A resolution is a serious thing. Webster's has many definitions of the word but the one apropos to these words of wisdom is "a decision as to future action." It is a well-known fact that New Year's resolutions are made to be broken. People resolve to lose weight, give up harmful habits, be nice to an annoying family member, spend less money or save more, work harder, and the list goes on and on. Many resolutions are kept only a few days, some longer. But for however long our effort lasts, perhaps the time to resolve to take some action is well spent. It at least forces us to focus on what we would like to accomplish in the year ahead.
As I write this we are on the threshold of 2017 and I think most people are relieved to see 2016 pass into history. I always make a few personal resolutions as a new year begins and I imagine many of you do as well. (How long I keep them is another story.) But I'm not going to talk about the personal issues I propose to do (or not). I want to share some thoughts on professional resolutions that relate to my writing life.
High on my list is a revision of my website which is long overdue. When I began my career as a digital author about eight years ago, a website was a requirement with most publishers. I examined several sites, chose one I liked, and contacted the author. I learned that she had built it herself and she encouraged me to do that. So with input from her and help from Go Daddy, I did. (Thanks, Celia Yeary). In the process I gained a wonderful new online friend. Websites are no longer of such great importance, but since I have a three year contract now in its first year, I need to update my site yesterday.
Updating my files and folders is also a nagging chore that I need to address. I have finally surrendered to Windows constant brainwashing tactics and accepted Windows 10. This has forced me to buy a new wireless printer that is compatible with the change. Never mind that I have two perfectly efficient printers, one in Kentucky, one in Florida because they were too awkward to carry back and forth. Yes, I'm aware that this is a sales gimmick but I am grudgingly learning to accept the"technical" things I cannot change. So with W-10 and a new printer in place, I resolve to tackle my tangled files and folders and try to sort then out.
I have always had a reputation as a well-organized person in every aspect of my life. But that involves tangible things. I find it much more difficult to organize material I can't see. And don't get me started on those flash drives my husband (aka the in-house techie) has filled with my writing information and photos. I keep wanting to print everything out and arrange it in a circle on the floor around me and sort it into kindred stacks! But I resolve to try harder to function better in cyberspace.
Twenty-something of my books are currently available online (and most also in print). It is like having twenty children screaming for my attention and constantly feeling guilty for neglecting them. I love each one dearly but will confess that I have favorites. I believe that if I spent more time promoting any one of them, they would reward me with higher sales.So I resolve to work more consistently on promo, using a fair rotation plan.
I have a finished semi-fiction book that needs editing and submitting. I also have a fiction manuscript that needs a final chapter written before submission. And I have a sequel to This Time Forever that is mostly in my head and should be written to bring that story to completion. I resolve to spend less time on Facebook and more time at my computer working in Word.
If you are counting, this is five resolutions to make me a more successful digital author. Will I accomplish these goals? Probably not, but in the words of Robert Browning "...a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
I wish you a happy, healthy 2017. May your dreams come true and all of your resolutions lead to success.
P.S.Oh, I almost forgot to add that I am also resolving to complete my monthly blog post here before the "last minute" that it is due to be published!
You can find me and/or my books at the links below:
My Books
My Web Site
My Facebook Page
Linda,
ReplyDeleteGreat New Years Resolutions. I may just have to borrow a few of those. lol Happy New Year to you, too.
Thanks for your comments, Karen. You are a great example of someone who makes the most of every hour in your day.You know, I am missing seeing Gerald Costlow's comments here today. He is always so supportive of his fellow authors, including me. And he seldom fails to comment on every post I do. I know the prayers and good wishes of all our publishing family are with him now.
DeleteI can relate to several things you said, but I'm not going to make any resolutions. My preference is to keep an ongoing to-do list. I actually do get to mark something off from time to time! That's always a wonderful moment. In short, I don't like the stress of a resolution. Enjoyed your blog, as always. Many blessings to you and yours in 2017!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your good wishes, Carol. And I'm happy you enjoy my blog. I try to make it more than just a sales pitch for my books. I like what you said about resolutions being stressful. And I keep to-do lists as well so I know that satisfaction when I can check something off!
DeleteYou are always very organized and inspiring to others. Great blog post & wishing you much success in the new year!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, Kaye. You are another perfect example of making the most of every hour of your day. And you have a life that shows it. Wishing you a very successful year, too.
DeleteMust admit I don't make any resolutions because I know I'll break them sooner or later! But I do like your list of the things you want to achieve in the coming year. Best of luck to you - and hope you will have a happy and successful 2017.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paula. And I wish the same good things for you. I don't expect I'll achieve all of the things I mentioned but I hope writing down these goals (resolutions) will encourage me to try.
ReplyDeleteI don't make resolutions.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
denise
Thanks for stopping by, Denise. I'm sure many other readers share your opinion on resolutions. Happy New Year to you, too.
ReplyDeleteGood luck keeping off Facebook, Linda. Actually, I consider some of the socializing I do on Facebook promotional. Websites are still relevant, and I have updated mine, but I rarely go there--or to anyone else's unless I'm looking for something in particular like a list of their books or some such thing. Facebook is the place most people go now to see what you're all about. It's a great way to become acquainted. I don't do much promotion as such because I don't want to turn people away from an overabundance of that, but I sure do want to entice them to get to know about me and my quirky family--and a subtle hint of what I write from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI used to make resolutions. Now it's more like a spiritual inventory and my intentions going into the clean slate of the New Year with a better spirit.
I liked the things you had to say about preparing as a writer for the New Year. I got Windows 10 soon after it came out and I'm okay with it. It's tiresome to constantly have to make changes and upgrades, but it is just a fact I guess we all have to deal with here in the techno world. Fortunately, I already had a wireless system, so things were easier for me than for you.
Well, get crackin' on that sequel to This Time Forever, Linda, because I'm eager to read it.
I wish you all the best and a very happy New Year!
Thank you for your comments, Sarah. I always look forward to your thoughtful response to my posts. About Facebook, I really consider this a part of promotion as I don't have any contact with most readers otherwise. I began to use FB when the film was in progress and got to know a lot of new people through my posts. In the beginning of my digital career, there used to be a lot of interviews, blogs, etc. but those have disappeared. RE This Time Forever sequel. I have the whole story in my head. It involves the children as adults
ReplyDeleteand you will be sad to learn who dies early. When I told the film director about this plot, he said he wasn't sure he could finish the film, knowing this. He was only joking, as you know, but he wasn't happy about it! Happy new year, Sarah.