Thursday, October 6, 2011

New Goals, New Possibilities

I finally decided what I want to be when I grow up!  Never too late, right?  I want to write novels for children, yes, but I also want to do other things. Publishing my MG* novel will take a long time. Meanwhile, I want to be able to focus my time and energy on something productive and immediate, and at the same time, build a platform for when I'm ready to launch my book.

What I want to do is encourage other MG writers in their paths to publication, and help them promote their books once they're published.

I'm already doing MG book reviews, and I'll keep doing that, only more regularly.  I want to look for ways to bring more traffic to my blog, and maybe even post my book reviews on other sites, such as on Squidoo, so more people can read them. With each review, I'll include an Amazon.com link to the book I reviewed.  My book reviews are done from a writer's perspective, analyzing what works or doesn't work in a novel, and exploring different writing styles.  I know how hard it is for writers to promote their own books, so the least I can do is promote other books I like, kind of giving a cyber pat in the back to my fellow hard working writers.

Besides book reviews, I'll continue posting articles about creative writing, useful links to websites and blogs, interview with authors or agents, exploring ways to earn money as a writer other than with royalties, and any other topics helpful to writers who, like me, are seeking publication.  Basically, I'll just be passing along whatever I learn and come across as a writer.

Occasionally, I'll post something about my personal life, so we can get to know each other better.  Oh, and that post about Tim Tams I've been promising to do since centuries ago.

I don't have big chunks of time to invest in my writing life, being a mother with a full time job, but I need a project I'm passionate about to keep me motivated.

What's in it for me?  Reading and reviewing MG novels helps me become a better writer and become knowledgeable in my field.  As an Amazon.com associate, I earn a (very small) commission with each sale. Not much, I know, but every little bit helps. And doing all this helps me build my platform and network with people in my field.

Everyone wins!

*MG stands for Middle Grade, which means aimed for kids 8-12 years old.  Kind of in between chapter books and teen novels.

10 comments:

Dave Pardoe said...

Best of luck on your MG novel. And thanks for explaining the shorthand of MG, there are so many acronyms flying around anymore it is hard to know what is what.
Myself I hope to get my book of MG Bible stories published one day.

Annie McMahon said...

Thansk for visiting my blog, Dave. Best of luck to you too!

Anonymous said...

You are a trooper, Annie :) I know you will be a great success one day. In my eyes, you already are. <3

Anonymous said...

Ohh can't wait to read more personal blogs... especially the tim tam one...hehe

Annie McMahon said...

Aww, thank you, Kurt. With supportive friends like you, I can't fail.

And I'll try to write my tim tam post soon. Just for you, Tania. :) Hey, maybe just before holiday season, in case anyone wants to send me some more. *hint hint*

ej said...

Congratulations and goodluck

Annie McMahon said...

Thanks, EJ!

Unknown said...

Keep on keeping on, Annie. All the best with your writing :)

Annie McMahon said...

Thanks, Wendy! *gasp* Your Avatar is scary! LOL

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

good for you! explore the possibilities, girl!

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