Writing and publishing strategy in 2021 – PART ONE: Looking back to move forward.

I've also got a podcast episode on writing and publishing strategy for 2021.

 

ere in New Zealand, we celebrate Christmas in summer time, so our Christmas holidays are all about sitting in the sun or at the beach with a bottle of cider, and just being warm and happy and surrounded by friends and family. I look forward every year to taking a bit of a break from working/writing (hahaha – by break I mean that I only write 1000 words a day or so) and reflect on the year that’s gone and plan for the year ahead. 

 

I know 2020 has been a hard-ass year for all of us for so many reasons. Particularly this year, just surviving the damn thing is an achievement worth celebrating. But life must go on and as we plan for 2021, we begin by looking back at what's happened in 2020.

 

In order to look forward, you first have to look back. SO, here are some questions I ask myself about my writing/creativity/business (and life in general, because it all feeds into each other). 

 

I hope they help you head into the new year feeling super excited about your writing and publishing and creativity. Sure, we're still in for lots of turmoil, but writing always helps me get through the tough times. And there are lots of opportunities and success ahead, as well. 

 

I think it’s so important to look back with a positive mindset – I often find I forget half the stuff I’ve achieved and how far I’ve come when I’m caught up in what’s happening NOW. Sometimes it can feel like you’ve had a crap you until you look back and realise how far you’ve come. 

 

So, without further ado, here are some questions!

 

01

WHAT HAS BEEN A FULFILLING EXPERIENCE FOR ME THIS YEAR?

You know what I’m talking about – the stuff that’s lifted you up and made you feel amazing. Time spent with friends/family, finishing that book you’ve been working on, meeting a certain goal in your writing career, an amazing review or award – write down all the stuff that made you happy.

 

If you can’t think of anything, go back through your FB or Instagram timeline or your group chats with friends. I bet you would have posted about awesome stuff.

02

HOW DID I CELEBRATE MY WINS?

If you’re not rewarding yourself emotionally for doing the good stuff, then you’re going to lose the motivation to keep going. Our brains love a risk/reward cycle, so make sure you give yourself the rewards.

 

Celebrating doesn’t mean spending money – I try to celebrate every book release by either taking myself out to lunch or by spending a few hours reading on the couch with my cats and some chocolate when I should be working. 

03

WHO WERE THE AWESOME PEOPLE IN MY LIFE THIS YEAR?

Don’t acknowledge the dead weight – the people who caused the drama, made everything about themselves, or treated you bad. Instead, recall the people in your life who showed up when you needed them, who cheered you on, who believed in you.

 

How can you make sure they are still a part of your life in 2020, and what can you do to show them how much you appreciate them?
 

04

WHERE DID I WASTE MY TIME/MONEY?

Did you pay for a writing service that hasn’t returned results? Did you spend hours learning how to make video trailers for your books and no one is watching them? How many hours did you scroll through FB when you could’ve been finishing your writing?

 

Look at where you put your time and energy and ask yourself what 100% wasn’t worth it.

    "Don’t acknowledge the dead weight. Instead, recall the people in your life who showed up when you needed them, who cheered you on, who believed in you.

    Steff Green

    Author of How to Rock Self-Publishing.

    05

    WHAT ABOUT MY BEST INVESTMENTS?

    This is the opposite to the last question – you gotta figure out where you used your time and money that paid off 120%. Did you invest in learning new skills, in ordering better book covers, or outsourcing a task you hate? 

     

    For me, best investments of 2020 was hiring a publicist, taking the risk to launch Rage Against the Manuscript, and a strategy course I did that has really paid off.

     

    06

    DID I TAKE A RISK THAT PAID OFF?

    We struggle with taking risks sometimes. We often remember all the times we tried something new and failed – we convince ourselves not to try. Instead, remember a time when you took a risk and did something that was a bit scary, but it totally worked out for the best. 

     

    For me, I wrote a book in a brand new sub-genre – one I'm not known for. That series has been my bestseller of 2021. I also took a huge risk launching Rage Against the Manuscript, especially during a pandemic, but it's been amazing, and I'm so incredibly honoured to have helped so many writers along their journey this year.

    IT'S TIME TO LOOK BACK

    Have a think about these questions. Feel free to post some of your answers/thoughts in the comments. I shall be back with the next post, which is all about taking this info and using it to inform 2020.

     

    For more information, listen to my podcast episode on strategy for 2021, and join the newsletter to be updated when my new skeleton-drafting course goes live.

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