The Rake’s Progress

Today I feel pretty frenzied. I’m trying to launch a new book, do interviews, teach writing classes, write my blogs, run my fundraising campaign and still find time to write. Oh and those dishes piling up in the kitchen are crying out to washed. But I must do these writerly things if I want to build my author platform. And so do you.
Writing Tip for Today: How can you juggle all the roles of a writer without losing your mind?

• Take a Prayer Step Back. You aren’t going to be able to do everything without either going bonkers or else hiring an assistant (or two). Today, I’m taking a step back. While it’s true my family is feeling a tad neglected right now, having their support means everything. I also count on God’s support–so I pray and (try to) let God do the worrying. Some things may fall through the cracks–I don’t intend to be a flake but sometimes it happens. Generally I pray, prioritize and then plunge right into the stew that is a writer’s life. If I’m overwhelmed, I do what a writer friend recently suggested (Thanks, Ang!): Take a five minute break, grab a coffee and then plunge right back in.
• Take Time to Prioritize. Most of us have phones that keep track of deadlines and appointments. I always back up my phone with a trusty calendar where I write down important dates and times. I’ve learned it doesn’t help much if you dismiss the reminders or don’t look at the calendar again after you’ve plugged in stuff to remember! I make a daily list of “must dos” and then I prioritize by tackling items in order of importance (that means usually it’s due asap!). I actually get a lot of satisfaction from crossing off completed tasks.
• Take the Plunge. You can’t expect to build your platform as a writer if you only talk about doing so. Try to set aside a day of the week or a specific time to tackle social media, submissions to agents or editors and other “platform-building” activities. I’m trying to learn not to be afraid of making a fool of myself by wading in to methods and sites I’m unfamiliar with. Sitting around saying you can’t do Facebook because you don’t care to read what your friend ate for breakfast isn’t going to grow your audience. When you get overwhelmed, step back (pray, even!), grab a coffee, tea or whatnot and if necessary take a class or ask a friend to help you learn. Then plunge right back in. Your (growing) readership will thank you. And you may even keep your sanity.