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50 Comments

  1. Stephen Tremp
    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

    Reply

  2. Crystal Collier
    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.

    Reply

  3. tara tyler
    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!

    Reply

  4. jmh
    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.

    Reply

  5. Nicki Elson
    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.

    Reply

  6. Christine Rains
    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!

    Reply

  7. Patricia Lynne (@plynne_writes)
    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.

    Reply

  8. Natalie Aguirre
    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!

    Reply

  9. Victoria Marie Lees
    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!

    Reply

  10. Rebecca Douglass
    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.

    Reply

  11. Gwen Gardner
    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!

    Reply

  12. cheriereich
    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!

    Reply

  13. Susan Gourley
    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.

    Reply

  14. Toi Thomas
    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.

    Reply

  15. miladyronel
    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!

    Reply

  16. Rachna Chhabria
    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

    Reply

  17. yhosby
    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

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 19:33

      Good luck to you too. Happy Writing and a Productive 2018!;)

      Reply

  18. spunkonastick
    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.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 19:32

      That is reassuring to hear. Thank you.

      Reply

  19. Olga Godim
    January 3, 2018 @ 14:19

    Ben Franklin – what a role model. We all can learn from him.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:46

      Agreed. Thanks for visiting with me.

      Reply

  20. Jacqui Murray
    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.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:10

      Thank you for telling me that. That is good to know. I like them. Thank you.

      Reply

  21. C. Lee McKenzie
    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.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:11

      Agreed. You have a wonderful 2018 as well. Hugs.

      Reply

  22. Rhonda Strong Gilmour
    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.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:12

      A joyful 2018 to you.

      Reply

  23. chemistken
    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.

    Reply

    • admin2
      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.

      Reply

  24. Catherine Ensley
    January 3, 2018 @ 09:36

    Money scares me, too. I got anxious just reading about your bookkeeping anxieties. Really. No exaggeration.

    Reply

    • admin2
      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.

      Reply

  25. emaginette
    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

    Reply

    • admin2
      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.

      Reply

  26. Loni Townsend
    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.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:27

      Thank you. It sounded like a good and wise plan to me too. Happy 2018.

      Reply

  27. raimeygallant
    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!

    Reply

    • admin2
      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.

      Reply

  28. Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh)
    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.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:29

      lol, thank you and good point. Happy 2018!

      Reply

  29. cluculzwriter
    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.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:30

      Thank you. Glad you found it helpful. Wishing you a joyful and successful 2018. HUGS

      Reply

  30. Angela Wooldridge
    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 🙁 !)

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:34

      Thank you. Good luck.

      Reply

  31. Tamara Narayan
    January 3, 2018 @ 06:09

    Yes, we could probably change the IWSG to the O(verwhelmed)WSG with no problem.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:35

      LOL, right, sounds good to me.

      Reply

  32. Karen at Reprobate Typewriter
    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.

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:39

      Yup, yup. Happy 2018! My Friend.

      Reply

  33. Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
    January 3, 2018 @ 03:42

    I love Benjamin Franklin’s approach to planning and the focus on doing good. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply

    • admin2
      January 3, 2018 @ 14:39

      Your Welcome. Glad you enjoyed.

      Reply

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