The Place For My Writers Notes

Original posting 8 July 2009

Writers' Digest, October 2004, pages 26 to 33, has a collection of short "nuggets of wisdom" related to getting published. Maria Schneider is the author of the compilation. Take a deep breath, and here we go:

"Smart first-time authors focus on their writing. They'll celebrate their first sale, then ask, 'What should I do next?'" Donald Maass

Interesting point. Especially given the current sales and length of time for making sales, it's important not to get invested in the individual sale, especially that first one. Set up your process for writing, your regular approach to getting the words out. When a sale comes, that's great. But the key is to keep writing.

It's a bit like pottery or almost anything else. Having one selected and honored -- sold -- is great, but you want to have a selection on the shelves. That's what makes the customer browse the shelves, and gives you something to show the customer who says that's almost right, do you have it in a little different shade?

Celebrate your sales. And then ask yourself, "What should I do next?"