Creating a strategic plan for your writing is a creative process. As a result, the first thing I want you to do is keep in mind that nothing turns out as you expect it to in the creative process. Creating a strategic plan for your writing is just as important and uses the same creative energy as your actual writing. That's the fun and exciting part... if you let that process be free.



So, my first piece of advice is to let go of expectations of how you are going to get to your goals. When you do that, you will see more possibilities of how to accomplish them. When you get locked into one view, you might miss the easier or more direct way.

Know that this plan can change, morph, and grow. You will refine it, add to it, remove items, and expand items. Nothing is written in stone. And remember, always have fun as you create!

In the next article, I will be discussing how to create a vision for your writing. You might be wondering why I would put so much emphasis on a vision. I can tell you from my own, as well my clients' experience, one of the biggest mistakes you can make in starting a business/project/book, etc. of any kind is to begin without a vision. Without having a specific picture in mind, when you run into obstacles, when there are mistakes made, when you are tired and don't feel like you have energy to continue, your vision will keep you on target, motivated, and determined.

A number of years ago, I decided to start a restaurant. I didn't have any idea how to go about that; I just had a clear picture of what it would look like and what it would be for my customers and me. When I became crystal clear in my mind with that picture, I was able to sit down and create a strategy to accomplish it. As I did that, opportunities, information, and ideas started appearing with almost no effort. When obstacles arose, I was determined to find a way to overcome them. When difficulties appeared, I kept the vision in my thoughts, and always found a solution. Within a few months I had raised capital, leased a space, contacted vendors, started construction, and began hiring staff. Less than a year later the restaurant opened. I know that if I hadn't had a clear, compelling picture of what I wanted to create, the restaurant would still be a dream, not a reality.

If you have already created a vision for your business or life, that's fabulous. This discussion will reinforce that vision, and in some cases, help you refine and refurbish what you already have worked on. It's always a good thing to update and polish that vision and keep it fresh. What I'm about to help you with is creating a vision for your writing.

The process I will guide you through in the next few articles is very effective for any part of your life, whether it's a business, a project, or your own higher purpose. I encourage you to use it for anything that would be enhanced by creating a strategic plan based on a clear, compelling vision.