Free The Writer Behind the Words by Dara Girard Page A

jot down ideas.
     
Create small steps. It is possible to learn three languages, paint, play an instrument, write three poems, two letters and a novel but not in one day. Make each step manageable.
     
If you have many things that you wish to accomplish in one day, create a loose schedule. It can mimic the ones you had in school. Say 7:30 music, 8:00 poetry.
     
Run, jump rope, dance. Exercise can use up the extra energy you have and may help you to think clearly.
     
Select a friend to help you come up with a strategy so you won’t become overwhelmed. Or create an SOS signal when you are close to experiencing a flood.
     
Take five minute breaks. Do something toward your goal in five minute increments. Paint some, write some, or organize some, all in five minute segments.
     
     
    Also remember that there are times when you will need to keep still to hear your inner voice tell you what steps you need to take next.

----
Success
----
If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world, but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all.
    ANNA QUINDLEN
----
    W e all work towards success, yet most people don’t know how to handle the onslaught of good fortune when it comes. The sudden adulation, money, and status can become another stress for which one may be unprepared.
    Suddenly, you’re no longer a person writing in solitude, you’re besieged by a public that feels that they now own you. You will be subject to criticisms, spoofs, and gossip. People will demand more work, time and energy from you. If you’re not careful, you may burn out. So you need to be aware of the hazards of success:
     
Lost time. People will want you. They will request that you give speeches, interviews, and workshops. They will ask that you participate in fundraisers, judge contests or teach.
     
Your phone will start ringing with a regularity you never thought possible.
     
If you reach a bestseller list, you will be pressured to stay on the list or hit a higher slot.
     
Your objectivity could change. Some writers who reach success start to believe their press and soon they become crazy with the belief that they are the “next best thing” and turn into a giant ego.
     
Your core values may be influenced. Thought you’d never become a diva? When you have people hanging on your every word and have loads of disposable income it may be easy to arrive late to dinners or talk about yourself at every occasion.
     
Friends or family members may become jealous of you.
     
Family members or friends may accuse you of using them as characters in your work.
     
Other writers may accuse you of stealing their ideas.
     
You may have to travel to twenty-one cities in two weeks.
     
     
    But you don’t have to be a victim of success. All you need to do is learn to manage it in whatever form it comes to you.
    Ways to Handle Success
     
Take a break and reflect. It’s okay to go on a vacation right after a book makes a big splash or after an article causes a huge controversy.
     
Know your allies. You will likely lose some friends who will be envious of your success, but treasure those who stick by you and be aware that you will make new ones.
     
Remember your mission statement. It is easy to get caught up in what others believe is “being a success.” Whether that is partying, traveling, interviewing or the like.
     
Mind your tongue. Don’t put down those who haven’t reached your level. It always amazes me how many published authors become snobs against the unpublished.
     
Get an unlisted number. If too many people are calling you, don’t be readily available.
     
Learn to say “no.” Many people will want your time, and initially you will want to please them all. You can’t, so don’t try.
     
Hire help. Get someone to handle your correspondence or someone to help you with household chores. Hire an assistant to help you with the details.
     
Meet others in the field to talk about strategies and tactics for