IWSG JANUARY 3RD 2018 Schedules & The Flaming Crimes Blogfest
Note: Above link: I recently learned how to create a link within my post a hyper-jump per say that you might use in a table content on the same page. I will probably have to google it again to do it again, but now I know I can do it.
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INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP
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Writer’s supporting, encouraging and learning from each other. Post on your own blog about your struggles, your triumphs, and your successes. Talk about your works in progress the good, the bad and the ugly or some other writing relating topic on your mind. Read others, interact, comment, and grow within this wonderful author community. Every month there is an optional question for those who may need help figuring out what to post about.
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[themify_box style=”orange announcement”]Co-Hosts: [/themify_box]
Co-Hosts: Tyrean Martinson | The Cynical Sailor | Megan Morgan | Rachna Chhabria | Jennifer Lane.
[themify_box style=”orange question”]JANUARY 3RD, 2018 OPTIONAL IWSG DAY QUESTION: [/themify_box]
OPTIONAL IWSG Day Question: What steps have you taken to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?
I am working on it. I am focusing on one project until completion. I hope the time frame is soon to the next three months with a dedicated work schedule. I’ll have to let you know how that goes.
I read on Medium recently a post about creating schedules. The post talks about how Benjamin Franklin planned his days. He started with a goal question for the day, “What good will I do today?” and ended with the question, “What good have I done today?” He focuses on the good he could do rather what he had to do or did do or planned. That is pretty awesome.
You can make a schedule but invariably something does not work out or has to change, be rearranged or modified. That’s life. I like this schedule because it is about visualizing your day around the good you can do and balance with what you need to do.
In this article, she quotes Benjamin Franklin, “Lost time is never found again.” Deep thoughts to reflect on. [themify_button style=”small orange” link=”https://medium.com/personal-growth/how-to-boost-your-productivity-with-benjamin-franklins-powerful-strategy-43bf0ee0f6d6″ target=”blank”]Benjamin Franklin’s Schedule To Increase Productivity by Nicole Bianchi on Medium[/themify_button]
I like the layout because it actually does give room for change. I’ve already copied it into my Bullet Journal. Image From Pinterest.
[themify_box style=”orange note”]This months ANGST[/themify_box]
Writing Angst:
I opened a bank account just for writing, which at first will act as a savings account for writing-related needs. It is the first step. The angst? Taxes and keeping track makes me nervous. I tend to worry about missing something because I didn’t know or overlooking something. There is not a lot of forgiveness or grace in the realm of tax debt because of ignorance. Granted they will work with you but still triggers my worry button. Bookkeeping just feels overwhelming. I was an average student in math and bookkeeping is not something I enjoy.
Something I am learning by watching and listening to Joanna Penn on The Creative Penn is that you have to watch and track the sales flows and the many related sell trends, marketing and promotion of your books. Treating it like a business helps you make decisions on how to proceed or what to change in the flow-profit-loss and balance weighing what works against what does not. Start small. One step at a time. Learn and master one thing before moving on to the next and before long you are juggling an entrepreneur business.
Writing as a business. I can see she works hard to be the success that she has become. Joanna has great insight and advice. I love her enthusiasm. I am not a bookkeeper or graph maker. Joanna is good at that and so is our own Tara Tyler, lol, the graph making.
OMG, can I do this? It sparks my fear of OVERWHELM before I even experience it, lol.
[themify_button style=”small orange” link=”https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2017/11/29/how-to-be-an-author-entrepreneur/” target=”blank”]Business For Authors. How To Be An Author Entrepreneur. An Interview With Joanna Penn Podcast[/themify_button]
[themify_box style=”black highlight”]DECEMBER SPOTLIGHTS WERE…[/themify_box]
[themify_button style=”orange” link=”https://www.junetakey.com/terror-on-sunshine-boulevard-by-j-q-rose-releasing-friday-dec-15th/” POST” target=”_blank”] Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J. Q. ROSE Click here to read how she was inspired by life in her writing.[/themify_button]
Mystery/paranormal
Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed? Investigating mysterious murders?
Not the usual calls in a Florida retirement community for volunteer first responder Jim Hart.
[themify_button style=”orange” link=”https://www.junetakey.com/flaming-crimes-blogfest-january-3rd-2018/” POST” target=”_blank”] Flaming Crimes Diaster Romantic Suspense series by Chrys Fey [/themify_button]
Ongoing series following Beth and Donovan. This is the third book in series and newest release this time their lives may just go up in flames.
[themify_button style=”large orange” link=”https://www.junetakey.com/disposal-2/” target=”blank”]Disposal by Tara Tyler Book Three in the Pop Travel SF –Techno Series[/themify_button]
Drug pins, visiting relatives. What will Cooper do to get his family back when they are kidnapped due to Geri’s visiting nephew’s girlfriend?
[themify_box style=”black info”]Be My Guest Author Spotlight[/themify_box]
Flaming Crimes Blogfest
Flaming Crimes Blogfest January 3rd, 2018 The Post & Buy Links
January 14, 2018 @ 18:09
Blessed are the flexible. That’s my middle name. I have a structured plan but am not afraid to change direction when necessary.
http://www.stephentremp.com
January 11, 2018 @ 11:00
Yup, The flexible schedule is the ONLY way to go. That was a man who knew what he was doing. =)
It’s the whole business aspect of the writing world that overwhelms me, but that’s how the world goes round. Success only comes to those who learn how to reach it…or who get really, really lucky.
January 8, 2018 @ 17:00
i love ben franklin’s daily plan – simple, efficient, and to the point
i always wondered how our workday schedule came to be.
and what a nice surprise to be mentioned here – thanks so much!!
my advice on taxes – keep your receipts – if something gets missed, it’s not that big a deal – we are small potatoes until we make enough that we need an accountant to keep track of our money and do our taxes!
thanks again for the sweet mentions!
hope you have a blessed & prosperous 2018!
January 8, 2018 @ 07:54
That Benjamin Franklin method is great–thanks for sharing it.
If you’re making a bit of money with your writing, it’s SO worth it to hire an accountant. Mine costs under $200 a year, which is usually covered by my tax return. A good accountant can save you so many hassles, and as writers, there are many things we’re allowed to write off. An accountant ensures you’re making the most of your tax breaks.
Plus, if you’re ever audited, you have a professional in your corner.
January 6, 2018 @ 13:15
Allowing flexibility is key in goals and planning. Otherwise – for me, at least – most days would get chalked up as failures.
January 5, 2018 @ 11:38
I like that approach to planning. Sometimes I don’t do what I planned, but I end up doing other good things. I should be kinder to myself in those moments. Have a fantastic 2018!
January 5, 2018 @ 10:02
I don’t plan how my days go, but I do make to-do lists with the goal of checking everything off for that day. It gives me a guideline of what to do but allows me to pick and choose the order I do it.
January 4, 2018 @ 17:00
I really like your idea of planning your day on what good you can do and then looking at this at the end of the day. Good luck with your planning and taking steps to treat your writing as a business. If I can just write consistently for me, I will be happy. Looking forward to seeing how it goes for you. Happy New Year!
January 4, 2018 @ 13:47
As always, you have some excellent advice here, Juneta. Thank you so much! Time, once gone, can never be regained. This is why everyone should treat time with care–especially writers. Taxes. They always make me nervous. I’ve come to notice that my body is one mass off “worry buttons”! I wish you all the best in 2018!
January 4, 2018 @ 10:27
You sound a great deal more organized than I am! I do keep a really basic, pencil-and-paper, account book, which seems to be enough for the taxes at the level I’m earning (not much). Trying to figure out market trends and marketing in general seems to be beyond me. So from where I stand, you are doing great! Keep it up, and keep writing. Happy 2018.
January 4, 2018 @ 10:05
I love that Benjamin Franklin quote! It’s a good way to start the day.
I wouldn’t worry too much about keeping track of accounting. You’ll get a 1099 every year from whoever pays you, and then just put your expense receipts in a file and you’re good to go. With this, you’ll be able to do a simple P&L at tax time. Your accountant will tell you how much to set aside for taxes at whatever point you start making a profit.
Happy New Year, Juneta!
January 4, 2018 @ 09:55
It’s a good idea to have a separate bank account for your writing business. I haven’t done that yet, but I plan to when I’m making more than pocket change. Happy New Year!
January 4, 2018 @ 05:26
I’m impressed with your plans to plan. And setting up a separate bank account isn’t something I’ve done yet. Maybe when I make enough money to justify it.
January 4, 2018 @ 05:14
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I’ve learned to keep receipts for everything and simply chart everything in a spreadsheet. There’s nothing fancy about it. It’s a two-column list. Sales get added on as positive numbers and purchases/investments get entered as negative numbers. I let the accountant figure out the rest. I like your plan for a schedule. It’s a positive way to tackle it.
January 4, 2018 @ 04:21
I love the “what good can I do today” approach to planning ones schedule 🙂 I know what you mean about the taxes and bank accounts and other scary financial stuff as part of the business side of writing — it’s totally terrifying. But that’s why we have friends to ask advice from, people who’ve already done it and can fill in the blanks of what we should and shouldn’t do. Now that you’ve reminded me, I should put on my big girl shoes and open a bank account just for my writing… something I’ve been procrastinating on for months 😉 Good luck with this challenge — I know you can do it!
January 4, 2018 @ 02:10
I loved reading about Franklin’s plan. Money matters terrify me too. Good luck with all your goals for 2018.
Rachna Chhabria
Co-host IWSG
Rachna’s Scriptorium
January 3, 2018 @ 16:49
I’m with you. The changes I plan on making in 2018 is working on one project at a time until completion. Good luck to you.
Keep smiling,
Yawatta
January 3, 2018 @ 19:33
Good luck to you too. Happy Writing and a Productive 2018!;)
January 3, 2018 @ 14:55
I’ve been self employed for almost 20 years. Don’t let the taxes scare you.
Making a difference in the lives of others is true success and Franklin’s motto echoes that.
January 3, 2018 @ 19:32
That is reassuring to hear. Thank you.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:19
Ben Franklin – what a role model. We all can learn from him.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:46
Agreed. Thanks for visiting with me.
January 3, 2018 @ 13:02
Such a thoughtful post to start the year. I love the orange blocks. It made following the main points of your post a snap.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:10
Thank you for telling me that. That is good to know. I like them. Thank you.
January 3, 2018 @ 11:59
You selected a brilliant mind to emulate, Juneta! I loved the way that man thought. We could use more of his kind in our world, people who start their day with thoughts of what good they could do. Have a great 2018.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:11
Agreed. You have a wonderful 2018 as well. Hugs.
January 3, 2018 @ 11:54
Good resources this entry! Ben Franklin’s determination to improve himself is inspiring. I also love Joanna Penn’s podcast. May 2018 bring you clarity, peace, and lots of writing time.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:12
A joyful 2018 to you.
January 3, 2018 @ 10:49
I wish for the day when I have to worry about writing related taxes, because it’ll mean that I finally published something! I listen to Joanna all the time. She works really hard at writing, which both motivates and intimidates me at the same time.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:15
Well I am not really there either, but being unemployed and on small pension it gives me a place to save for my writing needs when I am ready. I love Joann Penn. Yes motivates and intimidates.
January 3, 2018 @ 09:36
Money scares me, too. I got anxious just reading about your bookkeeping anxieties. Really. No exaggeration.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:23
Sorry. I think that fear has held me back a little so I am trying to move past it. Happy 2018.
January 3, 2018 @ 09:10
I keep all my writing info in a envelope with the year on it. If I miss something I know where to find it. Once in a while I look at it, but so far I don’t need a savings account. Oh, and I heard this recently: When man makes a plan, God laughs. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
January 3, 2018 @ 14:26
That is not a bad idea for filing. I will keep it in mind. Yeah, that is one of my fave quotes. It is so true in many ways.
January 3, 2018 @ 08:52
Money matters terrify me too. Best of luck figuring it out, and that doing good is a good daily goal.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:27
Thank you. It sounded like a good and wise plan to me too. Happy 2018.
January 3, 2018 @ 08:14
I love this tidbit about Benjamin Franklin. And good on you for taking the big bank account step. I’m not near to that yet!
January 3, 2018 @ 14:28
Thank you. Honestly I am not there yet either just trying to put an action to positive steps toward my goals.
January 3, 2018 @ 07:35
I like Franklin’s plan. We all need to plan to do good.
Big step with the new account. You can always find someone to help you with the bookkeeping stuff.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:29
lol, thank you and good point. Happy 2018!
January 3, 2018 @ 07:29
At least you’re making an effort, Juneta. That’s more than I can say for me. I like your ideas. Mr. F had some wise words to say to us all. It’s time I heeded them. Thanks for sharing this. You’ve got me thinking. Happy New Year and happy bookkeeping.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:30
Thank you. Glad you found it helpful. Wishing you a joyful and successful 2018. HUGS
January 3, 2018 @ 06:27
One thing at a time is a good plan, that and being flexible because of course, life does get in the way.
(And, oh god, I still need to do my tax return too 🙁 !)
January 3, 2018 @ 14:34
Thank you. Good luck.
January 3, 2018 @ 06:09
Yes, we could probably change the IWSG to the O(verwhelmed)WSG with no problem.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:35
LOL, right, sounds good to me.
January 3, 2018 @ 04:30
I always seem to be running from the OVERWHELM, too. LOL. There’s so much **stuff** that I want to do, and it all comes with a lot of whelmedness.
January 3, 2018 @ 14:39
Yup, yup. Happy 2018! My Friend.
January 3, 2018 @ 03:42
I love Benjamin Franklin’s approach to planning and the focus on doing good. Thanks for sharing 🙂
January 3, 2018 @ 14:39
Your Welcome. Glad you enjoyed.