Am I doing enough? Getting in the game

Playing any sport is competitive. But in my town, there's only one high school with over three thousand students. It's been tough to see my boys tryout for teams and not make it, when they are actually talented athletes. There are just so many to choose from, not to mention the politics. Now that they've grown and are on the school teams, my coach (not at the school) husband gives them this advice:

• Go to all the conditioning and practices, even the optional ones
• Do the volunteer activities
• Stay close to the coach - so you're the one he puts in next
• Go beyond what's expected, surprise them
• Get noticed, be visible

I think this applies to any aspect of life, including writing. Though luck plays a big role for getting "discovered," hard work pays off as well. That's why doing all of the above is necessary for today's writers. There are so many of us trying to get noticed and get in the game, i.e. be put on the shelves, which are dwindling themselves. So this is my IWSG worry this month. Am I doing enough?

Many of you may think I do plenty, but my conscious tells me I need to do more. I worry if I don't get a new book out each year, people will forget about me. And if I'm only selling to my friends, they will surely lose interest... I try not to dwell on things, but sometimes a piece of negative news arrives bringing doubt and invading progress.


But I guess it gives me something to commiserate with you all about! So here's to us! We can overcome our doubt together, right?

And here's another plug for the IWSG short story anthology contest. I submitted mine! Check it out and go for it!

PS - I know IWSG is on Wednesday, but I only have time to post once a week and Monday is my day with my tour - forgive me! In November I will post on the 4th =)

Week 4!

I had a lovely release party on Thursday. Many of my local friends and neighbors came out to support me, even one of my students made it out on a school night! The only drawback was I bought too much food - no one ate anything! At my first party everyone ate like crazy, but it was at a restaurant. Maybe since this one was at a coffee/wine bar they ate before not expecting a spread - I will use that to my advantage next time (and spend less!) Always learning!

one of my raffle winners =)
(more pics on FACEBOOK)

QUADRUPLE THANKS to my blog tour hosts from last week, Heather M Gardner, Katie Teller, Rena Rockford, and TB Markinson!

Here's where I'll be This Week, Oct 5 - 9:

• MJ Fifield - (10/7) a Lazy Housewife post on not-so-extreme makeovers
• Patricia Lynne - guest post (10/9) - Setting and keeping up with writing goals

**All my helpers will get a surprise from me and be entered in a raffle for a $20 gift card! They're so awesome! I hope you check them out.

And don't forget the Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And I almost forgot - time for my Quarterly Newsletter Update!
I really appreciate all the support! And now that things have slowed down somewhat, I'll be able to visit around - it's been so crazy!!

Keep writing and doing your best - that's all anyone can ask!