1.           BELIEVE in yourself.

2.           Surround yourself with people who believe in you.  (Hint:  If you believe in your dream, these people are easier to find.)

3.           Carve time out of your day NOW to write.  People won’t become more understanding just because you get the call.

4.           Get a website.

5.           Take publicity photos.

6.           Enter contests.

7.           Write a long bio.

8.           Write a short bio.

9.           Write your RITA acceptance speech.  (Dream Big!)

10.       Imagine your life on the N.Y. Times list.  (Dream REALLY Big!)

11.       Join writers groups—NETWORK.

12.       Hang out with people who are better net workers than you are.

13.       Meet consistently with a critique group.

14.       Make business cards.

15.       Start a mailing list.

16.       Start a list of positive quotes about your work from contests, critique partners, and friends.

17.       Get the design and artwork ready for promotional items.

18.       Look at promotional items and decide what you would want.

19.       Figure out the two or three things that sets you apart as a writer.  (Learn how to describe your voice.)

20.       Create a logo or a “look” for your website, stationary, address labels, etc.

21.       Finish the damn book.

22.       Read books about contract negotiation.

23.       Create a presentation to give to writers groups.

24.       Agree to do public speaking whenever you are asked.

25.       Pass out your business cards—ask people to sign your website and to think good thoughts for you.

26.       Get over the awkwardness of saying “I’m a writer.”

27.       Practice for your editor appointment by giving your pitch when strangers ask what it is that you write. 

28.       Attend classes on writing.

29.       Hang out with other writers who are actively pursuing a writing career.

30.       Pray for guidance.

31.       Learn to handle critique.

32.       Be grateful for every small thing that comes your way.

33.       Write thank you notes.  (You’d be amazed at how far this will take you!)

34.       Don’t get caught up in cat fights or somebody else’s email garbage.

35.       Write a newsletter article.

36.       Volunteer for your RWA chapter.

37.       Start a savings account you will use for promotional material once you get THE call.

38.       Decide if you are going to use a pen name or not.

39.       Meet your local booksellers and librarians.

40.       Get on a good fitness program—writing takes stamina.

41.       Read.

42.       When in a possible learning environment, listen more than you talk.

43.       Keep up with your receipts and write off your business expenses on your taxes.

44.       Get your family involved in your dream.   

45.       Write another book.

46.       Carefully examine all feedback and be willing to revise.

47.       Send out queries.

48.       If you get bites on your work, send it out.  The worst they can say is “no, thanks.”

49.       Surrender to your need to write.

50.       Open yourself to blessings. 

 Advice from my mother:

“God gave you your own little brain, so use it.”