I was thinking about a talk I attended at the Romance Writer’s of America conference. Stephanie Bond talked about career planning. This woman is amazing. She has broken her career into well thought out steps, gradually building it up layer by layer. The things she told us to consider ranged from pen names (pick something that can’t be taken away in a divorce) to font matching for your book covers (branding). Nothing was left to chance.
The design of your website should enhance your product (you) and build rather than detract, along with what you choose to write.
Everything, and I mean everything, counted when it came to marketing yourself as a writer. My head is still spinning from all the wonderful information. Check out her writer’s pages. You won’t be disappointed.
October 18th, 2004
I love HER articles!! I’ve never been a huge planner, but now I’m starting to form a bit of a career plan. A small outline of what steps are open to me, to get me where I want to be….I just hope the universe see’s fit to follow through with my plan.
by Sasha October 19th, 2004 at 12:48 amGreat minds must think alike. I was thinking about this topic earlier today.
by Sidonie October 19th, 2004 at 1:55 amI am an anal planner in everything. (I’m a walking oxymoron: a disorganized perfectionist). I swear; when I made the decision to write I’d already been thinking about what my covers would look like,etc,etc. But thanks for the link! I’m checking it out right now.
Wow, there is some stupendously good stuff on Stephanie’s site! Thanks so much for alerting us to the content. Can’t see me following a career plan though… I’m far too chaotic!!!
by Wendywoo October 19th, 2004 at 10:05 amSasha, Aren’t her articles great?! I’d read a few before seeing her speak. I couldn’t believe how much information she has inside of her. I took tons of notes. I’m currently breaking them out so that I can re-read them carefully. It’s time I act upon them instead of just looking at them.
by Jordan October 19th, 2004 at 10:22 amSidonie, Disorganized perfectionist, eh? LOL! That’s funny. I’m definitely a perfectionist when it comes to myself. I’m trying to get over that particular trait.
I do think it’s time for me to start seriously coming up with a career plan. I wrote out a partial one during her talk, but it’s still not where I’d like it to be. I truly don’t think it’s EVER too early to plan out your career. You can take different roads than you originally anticipate, but it’s important to know WHERE you are going.
by Jordan October 19th, 2004 at 10:27 amWendy, The thing about career plans is they aren’t set in stone, but it’s good to have an idea of where you’d like to be in say two years and five years. I think it was Anthony Robbins who said, “Most people overestimate what they can get done in a year and underestimate what they can accomplish in five.”
by Jordan October 19th, 2004 at 10:29 amWhat great articles! This has really gotten me to think. I mean, I THOUGHT I had a plan, but it’s pretty pathetic when I realize what I could be doing. I think I’ve been holding off putting together TOO much of a plan simply because I’m superstitious that way; if I plan something, it won’t happen. I know, I’m a freak! *g*
by Larissa October 20th, 2004 at 8:03 amLarissa, You aren’t a freak. I’m the same way. I finally realized the true reason behind me not having a plan. It was FEAR. After that, I had no problem writing things out.
by Jordan October 20th, 2004 at 1:20 pmGlad to know I’m not alone, Jordan! I think you’re right. Fear. I’m now sitting down to write out a PLAN! *g*
by Larissa October 22nd, 2004 at 6:00 amStephanie Bond is so amazing. When she speaks, I listen, and take notes, and tell everyone I know what she said.:)
Thinking I need to revisit Stephanie’s website.
by Teresa in GA October 29th, 2004 at 9:04 am