The holidays are often the times when many start feeling down, or sorry for themselves, and toss a writer in the midst of that, and you have a recipe for disaster.
So, I follow a lot of writer blogs and websites, and so many of them have stories filled with success. Thousands of copies sold over the Christmas holiday. Myself, not so much. So, I'm left wondering what am I doing wrong? Don't leave such an open-ended question out for a writer used to constructing elaborate plots, because the number of reasons for slow sales could be mind-boggling.
Then I realized that a "woe is me" attitude in regards to low sales (the same could be said for lack of acceptances when querying or submitting to magazines) is counter-productive. A defeatist attitude is going to only lead to further defeat, and the vicious cycle will continue. So, instead, I decided it was time to do something about boosting my attitude out of the gutter, and improving my lot in (this writer's) life.
Friend of the Aston West Universe, Lisa Pietsch, and I began discussions, and we're starting off on figuring out a marketing strategy to improve my sales numbers. I'm positive that with her experiences as a marketing strategist, things will skyrocket in no time (how's that for a positive attitude? *smile*).
So, how about all of you? How's your attitude (and this isn't just limited to writers, but everyone)? Does it need some improvement? How are you going to do it?
It's easy to get caught up in the comparison game. I think Kris Rusch even had a recent post on the subject. It can be hard to keep telling yourself, "Just keep writing and be patient." But getting in a hurry is one way to get into trouble. So I'll keep working.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the marketing discussions. You'll have to let us know what's decided, and keep us updated on the progress.
Good for you. I hope it all works out great! I know I need an attitude adjustment all the time.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you! My drive usually kicks in around the middle of January, that's about the time frame I need to shake off the old year and whatever negative fumes that are lingering :) Hope it all works out well for you! Keep your fans posted.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Robert, it's definitely easy to get caught up in comparisons...actually, it's interesting because a comparison of sales numbers was what initiated a discussion of marketing strategies in the first place. Unfortunately, patience only works so long, and then some action needs to be taken.
ReplyDeleteIt never seems like you have a poor attitude, Angie, so you must really hide it well... :-\
TK, I'm not sure when I last took a break from writing, but there have been a few lulls when things just weren't getting done. Actually, I think the last time I had a significant stoppage was right after completing NaNo in 2008 (which was when THE CURE was born). The entire month of December, I was too pooped to pop anything out, writing-wise.
Thanks, everyone, for stopping by!