If I could give this post another title I would call it “I am Burt Reynolds” and/or “What would Clint Eastwood, aka Chris Orcutt, do.” Last night just moments before bed I read Chris Orcutt’s fantastic post entitled Preparing for Success. Even as I tried to get to sleep I could not get his post out of my mind and as I laid there I started to count the ways I needed to prepare for my success as the sheep sat on the sidelines waiting for their turn to be counted.
I am going to go on and on about how much this post means to me and what it has made me wonder and what I am going to do because of reading it, but I still highly recommend you read his post for yourself, even if you don’t want to be a writer. I think this post offers a lot for anyone who is waiting for something to arrive at their door, whether it be the “Angel of Success”, the “Angel of Love” or just maybe the “Angel of UPS” to bring you a box from J Crew, or is that just me, or some other Angel.
Instead of just sitting around and waiting for success Chris Orcutt found inspiration in book form from Chin-Ning Chu, the author of Do Less, Achieve More ( that is so my kind of book title), Chu advises:
Before the Angel of Success arrives in your life, you should devote yourself to preparing your welcome for her. Polish your craft and strengthen your body to be fit so that you can do your job and enjoy success when it comes. Sharpen your mind and spirit so they are ready to face the challenges that accompany a visitation from the Angel of Success.If you are not ready when the angel knocks, she will flee. And who knows when she will make it back around to your door again? One night in the 1960s, Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds were dining together. Clint has already become a famous movie star, but Burt was still struggling, trying to get bit parts. Burt asked Clint what he had done before he got his big break. Clint answered that he had simply “prepared myself for success.”
Those unadorned words, preparing for success, were the advice that was worth ten thousand ounces of gold to Burt Reynolds. He heard the words, understood the profound principle that they held, and went on to stardom.
Yes, I did laugh over the image of Burt and Clint dining together at a L.A. eatery and Clint spouting wisdom between bites of blood rare filet mignon and sips of smoky Scotch. I imagined Burt booking it back to his shiny fire red Camaro and scribbling Clint’s advice on a tiny notepad he kept in his leisure suits coat pocket especially for phone numbers of the ladies. I imagine that after that meeting Burt began to prepare for success in a focused Jedi Master kind of way and that soon after he got the audition for Deliverance and he was ready for what the “Angel of Success” had to offer him and because he was prepared Smokey and the Bandit came soon after. Yes, I mock Burt a little. Whether or not I appreciate Burt’s cinematic oeuvre, I do think Clint had something to teach and Burt learned it.
But what I found even more meaningful than the image of the two laconic and iconic tough guys getting all Tao Te Ching at the Topanga Canyon Chart House was reading how Chris had applied these principles to his own writing career:
Since I read that, over six months ago, I’ve been working diligently behind the scenes to prepare myself for success. I’ve beefed up this website. I’ve taken up golf. I’ve changed my diet and lost almost 20 pounds. I’ve started lifting weights again. I’ve bought myself a few tailored suits, including this fabulous Hickey Freeman number. I’ve organized my writing and my office (well, Alexas did). I’ve gotten my computers and typewriters in good working order. I’ve gotten an agent, who is getting my book read. I’ve been building a fan base. I’ve had a professional take author photos of me. And I’ve said yes to lucrative writing assignments, even though they aren’t directly relevant to my ideal career path as a novelist and screenwriter.
Truth be told, I don’t believe in angels, fairies, benevolent forces for good and/or anything else they sell at the Psychic Eye bookstore, that said, I do believe in opportunities and being prepared for them. I am not sure what the tenor of Do Less, Achieve More is and whether it is a bit new agey and promotes the idea that if you are ready the opportunity will come or if it is more pragmatic and realistic. But it is not the book I am so interested in, it is Chris’ action plan that hooked me and as soon as I read it I wanted my own.
You see, things are starting to happen, doors are starting to open and I have the second meeting with my own personal “Angel of Success” to discuss my book in early January. But after reading Chris’ essay I wondered if I am really prepared for the success and opportunity that I am working so hard to achieve.
So, I am going to break down Chris’ brilliant plan of preparation. I am going to go one by one and see what Chris did and see how I might apply these principles in my own plan of preparation. In this story Chris is Clint Eastwood and I am Burt Reynolds. Chris has the better part in this story. I guess things could be worse, I could have been Charlton Heston or Steven Seagal and I do have an impressive mustache (see picture above).
1. Beefed up website
Hmm, yes, things to do in this department. I have been procrastinating about writing a new “about me” for months. And, I have hired Eight Crazy Design to do an extreme makeover on this blog and create a couture design. And, I am preparing psychologically to reveal the name behind the pen name so that publishers can see the face behind the weasel.
2. Took up golf
No, no golf for me. I don’t imagine I will be meeting the “Angel of Success” on the links at Pebble Beach. But, is there some sport I could take up that would up my chances of literary success? Perhaps Judo, fencing, Israeli fighting, or some other man to man combat. No, I think not. That said, if what it took for me to have a book published was to wear madras shorts and an “I love Tiger” tee shirt I would so do it.
3. I’ve changed my diet and lost almost 20 pounds. I’ve started lifting weights again.
These are good things. I could lose 20 pounds and when I say that I mean that I could, I mean I could afford to lose 20 pounds and then I would be size 8 and that would be lovely. Now whether or not I could physically lose 20 pounds that is another matter all together. I do think that I could get myself to the gym if I told myself that I was going so as to prepare my self for success. I write almost 40 hours a week out of dedi
cation to this dream. So, I feel sure I could get to the gym if I convinced myself that it was in the name of the success of my book. I think I am going to download the theme for Rocky to my I-Pod. “Flying high now!”
4. I’ve bought myself a few tailored suits, including this fabulous Hickey Freeman number
I could use a few tailored suits, well maybe not suits, but I could use a couple of ensembles that I will wear when I meet my publishers and other literary events that require me to dazzle with my sense of understated style. Imogen, Make do, and Sal,do you have any suggestions on what the female version of a Hickey Freeman suit is for ladies in literature?
5. I’ve organized my writing and my office (well, Alexas did). I’ve gotten my computers and typewriters in good working order.
Definitely there is work for me to do in this department. I don’t have an office and I am really fine with that. When I had an office I never used it. I prefer to write from the discomfort of my living room sofa. But, my computer needs to be organized. When I think about beginning this task I start to feel tired, sick and in desperate need of channel surfing and carbohydrates. I need my own Alexas.
6. I’ve gotten an agent, who is getting my book read
I am working on this.
7. I’ve been building a fan base.
Well, I have been building what people in publishing world call a platform. So, I think that I could count on many of you lovely readers to buy my book when it hits the stores. At least that is what I am hoping.
8. I’ve had a professional take author photos of me
I do have the portraits of me as done by Badaude and Fifi. But, do not think that is what Chris had in mind. Well, I guess I will attempt to lose the 20 pounds and get my Hickey Freeman suits before I start shopping for a photographer.
9. And I’ve said yes to lucrative writing assignments, even though they aren’t directly relevant to my ideal career path as a novelist and screenwriter
Lucrative writing assignments? I am totally unaware that such things existed.
I am extremely motivated by Clint, I mean Chris. As I begin to prepare for my success I would appreciate any advice you have on preparing for success and what you have done/are doing or did do (yes, I as a writer am able to work in all three tenses) to prepare for your success.“Go ahead, make my day.”
It will happen. I know it will. When the time is right. I believe in you!
Julianne: Thank you!:-)
Several years ago I read a fascinating article in Fast Company. It talked about how forest fires were fought, and the theory behind it. If a forest fire was left to burn by itself, with no intervention by man, it did less destruction and was far shorter in time then if a whole bunch of effort was put toward it. The author put this theory to test in life and business, and found the more action that is put towards a problem, the less effect it has on the outcome.
Simply stated, the “Forest fire theory” states that if we leave the problems alone, they work themselves out in a natural way.
Not saying I subscribe to this, but found it interesting.
I wanted to relate to the Tao Te Ching with my comment. Here is the blurb from it:
Water overcomes the stone;
Without substance it requires no opening;
This is the benefit of taking no action.
Yet benefit without action,
And experience without abstraction,
Are practiced by very few.
Dave: Are you saying I don’t have to do anything to achieve literary success? If that is what you are saying I am loving it. I am lazy, except when it comes to writing.:-)
No action. Hmm, I think you have inspired another post. Thanks!
WAIT!
You’re supposed to do all this on Jan 1, 2009.
You’re too early!
You’ve got 16 days to noodle around…
Don’t waste them!!! I’m not
La Belette, don’t worry… I will be submitting my order for your book the minute it is available for pre-order.
You’ll get there, so I am not worried for you.
CarolG: 2008 has been so bad that I feel an urge to start early on making 2009 a better year.
The problem with success is that it comes liberally sprinkled with criticism, I think the leap from happy amateur to consumate professional seems so great and so elusive it takes a huge dose of self belief to achieve it.
As the old adage goes those that can’t, teach and if the cap fits I guess I will wear it.
I admire you for pushing your boundaries, and feel sure success is there for the taking.
I think if J K Rowling can do it, we all can with a bit of faith or maybe a good suit!
Justin: Thank you!!!!:-) I am looking forward to the day that pre-ordering is a possibility!
It is lovely to see you. I hope you are enjoying the pre-holiday season.
Indigo:My plan, should I achieve the level of success that engenders criticism, is to avoid the criticism as much as possible and when I can’t do that I will obsess about it and forget everything nice anyone has ever said( well, that has been doing up to now).
I don’t believe that adage about teaching. I think it is something snarky that someone said and it held as a widely accepted truth. I just don’t buy it in general and in specific I don’t buy it about you.
It is scary to step out of the comfort zone, but why not? My comfort zone has long ago been obliterated so I might as well take the risk.
If a suit could give me the kind of good luck Rowling had I will buy one immediately.;-)
I’ll buy your book! I believe in you!
I’m so into this and started doing it recently: I’m gonna beef it up though. I have been taking his advice without even knowing he wrote it, and I love it…it reeks of success. I hope I’m on your booklist, La Bel my baby….
La Belette: I’m touched that you were inspired by my humble blog entry, but I’m sorry that it kept you awake. When I think about writing that has kept me awake–anything by Nabokov, who makes me stew with envy and a potentially inaccurate sense of what might have been, had I been raised in the pre-1917 Russian aristocracy–my little blog doesn’t qualify.
But ultimately none of this matters because once we write something, we have no control (nor, do I think, should we want control) over the level of comfort or inspiration someone else draws from it. In short, if it affected you, if it communicated something to you (my first mentor, Thomas Gallagher, told me a week before his death, “Writing is communication”), then it was a success and I’m glad I wrote it.
However, since then I’ve learned three things that I think are valuable addenda to the “Preparing for Success” mantra:
1. Preparing for success is no guarantee that the success will follow right away or that it will come in the form you expect. In my own case, this past spring my agent started sending out my second PI novel, The Rich Are Different. It was quickly requested by three top editors, at St. Martin’s Press, Penguin NAL, and Hachette (Time Warner Books). Two loved this and that about it, but somehow, “…it wasn’t quite right…” for them. The third editor we still haven’t heard from; I think he found himself at his Connecticut country home one weekend without newspaper to start a fire in his fireplace, glanced at my manuscript and, well….
Anyway, my point is that I’m beginning to wonder if it just isn’t in the cards for me to be a “mystery writer.” It took me a while to reach this conclusion, but I think I’ve finally made peace with the idea. Now, I could fight the perceived indifference to my work by aggressively campaigning for it at conferences, or emailing editors directly, or stalking bestselling authors (a few live in my town of Millbrook, NY), but to echo what Dave said regarding forest fires, I’ve learned that these actions only tend to create new problems. Better to stay patient, and like a trout drifting at the bottom of the falls, save your energy for that perfect morsel and then SNAP at it. I don’t know what that morsel will look like (bug, worm, beetle?), but I’ve resolved to be ready for it when it comes.
2. Remember what Michael Cunningham said. Five or six years ago I was considering MFA programs, and I applied to Michael Cunningham’s at Brooklyn College. (Cunningham had won his Pulitzer for The Hours and had recently returned from the Golden Globes, where he had an altercation with Harrison Ford, but I digress.) M.C. called me, told me I was accepted, and invited me in to participate in one of his graduate classes, take a tour, etc. So I went, and the best part of the day was when the two of us were sitting in his office, sipping coffee, and he (perhaps flatteringly) told me what he liked about my writing (it’s a secret). Then I asked him a question, and if you want to talk about stuff that can keep a writer up at night, this is one:
Orcutt: When did it start come together for you? When did the success that you’d been striving for finally arrive?
Cunningham: It was when I decided that it didn’t matter if I ever got published or not. I just realized one day that I loved writing, writing for its own sake–the process–and it really didn’t matter to me if anybody else got it. That realization loosened something up inside me, and I was finally able to say all the things that I’d been holding back.
3. Remember that Spirit knows the fastest way. This might be a little too “New Agey” for you, La Belette, but it’s a thought that has given me a lot of comfort over the years. I read it in another spiritual/philosophical book, Faith by A.C. Ping, in which he describes how he wanted to open a retreat center in Australia and for years saw his attempts at making his dream happen thwarted by other people, institutions, Fate. Then, years later, he was living on a farm in South Africa, with a gorgeous view of the Drakensberg Mountains, when he learned that the property was available. In his heart of hearts, Ping knew that the South African farm was the better place for his retreat center, but he had been fighting (a la the forest fires) for his own vision of the “best” outcome, which only delayed what he wanted. As Ping says at the end of the chapter on this: “…if you ask for great gifts, with absolute clarity, then you dramatically increase the chances of them happening. BUT you need to let go of being a control freak and trust that SPIRIT KNOWS THE FASTEST WAY!”
Thank you, La Belette, for so generously referencing my blog, and I’m glad you (and hopefully others) got something out of the “Preparing for Success” piece. Your entry made me think about what else I’ve learned, and what the above three addenda have in common is this: Preparing for success is probably more MENTAL than anything. You have to get your head (and spirit) right before the Muse is going to show up again, before agents start calling, before publishers start accepting. I really believe this. Merry Christmas to you and all of your scintillating, upbeat (flattery?) readers. –Chris Orcutt
Janie:Thank you!I appreciate your belief in me.
Hear that publishers? People have cash in hand and are ready to buy.;-)
Braja:It is really good advice. I had been thinking that by really committing to writing and writing my ass off that that was enough. It isn’t there are other things that need to be done. You are on all manner of my lists, my Yogini friend(some of the lists you are on:she who makes me laugh, she who is capable of paradox, she whose blog I look forward to reading).
I have to go read Chris’ column, but this reminds me of something I learned back in the 80′s (and still periodically need to re-learn) about acting “as-if”. As if we already had achieved our desires. As if we know we deserve to have what we want. New age-y, yes, but it works.
And what Chris said in the comments is true also: getting what we want (success, love, whatever) may not look how we think it’s going to look, so we have to be open to the unexpected.
I think I’d go with Clint’s advice before going with the advice of the success-fairy dude.
I would not be able to wait to read your book!!! That sounds like such an exciting prospect! Have you got a particular synopsis in mind which you’ve already started to write?
Also, finding out your real name would be weird. In my mind you *are* a French weasel.
Chris: I was a little worried when I posted this that you might not appreciate my riffing on you. But, you inspired me and I know that if/when I have inspired others I have always been happy to hear about it, but you never know.
I am grateful for the insomnia you caused. It is the kind of excited insomnia where you want it to be day time so you can do something with the energy you are feeling.
Your piece is a success and it most certainly communicated something and I feel sure that others who take your advice seriously will feel that sense of optimism and enthusiasm that you engender.
I appreciate your addendum to this topic.
1. I couldn’t agree more. But, as I am starting to have a door open I do feel like my odds at success are bettered by my preparation. And, just because the first two publishers didn’t snap it up and the third is a bit sluggish in responding does not mean that the success angel isn’t hanging out in your foyer.
As I am not much of a believer in the cards I couldn’t say whether mystery is your genre. But, what I would do if I thought it was mine was to keep writing it because it brought me pleasure to write it. I would stay prepared at the end of the lake and see what happens, and I would keep writing while I was waiting.
And, I soooooo absolutely agree with Cunningham. I had TRIED to be a writer. I published. I sent out. I TRIED with all my might to be a success and then I gave up and then I started to blog and only to write for myself and I quit trying to write for others. It changed my writing life and the amazing thing is that the more I wrote for myself the more people seemed to like it. It was a bit disorienting. I also gave up on the idea of a book and then a success angel arrived on my door who is helping make that book a reality.
3. I am not sure about spirit. But, I do know that when I am trying to hold on and control things I often miss opportunities.
As you so perfectly said, the preperation is what gets you into the right frame of mind for the Muse. I have learned a lot about how to get the muse to stick around and what makes her go away screaming and leaving me alone. In essence that is what the Writing in Valencia series is all about.
Merry Christmas to you, Chris, and thank you so much for this tremendous comment and for the inspiration.
Deja: I do thinking acting as if does work. I think it changes how we feel, what we dare to try and how we interact with others. So, I see it as a pragmatic act and I am all about whatever works, be it in a wrinkle cream or in a success strategy.
WendyB: No fairies or angels for me either. I am a pragmatic realist. But, I do wish a success fairy existed.
Pretty Face: I do have a story line I am working on. And, I am so pleased I could add you to the list of those willing to buy the book!:-)
I promise that I will always be a French weasel. That will never change.;-)
I am dying to know your real name and read your book! At almost 23, I do not have much in terms of “success” to be able to advise on (how not to get pregnant in a white trash town? how to be a ridiculously silly blonde expat?), however I do know that the weeks I exercise I feel waaay better about life in general than the weeks I don’t, so go and download the whole Rocky soundtrack and get to it! Your book and body will benefit enormously I am sure
Good luck!!
Excitement! I love a good plan, and this is DEFINITELY a good plan. I will give lots of thought to the female version of a Hickey Freeman suit … expect an e-mail full of links before Christmas!
Andromeda: Thank you!!!:-)
Actaully, your success stories sound fantastic. I would love to read an essay about how not to get pregnant in a white trash town and how to be a ridiculously silly blonde expat. Please write them!:-)
I am taking your advice. I will get the whole soundtrack and feel soon that it will get me in fighting shape in not time. Thank you!:-)
Sal: Maybe it could be an ask Sal Reader request post. I love those!!:-)
“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
Did I catch his drift?
Good post, and thanks for the link to Chris’s blog as well. Good stuff, Maynard!
xoxo –
Marsi
Marsi: I really think you will love his blog. He writes really fantastic posts on writing. It is the kind of blog that makes me wish I could chat with him after each post.
a friend’s husband recently just finish his book and will be published in 3 volume. congrat on the weight loss and golf is very frustrating.
Savvy: Very exciting! Congrats to him. And, sadly the weight loss is Chris’ but I would take it if he would let me have it.
Hey LBR! Love the idea of readying oneself for success. Congrats on your weight loss, your amazing writing, and your motivation to let good things come into your life – you deserve every happiness, darling!
xoxox,
CC
P.S. Always delighted to meet another ADS gal
Carrie:I do think this post is very much connected to your brilliant post on ADS, Aspirational Dressing Syndrome, which I most definitely have.
I have work to do in order to get to Chris’ level of readiness. But, it is nice to be inspired.
xo
This is brilliant advice.
I will help you find your version of the perfect suit when I come to LA – if the success angel hasn’t already visted by then. I feel you may already have the shoes for the success angel to visit.
To work out your perfect outfit – think about the clothes that you already own that you love – what is it that you love about them? How do they make you feel when you wear them? Answer these questions and it will help you find the kinds of garments that are right for you.
I am going to start getting ready for my own success angel – you have inspired me to try and find my inner athlete.
love and hugs
Imogen: It really is good, isn’t it?I am so glad I popped by Chris’ blog.
Thank you for your brilliant advice. I am going to think on your questions and once I come to the answers I will post on it. Thanks for that inspiration.
I wish I was in OZ. Because I would love to get my photograph taken by who ever did yours. I love that picture of you. It is fantastic.
And, yes, let’s find our inner athlete. She is there somewhere.
xoxo
I heard something the other day about success:
Hold the idea close, really focus on in, then let it go and relax. If you’re desperate it won’t come, if you relax it will find its way to you.
This was on a very similar theme to this post.
I love that you’ve started 2009 already cos 2008 was generally crappy for you. What a brilliant idea.
Can’t wait to take you shopping!
Honey, you’re getting it all worked out! And, natch, when you see fit to show us your book, hoards of bloggers will do viral marketing on your behalf – be sure to mention this to your prospective agent. It’ll be an instant best seller!
As a professional housewife and someone whose specialist skills include nose wiping in three different languages I would say:
Be entirely true to yourself.
Trust your intuition 100%
Use your voice and never compromise over what you have to say and the way you say it.
Do what you love.
I thought what he had to say was very good except for the golfing bit, and the fact that he failed to mention the importance of cake.
You will be everything you dream of. I promise. I used to work as a psychic, so I know these things (she says stroking beard and looking knowing).
x
p.s. I have a gift for you. If you are happy to accept gifts from cake obsessed strangers that is. If so, e-mail me your details.
LOL… I do not think MY portrait of YOU is what he meant… LOL!!!!
I hope you get the book deals and the success… YOU WILL be ready! Should you decide to do the golf part… let me know… we can hit the links… for course you will have to drive through traffic to arrive at my course… LOL… actually you will be going against traffic… there’s a PLUS for you!
You’ve inspired me… I’m going to work on getting ready for success and straighten my office too… if it all works for you… that’s good enough advice for moi!
Heeee Yahhh! You’ve got me all revved up for SUCCCESSSS! I was doing everything right up until the picture bit. Note to self: must work on self-image.
I need the Tao Te Ching. It’s the one constant way I have to soothe myself at the end of a frantic day.
I would love to buy any book/story/article/note scribbled on the back of an envelope that you have published. I love reading your blog, so a book would be even better.
Btw, what is your book about? Are we allowed a sneak preview?
Dear girl, you are so wise! I love this post. Talk about food for thought! I will be taking your advice, and his, and preparing for whatever incarnation of success comes my way.
As for your success, it is your destiny, I feel certain, and I applaud you for making it a nice welcome. When your future books are in print, you can count on me to buy one of each for myself and several friends.
K
I don’t want to go Tao Te Ching-ing on ya Ms. Burt Reynolds but, To Everything there is a season.’ nuff said.
Imogen:In my mind the reason it won’t come if you hold on too tight is that you would get burned out and dissapointed if it didn’t and then give up. A relaxed attitide of “I would do this even if no one showed up” seems to be what has works for me. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE iit when people show up.:-)
2008 was crap and I am so ready for 2009 to arrive. Enough already!
I can’t wait to go shopping with you!!
K.line:I am going to add viral marketing to the marketing plan I am writing for the agent. I like the way you think!!!:-)
Katyboo: Three different languages? Wowza!!:-)
Your kids are very lucky to have a mother who is going to teach them those lessons about life, even if you only do it in one language.
I totally agree, I am not a golf lover. And, the gross neglect of cake! Chris what were you thinking!?!;-) “I was told there would be cake!” Well, I am not a big fan of cake. But, oh, my dear, how I enjoy some frosting.
I am taking your psychic prediction to the bank and hoping they give me an advance based of your certainty of my success!!
xo
p.s. You are a sweety pie. I am off to email you.:-)
Fifi: Oh, how I wish they would let me put a portrait by you on my book. I am sure I would look much chicer as a weasel than I do as a human.
If you think it will help my chances I will play golf with you. But, I rather just have lunch with you and bring my soon to be puppy to meet you. Wouldn’t that be nicer?
I am so glad I could pass the inspiration forward!
xo
Some practical advice in the “Just do it” vein (no waiting around for success to find you – make it happen!): Volunteer. Go to conferences. Send email/letters of appreciation to writers/agents/people in the biz you admire. Be kind to others and SHOW UP.
Corinne:I am not excited about the picture. maybe the gym, the weight loss and the clothes will get me more excited abou that.
I haven’t read the Tao Te Ching since undergrad Religious studies. Hmm, perhaps I will again.
Notsupermum: It is so good to see you. I was a bit afraid that you were in total radio silence. Please know that you are well missed.
You are so very sweet, kind and encouraging. Thank you!
You have had many sneak peaks. Some of the chapters are in the blog.
Kirie:So glad you like it. As soon as I read his post I felt like I had found another important element. Yes, the writing is important. But there are other things required of a writer than the writing. I am pretty focused on the writing to the exclusion of other things and that can make me imbalanced.
What you said about my success and making a welcome for it is really lovely and it touched me. I love that image and there is a certainty to the way you say it that is so very comforting and hopeful. Thank you, Kirie. Your gift of nurturing and poetry are ever present.
Thank you for your pre-orders.;-)
You must do a pre-order for me for your book! I want to be one of the firsts to buy it. I believe, ma belle.
On another way I want to thank you so much my sweet dear friend about both the comments you made, one in my blog the other in La Mimi about FIW. Thank you so much you’re so nice and kind with me my darling.
Thank you so much for your support, I really apreciate it, my friend.
Merci. merci
Lots of love
Big hug
xoxo
Sub: So, what season is my season? Spring might be nice.
Thanks for the wisdom!
xo
Ms. Burt Reynolds
Irene:Thank you! Really great advice. It is so nice to hear practical advice from some one who has achieved what I am trying to.
like julianne said – when the time is right, things will fall into place & it'll happen
xoxo,
La C.
Seeker: I will definitely do a pre-order once I have the book sold, done, published and printed. That will take a while.;-)Thank you so much for your encouragement, belief and support, I really apreciate it!
Congratulations on that lovely honour. You so deserve it. You really and truly are an inspiration!
Lots of love
Big hug to you!
xoxo
La C: Thank you for your encouragement!:-)
xoxo
I love this article. It’s given me a lot to think about this morning….I think it’s time to start working on my own list!
I’d agree with the finding a hobby theory….I take dance classes and it’s one of those things that’s just for me. I always find I feel better when class is over. I’ll never be a ballerina, but that’s not the point. It makes me smile, and that’s all that matters.
And count me as another one who will buy your book!
Hope you'll be on Oprah's book club… yay or nehhh??? I think you'd have to do almost anything/everything to achieve literary success? Good agent & P.R darrrling… There are different definitions of success…Whatever is yours, that's what I'm hoping for as well dear!
Just make sure you make your book available on Kindle, pretty please?
so good SO GOOD. Preparation is good. I’m working on it as well
Especially now that I’ll have a bit more time on my hands.
What we put in, we get out. I truly believe that. {okay, except when it comes to baby making – which is totally annoying to say the least!}
YOu can do it!
Lunch with you and the puppy would be FAB! I was just willing to help you out!
You sound extremely motivated to me … I’m just too DAMN tired to manage motivation this week
(
You’re lovable AND talented. Thank you my bloggy friend
Your timing is impeccable (for my own purposes I mean). I am doing much navel gazing, trying to work out just what it is that is preventing from reaching my goals. Short answer: Me.
I have not time to blather on about the convoluted meanderings of my brain, and I am sure you can do without reading it. But I want to let you know this post meant something to me today.
Thank you
x
So we should add pictures of top sirloin to our blog? Down with golf, though. You don’t know about the inexhaustible supply of lucrative writing assignments? Why, I’ve made at least six figures over negative six figures in the last year alone.
K:I am so happy that this has inspired you to make your own list. That is the best.
I could really benefit from a hobby. I just don’t know what I would do. I blog,write, TV, eat, sleep and repeat.
Thank you for your pre-order on the book!;-)
Lenore:If Oprah would have me I would most graciously accept.
I am willing to do almost everything and anything and I hope to soon have the agent & someday soon the PR. Thanks for your well wishes and wise advice.
Derfina:What is Kindle? Is this the Amazon book reader thingy?
Maegan:Perhaps the more time will let you prepare for what you really want.I hope that is the case.
And, the rules of what you put in you will get out do not apply to baby making. If they did I would have 15 kids instead of none.
Le laquet: I am more motivate than I have been in a long time. That doesn’t mean a nap doesn’t sound like a brilliant idea.:-)
Braja: You are too kind to me.:-)
Michelle: I am so pleased that you found this advise as helpful as I did. And, the answer to your navel gazing is a tough one but one I relate to. I am my own worst enemy on many occasions. Hate that.
I would be interested in hearing about what you call the “blatherings”, perhaps you will post about it some day. It is nice to know that I am not alone in this.:-)
Randal:Pictures of steak will make your blog sizzle with successful goodness.
Your six-figure negative income is almost as inspiring as the golf idea.;-) I hate golf, sorry CHris!:-)
You are so ready, it’s nuts!
It certainly pays to be ready.
I’m sure you will get there so just be ready!
As you can tell I’m catching up on posts – hope you get this – ladies in literature don’t wear suits – they wear sperates or dresses with gorgeous shoes. All in black with amazing shoes will do it! plus one piece of stricking bling – your jcrew bracelet x
Enc: ‘I think I ‘m ready, yes I’m ready.’ Okay, I was just singing a 70′s song of unknown name.
Songy:I am doing my best to be prepared for when opportunity knocks.
Make Do Style: I am ready then. I have an all black wardrobe, I have great shoes and I have some big jewelry. I could use more shoes. What kind of shoes would you consider literary?
xo
Mid heel – as you don’t won’t to wobble or have to make an effort to concentrate – so Tods (expensive) or these
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/37385
epensive too but look great!
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