This post is the first in Alex Cavanaughs wonderful – I’m sure I call it that every month, because it is! – 2013 Insecure Writers Support Group, where fellow bloggers and writers talk once a month about their worries, concerns, or post something supportive. It’s a way of sharing something that is, when it comes down to it, a solo activity.
As mentioned in Monday’s blog post, today is about my looking forward to the year ahead. Considering what I want from a writing career and how to achieve that aim. And when I say career, I say that in the loosest of terms, as I can’t see a point in time when I would be able to give up the day job, but writing is something I intend to do long term.
As things stand at the minute, I’ve completed my first Police Procedural, Crime Fiction novel and it is out in the world looking for representation. I’ve started the next novel in the series with the lead protagonist.
Over the Christmas break period I’ve done some assessing of what it is I actually want to achieve and how I can do that. So in that vein, this post is a positive post, my plan of action for 2013 and one that is completely doable and in the hands of – Well me!
So here is what is going to happen this year. Yes, didn’t I say that positively! Did you like that? Belief. Direction. And the motivation to do it.
- I will continue to submit the manuscript for representation for traditional publishing.
- If this fails, I intend to invest in it, spend money and have it edited.
- I will then publish the novel myself in ebook format.
- If it finds representation, then the previous two steps are void. Obviously not the part about it being edited.
- While waiting for decisions on representation (as we know this is a long and painful process) I will be working on novel two. I will be doing this at a better rate than I have been doing so far.
- I also aim to improve my blogging activity. Making sure I don’t miss any weeks and attempt to make posts regularly.
I feel that I have allowed myself to just float for several months and I need to take a real grip of my own life and make decisions that are what I want. The small print of this plan state that all points are subject to change. The only change likely to occur though will be keeping the blogging regular, depending on fatigue issues. I do feel motivated though and I think with a little planning and organisation, I should be able to keep to this plan of action and when I am blogging, I will of course be discussing how the plan is going!
As I’ve said in the past. I write. I want readers to read, and hopefully enjoy my work. Publishing myself is a perfectly viable option and one that will work well for me.
Here’s to a positive 2013. What do you have planned?
India Drummond says
Congrats on making some important, positive decisions! It always feels good to have a plan. It makes the rollercoaster of emotions that is publishing much more bearable.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks India. It does feel more real and achievable now it’s a formed – and public! Plan. It’s feels good 🙂
anniedyer says
I’m scrapping the trad publishing idea and going straight to self-publishing. After I have tidied the bones of the book in to some sort of logical order, without holes the size of Yellowstone!
You sound very organised and now you have blogged your plan, you’ll have to stick to it!
Rebecca Bradley says
You’re right about making it public and now needing to stick with it. That’s the great thing about blogging – I think.
Wishing you lots of luck with your publishing journey this year.
glynissmy1 says
Happy New Year, Rebecca. Your post is very positive. I have decided to settle into novel writing, ease up on blogging (can’t give it up, would miss it too much), and get more organised on Hootesuite so my social media networks are together. I have also battled with trying to comment on blogs on a regular basis, and found it ate into my writing time, so I am organising that side of life, too. Then novels three and four can have a bit more of my time. Good luck for the future.
Rebecca Bradley says
Happy new year Glynis.
It’s difficult balancing everything isn’t it. There just seems so much for us to do at times. It sounds as though you know what you need to do to achieve your goals this you. Wishing you a very positive year!
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – I think you have some really solid and workable plans. Congratulations on having finished your novel, too. Isn’t that a great feeling!? I hope it won’t be long before publishers are clamouring for the rights. I’m sure they will. In the meantime, it’s good to hear you’re starting on the next in your series. I think that momentum can be really helpful. Have a wonderful 2013 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Margot. I’m not sure yet about the good feeling. This completion is the re-write. I’m hoping it doesn’t come back with some other great big gaping hole I was too blind to see!
It’s definitely a rollercoaster ride writing books. I’m feeling happy and relaxed now I have a plan and I’m no longer just leaving it in the hands of others. It has settled me and I think motivated me forward this year.
Wishing you a wonderful 2013!
Annalisa Crawford says
Good luck with book number two! And fingers crossed for number one. I’m fully back in writing mode this year… I was slacking off last year because I’d had a book published (that’s a bad reason, by the way)!
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Annalisa. It’s great to get that motivational feeling back isn’t it. Here’s to a very positive year for us both!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
You have a plan! And writing the next book will keep you occupied while waiting.
Rebecca Bradley says
I do have a plan. And it feels good! Yes. I’m going to be a busy bee 🙂
DJ KirkbyD.J.Kirkby says
I love the attitude you are heading into 2013 with. Good luck writing book number 2 and I am so excited about someday being able to read book 1! I hope it isn’t too long before you find an agent / publisher / self publish!
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Denyse. I’m excited about this year. And I’m glad to be able to share it as well. Isn’t blogging great! I do need to knuckle down with book two but I’m in the 100 day challenge so I’ll get my first draft down. Fingers crossed. I need to tap into that new found motivation!
Julie Flanders says
How awesome that you’re already writing the next book. And it’s so exciting to think of your novel out there looking for representation. Good luck!!
Happy 2013 to you Rebecca! 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
Happy New year Julie.
It does feel a year full of promise and possibilities this year, so I’m going to do my best and grab them with both hands.
Here’s to a great 2013 for us all 🙂
Jane Isaac says
Hi Rebecca. Some lovely plans there. I wish you all the best with those, and with the writing of your second novel. Exciting times…
Rebecca Bradley says
Hi Jane. Exciting and nerve wracking. But now I’ve made the decision and made it public, I feel better and calm and positive. I’m looking forward to this year.
Wishing you a great year my friend xx
Kirsten says
I am so impressed by your organized approach to writing–especially that you have the second book in the works while the first is out seeking representation!
I’m hoping–okay, planning!–to finish the revision (I know, I said that last year too …) on my first novel. Then, off it goes to querying. Then you’ll see some insecure posts from me, for sure!
Rebecca Bradley says
I look forward to seeing those posts! Take this new year as the new start and do the things you haven’t yet finished but want to. It feels. Especially with a plan. One that you actually want. You can do what you want 🙂
sharonsant says
There’s something motivating about getting your plans out there for all to see and you’re braver than me for doing it! I’ve always said I love your honesty in this blog. I have a feeling that 2013 will be your writing year and I’ll be so glad to see that happen for you, whichever route you take.
Vikki (The View Outside) says
I do like to see a positive post on IWSG Day 🙂
Hold on to that feeling honey!
Good luck with the MS doing the rounds….keeping fingers and toes crossed for you.
Xx
Elle Turner says
Happy New Year, Rebecca! Good luck with your plans for 2013 – there are exciting times ahead! xx
Ciara Knight says
No matter what path you choose, I know you will find success in 2013. Take your time finding the right editor and cover artist if that is the path you choose.
Joanna (Lazuli Portals Trilogy) says
Congrats on the ‘moving forward’ plan, and thanks for sharing it with us – it’s always interesting (even intriguing) to see how other authors ‘do things’. Best of luck with the manuscript, and also with keeping your energy balance as you reach your goals in 2013. 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Joanna. I think I needed to make some firm decisions as I was floating a bit. It feels good now I’ve done it 🙂