Welcome to Day 311...
And 5 habits that could derail your writing career...
Aside from being a romantic suspense author and self publisher, I have a full time job that I love.
And because of how I value that job, I'm always interested in ideas and strategies that can help me become better manager, problem solver,and... become the team member that not only gets the lead on great projects, but also the great promotions.
On the flip side, you need to watch out for those things that could derail your career or even cost you your job.
Which is precisely the subject of a Forbes article I recently read...14 Bad Habits That Can Cost You Your Job.
The article got me thinking about how some of those same habits could seriously derail your writing career...
So writers, here are 5 big watch outs...
Social Media Addiction
If you're checking and re-checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, you're not focused on the dialogue you're trying to get right or the plot development that needs your attention. So...save your check ins for when your hourly or daily goals have been met and limit the time your spend with these apps.
Inattentiveness
When it comes to your writing time...make sure you're all in.
Don't be returning calls, don't be returning emails. Simply write, and write well.
That said...when your stuck, when you just can't seem to get the words together, most of you know that I'm a big proponent of doing mindless activities - laundry, cooking dinner - simply taking a break to let your super brain work out whatever blocks you might be facing. Once the answers come...then get right back to writing.
The Lone Wolf Syndrome
The article speaks about how having a "go it alone" attitude can make for some bad feelings and bad blood within your team.
But this syndrome can also negatively impact you as a writer.
How so? Well you can't be so sure of yourself or so impressed with your own skills that you over look what it really takes to write and self publish a book.
So...reach out to family, friends and professionals to help make your book the best and most successful it can be. Get outside editors, get a professional to do your book cover, ask for advice on marketing, get friends and family to read your book and ask for honest feedback.
Bottom line? Don't go it alone.
Inefficiency
Being disorganized with your notes and outlines or simply wasting time, will make you an inefficient writer. Here's the math...shorter, more efficient writing cycles will lead to more books, more books leads to more exposure, more exposure leads to greater success.
Procrastination
Let's get real...
Your book won't write itself.
Your manuscript won't get edited unless you find an outside editor to work with and/or take the time to go through each chapter with a fine tooth comb.
Your book cover won't get done unless your search for great photos.
You have to set a marketing plan and act on the to-do list.
So...everyday go forward with this goal...to be further along than you were yesterday.
And remember...
The best time to start was yesterday.
The second best time to start is RIGHT NOW.
In case you were interested, here the article in Forbes...http://www3.forbes.com/leadership/14-bad-habits-that-can-cost-you-your-job/5/
Here's Today's Takeaway Lesson...
"First We Make Our Habits, Then Our Habits Make Us" C Noble
Here's to Being All In,
365 Days & Counting...
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Maggie
Follow me on Twitter @AuthorMaggie #busywriterslife
Visit my website @ www.maggiecollins.net
365 Days & Counting...
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