I have invented a completely new twist on the wise saying: “If you want to get something done, ask a busy person.” I am sure you have heard that expression, do we think it is a little self-serving…?
I understand that if you are busy, you have it together and you can take on even more. Very convenient for those who don’t want to do whatever it is that needs to be done. Which is part of my story today.
As you no doubt read in my previous post, I really need to crack on and go down that self-publishing rabbit hole, get myself sorted and get my book out there to all those expectant readers! I sure felt that urgent pressure from within.
Back up a few weeks, to the AGM of my CBC-Radio-Canada (where I worked for many years) regional retirees association. We needed an editor to take over the newsletter which had been languishing – as in not appearing for over a year. The call went out. There was a crashing awkward silence. Then the secretary said, “Well I am going to propose a motion that we abolish the newsletter.” Oh, what a crafty, risky move. But it worked. I thought we can’t let that happen. Now I am the editor. (There is a wonderful person in Saskatchewan who does the formatting, a mighty task.) Time was of the essence – the fall/pre-Christmas issue was awaiting.
“Hey!” my book called out, “what on earth are you up to? “
But I threw myself into the newsletter. Once the articles and reports and obituaries came in, I put in a solid intense week. I really focused and got it done. I was busy!
So what’s so special? Well…I realized that I did a pivot on the ‘ask a busy person’ thing. I made myself busy and then I got things done!
And now I am a locomotive, it’s the book all the way.
So with guidance from the self-publishing community like my new guru David Gaughran – I read sections of his book several times as I am challenged – I now have book blurbs, I am getting my mind around the genre/category issue and am in touch with a book cover designer. In fact, she came bouncing back to me and said she would have time in three days, so another rush to get my brief ready for her.
Preparing for the world of marketing, I have meddled with the blog. Now it is a website, the future book HQ, and dear blog friends I apologize that you now need to click on the BLOG link once on the website. It is still Juliawrting.ca. The new website is a bit lacking in content, but that too is on the to-do list.
Watch this space for future updates.