IWSG: All Booked Up for 2018

Even though I’m only two weeks post knee replacement surgery, I’m pleased and surprised to be able to answer today’s IWSG Day Question: What steps have you taken to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?

Every year is different. Some (when I wasn’t working full time) were gloriously ambitious: Writing 7 of the 11 titles under contract with three different houses, for example. No way could I do that in 2018. Just not enough hours in the day or available brain cells. I’ve always been one to push hard to make the most of what time’s available . . . but within reasonable limits of what’s doable. I already get up at 4:30 a.m. to write. I don’t think I can conjure up any more hours in the day, so I have to build my projected projects within the limited time frame I have. To do that, I start with the targeted number of planned releases then work backwards to fill in my work calendar. Here’s how 2018 is shaping up:

1. Ongoing promotion of October 2017 release, PRINCE OF FOOLS;

2. Set up PR for $0.99 sale of historical vampire romance, MIDNIGHT ENCHANTMENT from BelleBooks for 2-1 through 2-15;

3. Rerelease of first published novel, SWEET TEMPEST, a Regency-set historical written as Lauren Giddings with prospective Tell-Tale Publishing date of February/March;

4. Edit second Regency reissue, BARTERED BRIDE, for Tell-Tale Publishing toward a target release date TBD;

5. Write final book in “House of Terriot” dark shapeshifter series, PRINCE OF DREAMS, for a late summer release;

6. Plan packaging and timeframe for rerelease of five-book Texas historical series written as Dana Ransom for 2018/2019 along with a new sixth book to the series and decide to self-pub or go traditional;

7. Reread “By Moonlight” and “House of Terriot” series and outline potential concluding book to the series in 2019.

Yikes! When it’s all laid out in Calibri 12-pt, it looks overwhelming, but it breaks down to the promotion of three books (third book of series, rereleases, and sale book) during the first quarter of the year; writing one 95-100K new book during the first 3-4 months of the year then formatting, publishing and promoting that book; editing a previously released historical and working with publisher on cover, blurb, etc.; getting Texas series scanned for editing then developing cover concepts and PR plan; and, background reading toward development of book to write in my “By Moonlight” series for 2019. 

Yes, a lot of stuff to do, but all on different creative levels. The new writing, I do in the early a.m. and weekends. Promotions are built from a PR timeline already developed. Editing, blogging, etc. is done during my lunch hour, and reading, before bed. Totally doable!

My biggest lesson learned from 2017 is PLAN AHEAD! The more that can be done before it’s needed, the better. Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?

What kind of year is your 2018 shaping up to be?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the January 3rd posting of the IWSG will be Tyrean Martinson, Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Megan Morgan, Jennifer Lane, and Rachna Chhabria!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

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