Lights, Camera, Action

I’ve been very busy the past few weeks. A goal is no good if there’s no action to back it up. Over the years I’ve learned I don’t set aimless goals. When I put it down on paper there will be motion.  When I decided that this would be the last year I work for someone else in a full-time position it meant I better put some muscle in that hustle.  So, I’ve been:

·     blogging more;

·     figuring out how to build a website- because I have 3 of them to build;

·     writing articles and posting to places I’ve signed up with;

·     looking for alternative revenue streams;

·     studying the brand new galaxy of self-publishing;

·     and reading until I’m just about blind. 

 

Eyedrops have replaced ibuprofen as my best friend. And it’s only the beginning.  The drops I use feel so good on my aching swollen eyeballs because they are a gel and they are usually cold.

 

What’s funny is that even though publishing my novels is about 40% of my overall plan, the one thing I have not been doing is working on my novels. Some might say I’m sidetracked or procrastinating but that just isn’t the case. There are times when you have to see the bigger vision, then stay focused on the foundational tasks necessary to accomplish that vision.  The week before I got very busy with these other projects I had a major breakthrough on the novel I’ve been working on. I jotted down a few notes and have not worked on it since. But it is right there in my mind, working itself out, stewing a bit, the flavors all mingling, the chewy bites getting tender.  It’s going to be a joyous day tomorrow when I work on it for an hour or two. 

 

Going from hobbyist to pro is totally possible but it takes work and maybe a little luck.  Mostly, it involves sacrificing time and energy (and occasionally your eyesight) to build enough momentum so that it starts to run on its own energy.  I’ve prepared myself for the fact that I’m going to offend people this year because I’m busy on this wild, exciting, ludicrous adventure (at my desk).  It’s important for folks to get it but if they don’t, that is their issue. I know I sound like a broken record but you just can’t let other people’s fears or issues get in your way. On the other hand, make sure you don’t piss everybody off so you have someone to celebrate the victories with!