Career Plans, anyone?
Time to follow up on my revelations. So, I’ve decided upon funny medievals. That’ll be my brand. Last night I also put together a set of goals and a Master Plan. In a nutshell, I’m going to work on standing out from the crowd. I want my work to sparkle and to grab an editor by the throat. Every once in a while, I’ve seen those “moments” in my ms, but for the most part, I’ll call myself a Pleasant Read. I need to be more than that. I need to be a “D*mn, she’s Good! Read”.
So, in my process, I developed these questions.
Who I am: (define yourself and your genre as narrowly as possible–what I can stick to for 4-6 books)
What people will say when they read my books: (will they think of me as poignant? Funny? Heartwarming?)
When people see my name on a book, they will think this: (what emotion will they feel when they think of my books?)
How I’m going to get there: (immediate goals–the things I can control)
Who will I target: (who is my dream publisher?)
How will I stand out from the crowd? (this is the kicker. If I want to be the next Nora, I have to polish my own voice so that I am noticeably different from the rest).
What is my timeframe: (here’s where I broke it down by month)
I found that it helped me set a schedule. Of course, anyone will tell you I am overly analytical. I make lists, charts, and then throw them all away when I write. 
But sometimes the act of getting it down on paper helps me to get it into my head.
I’m also going through my bookshelf of tried and true medieval plots. The one that keeps coming up that is so OVERDONE is the one where the warrior hero conquers the heroine’s castle and she must MARRY him to SAVE her people. :confused2:
I’d love to see a warrior heroine who rides in on a horse, conquers the hero’s castle, and forces him to marry HER. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 6:13 am | Viewed 1790 times
kacey Says:
Ah, a hook with a twist! That’s good!
Wow, you are going to town on this career planning stuff. Here I am just drinking my first cup of coffee! :coffee2:
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
:cheer:That would be a great twist on the story. And yay to you for coming up with a great plan
Rene Says:
Boy, you’ve really given this some thought. I’m with Kacey, it requires a lot more coffee in my system before I can process such thinking. I can tell you, I’ve never been accused of being overly analytical:roll:
Good for you for giving it some real thought.
Michelle Says:
Hey, what else do you do with yourself at 5:30 in the morning? And the kidlets are wanting breakfast…
:crazyjumping:
Jill Says:
I’ve really enjoyed your last two posts. Very inspiring!
Cheyenne McCray Says:
Your last two posts have been terrific. And the idea for the book is too funny!
Amy K. Says:
Love your book idea, and I think you’re totally on the right track to finding success! If you don’t plan, how can you get there?
Michelle Says:
Cheyenne, Jill, and Amy–thanks! I can’t control the publishing industry, but I CAN focus my energies into writing one particular subgenre and entertain myself. I just love hunky knights…:lol:
And I’m glad I could finally share something that would be helpful to a few folks…
Danica Says:
Your kids get up at 5:30? I would sooo kill myself. Oh, yeah, I was going to comment. So thanks to Larissa, I had to come and see what was so inspiring about your posts, and wow! Okay, I’m inspired. Either that or I’m going to jump off a bridge because my writing is really all over the place.:banghead: Oooh, I like this terrorist emoticon.
I don’t think I have one of those. Oh, right, back to my point. I LOVE the book idea, I would buy it in a heartbeat. In fact, I’d probably stalk you until it came out, so hurry up and write it.
Good luck with your career plan!! Thanks for sharing!
Jaq Says:
I love your plot twist! And these 2 posts on branding. Great going on agent call/advice, also.
Suzanne Says:
You’re branded! Good for you!
Tori Says:
Even this late in the day I haven’t had enough caffeine. I may have to think about this for days.
Michelle Says:
Danica–hey, at least it ain’t 4:30. Then I’d really have to shoot myself.
Thanks for the good wishes!
Jaq–I’m beginning to think that I should really write this book.
Suzanne–Mooooo…
Tori–Personally, I think vampire cowboys are the way to go for you…:wink:
Melissa Marsh Says:
Michelle, I LOVED the Q&A you had with yourself. Those were some great goals to get ironed out and you made me think that I need to do the same…:smile:
Tori Lennox » Monday, Monday Says:
[...] ’m taking a break from writing right now. Though I am trying to work up a plan using Michelle’s great post. I’m not sure I should do that with no brain, but what the heck? Co [...]