Let’s Get Serious … About Writing!

RWA 2015 was in the heart of Times Square!

I’m back from my second Romance Writers of America conference. This time in the fun and exciting New York City. New York is a great place to visit, and the place is always bursting with energy. Throw in 2,000 or so romance writers and the place is even more chaotic.

I always come back from a writer’s conference feeling inspired. Normally the inspiration gets me in the mood for writing. That hasn’t changed, but now I’ve also been inspired to take my writing career seriously.

Fun lunch with some fabulous writers!

Now, if you’re like my husband, you’re wondering where that came from. According to him: “You’ve got seven books out, you are serious.” Yes, that’s true, but I wrote seven books pretty much by flying by the seat of my pants. I set deadlines that float around in my head. I let social media … or Netflix easily distract me from what I need to work on. Which isn’t bad, but I can do better. For instance when asked how many copies of Show Me How to Love has sold, I couldn’t answer. I check here and there but that’s about it. I created a spreadsheet months ago to track my Crimson book sales, lost the flash drive it was on, and never bothered to replace it.

Over 2,000 romance writers in one room! Amazing!

I went to my first Harlequin party! Talk about a good time.

Again, all of that isn’t bad, but if I am going to do this full time one day. Hopefully by the time I can retire from local government (if not before) then I need to treat writing not like a part time job, but like another full time.

Easier said than done I know, but I am going to try. And since I normally jump head first into doing things, I’ve started the process. I bought a dry erase board where I will write my weekly writing goals—just like I do at my day job. Seeing my weekly goals keeps me from forgetting things I need to do and makes the goal “real”. I’ve also re-worked my spreadsheets to better track the number of books I sell and earnings. I may even write a business plan. Maybe.

I’m hoping this new found inspiration will last and get me farther toward my goal of being a serious writer. 🙂

My newly organized desk area.

Did I mention that before I could put up my dry erase board I had to paint the walls? I could have done that without painting, but then I’d have to re-hang after painting my office another day. Hubby gave me all kinds of “are you crazy” looks when I jumped up and made that announcement before putting up a board. I think I did a darn good job. Lol. And, yes, that is a cup covered with professional wrestlers on my desk, lol.