Saturday, March 30, 2013

Is Writing a Job?



This is where I tell you: no, it’s supposed to be fun. After all most of us hate our jobs.  Okay perhaps that’s a strong word, but I’ve never heard anyone say I can’t wait until Monday and go back to, and why don’t they let us work longer hours? But if you really really want to be a writer, then maybe it’s time to treat it like work. Or perhaps the better word is career. Then it don’t sound too bad.

What does a job take?

Make a schedule. Set aside time each day to write. Sometimes I’m not inspired to work, but that’s true of my other job that pays the bills. My boss still expects me to put in a full day. 

Start with a plan. My regular job sometimes seems a bit out of control, but buried somewhere are goals. Read email. Write documents. Go to a meeting. Solve problems.

Time management is the most difficult part of writing. I just can’t find the time.  Book Baby has a nice blog on it. Check it out!

Ron D. Voigts is the author of the Penelope Mysteries and the upcoming Claws of the Griffin to be released in April.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Snow, Snow Go Away



This is the year that Spring won’t happen or Winter won’t leave depending if you see the glass half full or half empty. (Hmm, now that think about it, the glass in near dry.) I heard the birds chirping in the trees around the house this past February and thought nice weather is finally coming. Now I see a Robin on the branch outside my window wearing earmuffs and mittens.

I suppose the delayed Spring is nature’s way of telling me to stay inside and keep writing. So I sit here tapping the keyboard, wondering what warm weather feels like and watching the snow falling. On to another chapter. Maybe I’ll write a story about Spring.

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Unsinkable Ron D. Voigts



What an exciting week this has been. Prosecutor seeks the death penalty for PunxsutawneyPhil for predicting the early spring, the Chicago Cubs win the World Series, and I get a Dear John letter from the publisher for my novel Claws of the Griffin. Okay, I’m kidding on the second thing. But on Monday, I was summarily informed: “As of March 18, Cool Well Press, Inc. is closing and liquidating its business due to the economy and lackluster sales. “ So close and yet so far!

Something strikes me about this situation. Publishers do not support their authors like in days of yore. These days publishers create covers, edit and format books, and pop them out in ebooks and paperbacks. They stop there. The author is much on his own to market the book. Just like writers flood literary agents and publishers with their queries, today’s publishers flood the market with books. “Let’s throw it at the wall and see what sticks.”

Am I giving up? In the words of The Unsinkable Molly Brown: “Sure I may be tuckered, and I may give out, but I won't give in!” And I’m off to get Claws of the Griffin published.