seriously…what do you have to lose?
THAT’S IT
I’ll see you down the road of life.
Thanks for a great 2016.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
As always just wonderful advice from you and now want to once again wish you a very, Happy 2017 Bill!! 🙂
Thanks, Janine! You’re a good person and I’m proud to know you.
Thanks for the reminders Bill. Happy New Year….I have to run… deadline looms!!!
Do it to it, Greg! Thanks for being here and Happy New Year to you.
I agree totally. KISS! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Donna! Thank you!
First off! Happy new year! The beauty of your plan is that it is simple–not easy, but simple–keep on keeping on!
I know of no other way, Audrey! I guess I’ll just keep doing it. Happy New Year to you, my friend.
Always full of insight, you are. And I KNOW how you’ve stuck to the plan. You’re amazing that way. Persistence, patience and consistence pay off. Now…if I could just focus on one thing. 😉
Lil Sis, you and Bev would get along famously well. LOL
Greatat advices as always, Mr. Holland. Thanks and a happy 2017. Makes me a student for life.
As for “Social Media Tips Of The Day” ?! I am not doing those things, I just don’t… ( I am dilatory, however defined Bill, ‘my watch is running behind’…)
Michael my friend, Happy New Year to you as well. As for social media, you are doing exactly what you need to be doing, and doing it well. Carry on and blessings to you always.
I loved that post. It’s moves at such a snappy pace and says a great deal in few words. I know what you mean about New Year resolutions. They do my head in. In fact, in my experience, directly you make them, the gremlins come out and do their best to sh** on them from a great height. Even a resolution to remain focused, sends out radio signals to the great and mighty Chaos Spirit.
Wishing you a happy and successful 2017, and looking forward to welcoming you to my blog this weekend.
Sarah, you had me laughing out loud. I’m envisioning the gremlins from a great height. LOL Too funny, my friend.
Thank you for the opportunity to appear on your blog. It’s an honor.
Happy New Year to you and yours. 2017 is going to be a banner year for us both.
Happy New Year Bill. I just read your Dedication in Shadows over a Hangman’s Noose. Thanks for the shout out.Lots of great advice to be found here in your Writing Casserole. As far as Social Media – I think promotion is what it is made for, if you are a writer. No one can shout about your work like the writers themselves. Is is shameful self-promotion – you bet!!!
Mike, you deserve constant shout outs, and I thank you for all you do. Shameful self-promotion is about the only way any of us indie writers have a chance, so let’s carry on. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Great Social Media tips to keep on file; Thank you for the advice. Stay focused – that is my goal this year. May your new year continue to prove successful.
Thanks Dee, and Happy New Year to you. I’m hoping for success for all of my writing friends, no matter how they define success.
Happy New Year, Bill!
I’ve never been one to make resolutions. If I feel I need to make a change or concentrate on something that will make me a better person, or less stressed and healthier, I have a quiet conversation with myself and do what I can to live up to the revelation.
I wish you great success this year and all the rest, my friend!
Happy New Year, Sha! We are the same regarding resolutions. I just have a “sit down” with myself and work it out. End of story….and then, of course, I do it. 🙂 Have a great 2017, my friend.