I recently came across a workshop presentation I gave many, many years ago on the “Top Ten Things to Do to Sell Your First Novel.” It was interesting to see what I thought were the keys to publishing success back then: 1) Finish your book. This seems obvious, but I still encounter writers who get…
Tag: productivity
Sit some, sweat some, nourish your creativity!
If the only exercise you get is shuffling manuscript pages, poring over research, or hunching over your keyboard, listen up. Right now, without cheating, walk to a mirror with your current posture and look at yourself. Hours of sagging over your computer can do great harm. Ask me. In my early writing days, I was…
When to retreat, and when to sally forth!
I just got back from a weekend retreat at a quiet hotel up in the mountains with several other writerly types. I get to go a couple times a year. Every time I waffle back and forth about going because it’s not cheap, and I feel guilty about spending the money and taking the time…
Luck and Timing
By Mary Gillgannon “How lucky do you feel you are?” My first editor asked me that question as we were discussing promotion for my second book. She went on to say that for most of the successful authors she knew, luck had played an important part in their careers. Her advice was to do “as…