Each writing journey is different. There is no “one size fits all” road to success. I read craft books, watched webinars, and attended conferences in my quest for a template or checklist that could guide me on the pathway to becoming a published author. Much to my dismay, I discovered that there was no standardized format to follow. Every aspiring author has to forge his or her own way.
Bummer. I like my to-do lists. I thrive on structure and organization. I’m a plotter, not a pantser. I need at least a basic outline or plan of attack to use as a security blanket. I want a concrete route to obtaining my goals. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist. We all have different backgrounds, skill sets, and interests. Plus, connections are key, and timing is everything. Our individual circumstances influence the course we take on our journey.
It’s a brand-new year. An opportunity to start anew. A time for establishing resolutions and setting goals. I attended an excellent conference sponsored by the Grand Canyon chapter of the Sisters in Crime organization. The lectures were focused on the business side of writing. Participants were encouraged to develop a business plan and a marketing strategy, since we were in effect launching a start-up business. We were also instructed to create our own tagline and brand identity. My tagline is “Sun, Sand & Suspects” and my brand is a beach vibe – to dovetail with the settings of my stories.
I hadn’t realized that there was so much more to becoming an author than simply writing a book. Looks like I need to make a new to-do list.
