lessons learned Archives

The Social Media Gamble

May 23, 2014 By JPMcLean 13 Comments

Like most authors, I’ve taken the social media gamble. I’m connecting with readers, writers and industry experts via social media on a daily basis. Some days, especially when I’m on the learning curve (or procrastinating), I spend more time on social media than I do writing.

A few days ago, in the midst of a marathon Twitter session, someone asked me what I would do if Twitter collapsed tomorrow.

It was a fair question. My heart sank as I blinked away visions of Myspace.

How would the demise of Twitter or Facebook impact me?

If I’m honest with myself, I would be devastated. I’ve spent countless hours there, learning the ropes, getting to know people, contributing as best I can. It frightens me to think how easily this social network that I’ve built could be forfeited. But it could.

Worst of all, most of the people I connect with on social media aren’t on my independent mailing list, so I’d lose touch with them entirely. That would be a tremendous loss.

It reminds me of the adage about not gambling more than you’re willing to lose. If time is my currency, then I’ve gambled plenty on Twitter and Facebook and it’s more than I’m comfortable losing.

It’s perhaps a timely reminder that the writing needs to be the priority. It’s what makes my world go round. Social media may be fun and it’s an important component of an author’s platform, but it’s the side dish, not the main course. So if I’m AWOL from social media from time to time, forgive me and rest assured that I’m spending the time writing (okay, maybe a little gardening, but mostly writing).

I’d hate to lose our connection

If you feel the same, please sign up for my VIP Lounge. I’ll send you free short stories, insider scoop, and new release news. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The writing I’ve prioritized is the Gift Legacy series. You can download Secret Sky, the book that started it all, with one click right here. And if ebooks or Amazon aren’t your preference, my Bookstore tab has links to other retailers. You can also click on the covers below:

Social Media Photo by Merakist on Unsplash

An Unexpected Windfall

April 2, 2014 By JPMcLean 2 Comments

We recently took a road trip to Naramata to visit friends and join in a birthday celebration. The trip had been planned for weeks, so the details were well organized: ferry schedules consulted, route mapped out, and hotels booked. So imagine my surprise when an unexpected windfall cropped up.

On the day of the trip, I dropped a note on Facebook and Twitter to let folks know I’d be away then packed up my computer thinking I might sneak in some writing time. Lynn, our intrepid house and pet minder, arrived and we were soon on the road with the Cave Master at the wheel.

Shortly after we boarded the ninety-minute ferry to Horseshoe Bay

I went up to the passenger deck, took a quick tour of the gift shop, visited the loo, and grabbed a tea. Then I headed back down to the car deck, settled into the passenger sea,t and pulled my computer into my lap.

My desktop lit the screen and I hesitated. My fingers hovered uncertainly over the keyboard. I’m not accustomed to going directly to Word and calling up my WIP. It’s ridiculous how happy that made me, and for the first time in eons, I just wrote.

With no Internet, there was no pit stop at Facebook or Twitter. No need to answer emails or catch up on reading blogs. As an added bonus, there were no weeds to taunt me, no meals to cook, no dust bunnies playing hide and seek . . . I didn’t even have to drive. With nothing else I had to do and nowhere else I had to be, I was free to simply write.

The No-Internet Windfall

The unexpected windfall came in the form of an “ah ha” moment—the rare kind that makes you stop and take note. Guilt-free writing time is what I strive for each day. It’s why I take care of my email, Facebook and Twitter first; I thought I’d been clearing out the head space I needed to write. But writing on the ferry made me realize my routine wasn’t working.

It also made me realize this “guilt” I feel is entirely of my own making. It has become an anchor and I need to cut the line! I’m going to work on changing my mindset to make my writing time guilt-free. I’m sure it’s easier said than done, but I’m motivated now. I’m so much happier and more productive when guilt isn’t riding on my shoulder.

10 Lessons From Writing a Book

March 24, 2013 By JPMcLean 6 Comments

Following are ten lessons I’ve learned from writing a book.

Three years ago, if someone had told me I’d write a book one day, I would have laughed – not out loud – but I’d quietly question their sanity. Following are ten lessons I’ve learned from writing a book.

Write a book? Me? Today, the only person’s sanity I question is my own. Not only did I write a book, I wrote three. It’s been a long, all-consuming, hedonistic, educational, inspirational, and frustrating experience. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Here are a few tidbits about writing I’ve learned along the way:

I’ve learned how little I know;
I’ve learned that most character archetypes and story arcs have been around since the beginning of time;
I’ve learned the value of a creative story editor and a keen-eyed copy editor;
I’ve learned to love search engines;
I’ve learned the importance of a sense of humour;
I’ve learned to repeatedly thumb the pages of Strunk and White, the Handbook for Writers and The Canadian Oxford Dictionary;
I’ve learned that there are creative, intelligent writers out there who are willing to share their time and considerable knowledge;
I’ve learned that cold/beta readers are indispensable;
I’ve learned how much I love writing;
I’ve been humbled by the generosity of friends, family and fellow writers who share this passion.