by Jeanne Takenaka, @JeanneTakenaka
In my last post, on March 11th, I shared four mindsets to help us when we wait. I promised in part two I would share some practical things we can do in the wait.
If you’re like me, you prefer to be “doing,” not just biding time. Sometimes, though, the results are beyond our control. The next story idea may be simmering before it fleshes itself out in our heads and hearts. We may be paused as others make decisions about the book we submitted.
Just because we’re between projects or unsure of our next step, we don’t have to sit and twiddle our thumbs.
I asked some author friends what they do when they’re waiting. Some of their ideas are below:
Social Media/Platform:
*From Karen Barnett: “Work on connecting with your audience. Figure out what type of readers would like your writing, and where are the best places to reach them. Take classes on marketing, public speaking, websites, etc. Study the industry. Read blogs. Listen to podcasts on writing, publishing, and marketing.”
*Prepare future newsletters—having some newsletters (or blog posts) prewritten is helpful for when you’re busy with that next deadline or book.
*Update your website
*Pre-schedule social media posts
*Research how to improve your marketing plan
*Set up or refine your street team/influencers
Encouragement:
*Look for ways to encourage friends on the journey. Send an email, a card, a funny meme, a serious note.
Future projects:
*Brainstorm your next book or series
*Write the next book
*Submit other book proposals
*Write in another format to stretch yourself or/and stir creativity—i.e. try your hand at flash fiction
*Research for your next book
Other ideas:
*READ!
*Read a craft book or two
*Build relationships with other authors
*Take a short break
*Declutter your work space, heck maybe even your home.
*Olivia Newport recommends: “First, do that creative project around the house that rewards me for completing the last contract! Next, give my brain cells permission to rest. All that makes space for the recognition of what is lurking beneath the surface of what I’d really like to do next. So I start on that–or a couple ideas to have ready to pitch.”
And of course, drink coffee (or tea) and eat chocolate!
The main consensus from the writers I queried is to keep writing. Whether preparing more proposals, brainstorming that next book or digging into the next project, keep moving forward.
I loved what Jaime Jo Wright said: “Keep pluggin’ away, enjoy the moment you’re living NOW, and don’t let it slip away as you wait for another moment you’re eagerly anticipating.”
Our writing journeys are in God’s hands. His word encourages us to wait intentionally. As we await word on one project, we can be preparing another and seeking Him for the next steps on our journeys.
When we wait, let’s do so with anticipation of the adventure God has designed for us in our next project.
Award-winning aspiring novelist, Jeanne Takenaka, writes contemporary inspirational fiction that tackles real-life issues with a heart to draw women closer to God and those around them. She lives near the mountains in Colorado with her amazing husband and two exuberant boy-men. She loves being God’s girl—always learning about His grace, hanging out with friends and enjoying a great cup of coffee. When she’s not writing you can find her with a camera in her hand, looking for #alittlebitofpretty in her days. You can connect with her on her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.