First off, I’d like to mention that friends of mine, Kathy Love and Erin McCarthy have created a blog/website for promoting their vampire/paranormal books. They even have a ‘vampire’ band. Check it out here.
After reading Patrice’s comment in my previous blog entry, I decided to take her advice and count my accomplishments…instead of worrying about the goals I didn’t meet. I may actually do this every year, since it feels a lot better than staring at a list with only one tick mark on it. *g* (Oh btw, you all need to go over to Patrice’s blog and congratulate her. She’s a finalist in the Prism contest. YAH Patrice!!!) Thank you again for the suggestion. 
Anyway with that in mind, I took a look at this past year. In Jan. I had my fourth Atlantean novel come out (not counting the quickie I wrote). I also sold two more stories to Ellora’s Cave. In addition, in January I mailed off the Harlequin Blaze that was requested. In May, I finished writing RED. In June, I parted ways with my old agent. In August, my current agent offered to represent me. In Sept. Phantom Warriors: Bacchus was released. In October, Tor bought my series. In November, Phantom Warriors: Saber-tooth was released. I’m still waiting on one more project. No idea if I’ll hear anything before everyone breaks for the holidays. My guess is not, but I suppose you never know. I actually have no attachment to outcome on this submission. All in all, it looks like I’ve done quite a bit. Strangely, it doesn’t feel like it.
Julie (her book, The Bargain ROCKS!!!) mentioned in the comments that her agent had written a blog on business plans. I went over to their blog to check it out. There was definitely some solid advice in the article. I know I’ll apply a couple of the suggestions to my 2007 Goal/Accomplishment list.
So what advice have you been given that has stuck with you through the years? (It doesn’t have to pertain to writing.)
December 14th, 2006
I was told a long time ago that a person can survive anything if they keep their sense of humor. It was one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given. It’s tough to do, but it does make things easier to handle.
by Bailey Stewart December 14th, 2006 at 5:43 pmBailey, That’s great advice. I went through a rough patch a few years ago. At one point, I just had to laugh because it got so ridiculous.
by Jordan December 15th, 2006 at 10:30 amParaphrased from the Bible a bit: “If you want to know if something is true, do it”. I’m learning to apply this not only to my personal life, but to my writing as well–if I want to know if I can do it, just do it.
RE: The Impalers–LOL. Is this the next wave of the future? Authors banding together to create high-concept and entertaining websites?
by Camilla December 15th, 2006 at 5:24 pmCamilla, Great advice. As to your question, probably. In which case, I’m in trouble. *ggg*
by Jordan December 15th, 2006 at 5:41 pmJulia Cameron, “Refill the well” and “keep the drama on the page”. Both vital pieces of advice! We’ve had a solid week of weather drama and how much work do you think I’ve gotten done? Argh. And refilling the well prevents burnout. You have to feed your creativity.
by Charli December 16th, 2006 at 9:37 amTwo bits of wisdom that have saved me a million times over: “Accept that some people aren’t happy unless they’re miserable” and “Always take your own car so you can leave when you want.”
You would not believe how many bad marriages and lousy dates those two things have saved me from.
by PBW December 16th, 2006 at 1:00 pmIf you chase two rabbits, both will escape.:: it’s a Chineese proverb, and made me realize I was disapating time and not catching my rabbits. Since writing was the one I really wanted, I pared down the hunt.
by Ursula December 16th, 2006 at 2:17 pmCharli, Some more great advice.
by Jordan December 16th, 2006 at 3:20 pmPBW, LOL! I live by your second rule. It’s saved me many an ugly moment. And I absolutely agree with your first piece of advice. Some people thrive on being miserable. They love the attention it brings them…even though it’s negative.
by Jordan December 16th, 2006 at 3:22 pmUrsula, Good for you. I used to chase dens of rabbits. I still have to watch myself. *ggg*
by Jordan December 16th, 2006 at 3:23 pm