30 Articles in Just 30 Days Tele-Follow-Up Notes

Posted on December 24th, 2008, by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D.

If you missed the call on 12/15/08, Gini was taking notes as the call went along (while also leading the call) and I am posting them here. Take a look and see how many ideas for writing you pick up (or are reminded of). This is a great time for writing!! And the next 30 Articles in Just 30 Days tele-coaching event is coming up on January 31st.

Here are the notes:

Teleconference December 15, 2008

Thanks to all of you who were on the call last night. I hope that you each got some tidbits that will support and encourage your writing. Your words will be inspirational for generations to come – really!

Successes:

Now have monthly newspaper article; try this with your local paper, but be certain you are ready to write with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Set yourself up for success. Other writing possibilities:
o Office newsletter
o School newsletter
o Newsletter with friends
o Articles in magazines etc. Check websites for submission expectations.
Blog – up and running. I envy that. It is on the 2009 goal list
Setting aside specified writing time and sticking to it
o Dabs and spurts
o Solid bank of hours
o Do not disturb clearly defined to others
Tips booklet up and ready
Tips booklet in mid-stream
Website getting organized – we should share our sites. Mine is www.energizedlearning.net
Working on town promotion. Great community enthusiasm.
Splitting time between finals, grading, writing, and more. I think we are all always running on the split. This can be good as long as you are taking care of yourself as well.
Planning recovery time – fits with above
Commitment to writing. As I have said, “You are the ONLY one capable of sharing the knowledge and skills you possess. No cheap copies are available, just the rich and knowledgeable you!!”
Taking the laptop to the library, coffee shop, anywhere but home
Cool timer (or kitchen timer) set to keep you on track
Cool timer (or kitchen timer) to keep intruders out
Using every moment to the max; if week-ends are best, set the time aside and write. If week days are best, utilize that time. No excuses!

Stresses:

Husbands with time on their hands
o Set the timer
o Hang the Do Not Disturb sign
o I statement – When you ____ I feel ____. I want you to _____.
o Maybe give him the buzzer – “I’ll buzz you when I need you!”
Email – love it and hate; the problem can be that if you do not respond, others feel bad or think you do not care; the mystery is that if you do not receive a reply you have to wonder if the message has been received
Holiday and family needs
o Share your writing
o Have them write
o Write together
o Love the time together without feeling guilty; there is tomorrow if you make it happen
Writing topic on index card to prevent lost time on miscellaneous searches
Index cards when you get lost on the Internet; you can come back later
Listen to others, get their input and insight. Add this to your writing
Listen to yourself. When you get engrossed and excited about a topic, this enthusiasm will be evident in your voice, your mannerisms, the tips of your fingers as they tap the keyboard.