Pondering Next Year's Goals

This has been a very busy year. I've had quite a number of short stories published not to mention editing Time Traveling Coffers.

Next year I'm already planning on what my goals should be. Tentatively they will be:

1. Edit Different Dragons. There could be two volumes. Have already talked with publisher about possible release dates not to mention compiling an invite list for the second.

2. Finish Winter Emergence. I have those who have read Winter Awakening wanting to know what happens next.

3. Pitch my romance Worth the Wait. I have a publisher in mind who is searching for books for the over 50 crowd.

5. Pitch a Tween/Young Adult series involving winged cats. I've already informed by two young collaborators I might have found a market for it. They're excited.

6. Several short story submissions. Although, I think I'll slow down a bit in this arena.

7. Shaking, terrified, I'm thinking of pitching a series to either Baen or Tor.

8. Possible collaboration with a fellow writer to see if her vampire hunting dog and my vampire cats might be combined in a story/series.

9. Taking advantage of anything that comes my way.

Now bear in mind, all these goals are in between life, my day job, caring for the cats and my spouse.

Role of the Writer : Accountant and Record Keeper

Last in the series of Role of the Writer, is Accountant and Record Keeper. The Record Keeper is the one who keeps track of submissions, where they go, whether or not they're accepted, contracts received and returned, when books are released, and if they're editing, many of the same details. I personally use Excel speadsheets.

The Accountant tracks the finances. Payments and how received for accepted stories or books. Money spent on conventions or conferences, or books to sell, postage, and whether the writer makes money or looses it. I even track contributors copies whether printed or electronic.

For the past two years I've lost money. This year, I'm hoping to break even.

Final word. If you thought being a writer was all glamor. I hope this series sets you straight.

Role of the Writer : Mentor & Example

Next is Mentor and Example. In the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror genre, the older writers mentor the upcoming. They help them by reading their work, critiquing it, when they don't have pressing deadlines, and taking time to answer questions on writing or the business aspect.

They also are watched. Just as I am watching other successful writers to see how they got to where they are, I have other writers watching me aspiring to follow my examples.

These are scarey roles because you want to be encouraging. You also want them to know its not always easy. It can be challenging and sometimes outright frustrating. But well worth the struggle.

Reading Annoucement : I have a reading for Gunslinger and Ghost Stories edited by David B. Riley, Saturday, December 8th at 2 PM. It will be at Who Else Books at Broadway and Cedar in Denver, CO. I will be reading from my story The Ruins along with several other local writers. Come and join us!

Roles of the Writer : Wardrobe Mistress, Makeup Artist & the Hairdresser

Working with the Public Relations Manager is the Wardrobe Mistress, the Makeup Artist and the Hairdreser. They're responsible for making the Writer look good. They decide on how he/she should look, what they should wear for an appearance, the right make up and hair style. Even helping the writer come up with a 'brand'. For instance, one writer wears a 1940s hat, another a huge floppy hat with a long feather and another wears something with a cat on it.

Since this is the impression left with the reader, these are very important roles.

Roles of the Writer : Sales and Booking Agent

The next crucial roles of the writer is that of Sales and Booking Agent.

The Booking Agent is responsible for searching for and setting up appearances. Sometimes its for signings at local bookstores, other times on panels at conventions, both locally and out of state, and if fortunate enough to be invited Writing Conferences.

The Sales Agent sells the product. This isn't just the work but also the writer his/her self. They convince the would be reader why the book would be enjoyed by the perspective buyer.

Both these roles work closely with the Marketing and Public Relations manager.

Roles of the Writer : Business, Marketing and Public Relations Manager

Writers are also their own Business Manager. They have to make sure their work gets done on time and is turned in. Doesn't matter is they're working for someone else, like editing an anthology, or getting a story in by deadline while freelancing. It keeps the writer motivated to play all the other roles they must in order to succeed.

The Marketing and Public Relations manager are tightly intertwined. They work together to put up a website, open a Twitter account or Facebook page. Then, the correct information must be provided to forward the writer's career. Not to mention knowing what to say during public appearances, like signings and convention or conference appearances, and what materials to have with them to boost sales.

Roles of the Writer : Writer & Editor

At their heart, writers are writers. They enjoy playing with the words and putting together stories. If it was all they had to do, they would , so to speak, be in heaven.

However, in today's market, the roles writers play are more involved. Many also become editors working independently or for a publishing house. They help other writers become better at their craft often by correcting grammar or punctuation or finding plot holes you could drive a truck through. Some edit anthologies.

They also freelance for businesses as technical writers with assignments that can range from scientific documents, computer instructions, department procedure manuals, job descriptions, vendor letters and any thing else needing their special talents. Many make their living this way while they toil away at their own creative endeavors.