Angela Booth’s Life Stream

Writing and more...

Show up As a Writer and You'll Achieve Success

If you're not achieving the success you want as a writer, chances are you're just not showing up.

This seems to be a very common challenge; writers run out of steam and enthusiasm not only for a project, but also for their careers.

Apropos of showing up, here's what I wrote on a forum this morning.

Just show up, do what you do. As Woody Allen said: "Eighty percent of success is showing up."

If you feel resistance to DOING, there's always a reason. Brainstorm and do some free writing until you discover what that reason is. Chances are, the reason is important.

Also, leave time for thinking.

Clear your mind, and just sit and think. "Muse" or "wonder" might be better terms for "thinking"; most people don't do enough of just sitting and thinking. If you muse on whatever your current challenge is, chances are you'll come up with a solution... a surprising one. :-)

Re musing, I've noticed that the "musing habit", to coin a term, leads to inspiration and creativity -- and more showing up.

What are you showing up for?

I'm thrilled that my latest product has helped more writers kickstart their careers at the outsourcing sites -- by showing up.

Here's one writer's results with this material. Four days after her purchase of Instant Income For Writers: Ace the Outsourcing Sites, Christi said:

"I followed the 7 day plan and put in applications on 3 different days. I got one job that is possibly long term, that pays hourly. Then today I logged into my email and had another contract waiting for me. I was just totally thrilled, I have been trying so hard to find work that I could do from home."

Christi showed up: you can too.

Time Management for Writers: One Simple Strategy Which Helps You to Find Time

Are you convinced that you have no time to write? Strangely enough, this is a problem for all writers, whether they're new, or are full-time professional writers. In this article you'll discover the one simple secret which ensures that you'll find the time to write each day.

I've been a professional writer for some 30 years. In my early years, I struggled to find time too. Then I discovered one simple tactic which solved the time problem for good.

I'll tell you what it is in a moment. It sounds simple, but don't be fooled: it has immense power. I know this, because over the years I've often failed to use this tactic, and when I did, I struggled. Life events overtook me, and I ended up complaining that I had "no time" -- and often blaming others -- until I came to my senses and realized what I was doing.

Here's the simple strategy: make writing the first thing you do every day. 

Yes, it really is that simple, whether writing is all you (supposedly, anyway)  do in your work day, or whether writing is a sideline for you.

Write first.

Here's how it works for me. Before I clear the decks after my work day ends, I decide which major project I'll work on for an hour in the morning. I prepare my notes.

The next morning, I grab a cup of coffee, and write for an hour. I don't read email, nor do I do anything else work-related, until I've written for one hour  on the project I chose the evening before. 

Then I go on with my day. Of course, I write much more in the course of my day, because writing is what I do. I always find that my early-morning session has warmed me up, and I get more done in all areas, because that early session has kick-started my productivity.

Many years ago, when my children were small, and I was running a business and writing, I got up at 4 a.m. every morning to write. I got a lot done. I was happy. My family was happy.

These days I don't get up quite as early. But I still make writing the first thing I do every day. I urge you to do it too, so that you have time to write.