The in-between place
First pass pages for FLYAWAY are complete, and I'm waiting for notes from my agent on my new novel. So I'm in that weird place between projects where I'm hesitant to start anything new but want to feel that I'm moving forward anyway. Here are some of the things I do when I'm between one book and the next:
1. Make a promotion plan.
This is a great time to map out the months until FLYAWAY releases (only 10 to go!) and figure out what I'm going to during each of those months to build excitement for the book. I contacted a videographer (Megan Bostic of Angsty Girl video) about making a book trailer, thought about some special features I want to run on my blog, and got some ideas for the giveaways I'd like to do.
2. Take time to promote others.
Since nothing big was going on with my book, I spent some time raising awareness about my friends' upcoming releases. This included taking the Elevensies BookFeast poster into local libraries and making plugs for friends' books on my blog, Facebook, and Twitter.
3. Dig into research.
Even though my latest novel is now in my agent's hands, I know he's going to want me to revise. So, in preparation for that, I did some research on specific issues I know will come up as well as clarified some questions that remain in my own mind after finishing the latest draft.
4. Brainstorm new ideas.
I keep an idea file on my computer, and I'm using this time to flesh out some ideas I've had in the past as well as jot down some new ones. I never know when my agent - or editor - is going to ask me what I plan to write about next!
5. Write for fun.
Now that I'm not on a deadline, I'm trying to remember what it's like to write for pure enjoyment. I've been pulling out my books of writing prompts and spending some time just letting my imagination fly.
How about you? What do you like to do in between projects to keep your writing motor humming?
Speaking of being in between, I plan to take a short hiatus from blogging while my brilliant web designer, Barrett Dowell, transfers my blog to my website and sets it up on WordPress. I'm hoping this will make it easier for you to keep in touch and make comments.
1. Make a promotion plan.
This is a great time to map out the months until FLYAWAY releases (only 10 to go!) and figure out what I'm going to during each of those months to build excitement for the book. I contacted a videographer (Megan Bostic of Angsty Girl video) about making a book trailer, thought about some special features I want to run on my blog, and got some ideas for the giveaways I'd like to do.
2. Take time to promote others.
Since nothing big was going on with my book, I spent some time raising awareness about my friends' upcoming releases. This included taking the Elevensies BookFeast poster into local libraries and making plugs for friends' books on my blog, Facebook, and Twitter.
3. Dig into research.
Even though my latest novel is now in my agent's hands, I know he's going to want me to revise. So, in preparation for that, I did some research on specific issues I know will come up as well as clarified some questions that remain in my own mind after finishing the latest draft.
4. Brainstorm new ideas.
I keep an idea file on my computer, and I'm using this time to flesh out some ideas I've had in the past as well as jot down some new ones. I never know when my agent - or editor - is going to ask me what I plan to write about next!
5. Write for fun.
Now that I'm not on a deadline, I'm trying to remember what it's like to write for pure enjoyment. I've been pulling out my books of writing prompts and spending some time just letting my imagination fly.
How about you? What do you like to do in between projects to keep your writing motor humming?
Speaking of being in between, I plan to take a short hiatus from blogging while my brilliant web designer, Barrett Dowell, transfers my blog to my website and sets it up on WordPress. I'm hoping this will make it easier for you to keep in touch and make comments.