Lots of great ideas!!

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.

Looking forward to chatting with you again soon. Happy writing!