Jeremiad - A-Z Challenge, Starting & Sustaining A Writing Career

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Lack of action in the promotional department leads to slugging movement in sales. I'm not saying that every time you run a promotion, you'll see an immediate shift in sales. What I am saying is that a consistent effort to keep our books in front of readers will help them remember our products when they are in book-buying mode.

I find writers' challenges an education, in that it is interesting to see what other writers experience and the things that help them.

A couple of times now, I've seen posts from writers who go into copious details about what they've written, why they've written it, what they're not writing anymore and all because people aren't flocking to lay down money for their books.

Sure, it would be easy for all of us to take this approach because I don't doubt we can all come up with a litany of complaints if we try. Still, it's best to avoid catching attention with a jeremiad, which is—you guessed it, a long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes a la Jeremiah's lamentations in the Bible.

Trust me, I've been tempted a time or two when things don't go my way, but the people I'd be complaining to have problems of their own and wouldn't be the least bit interested in mine.

Usually, the remedy for a jeremiad is to do the work required to take our businesses to the next level. So when you're tempted to complain, think about what you can do to get the word out about your books or read an article specific to what you're trying to do. Taking the focus off ourselves is a great way to get back on track.


Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us happier.
                                                        ― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture 

 
What d'you do when you're tempted to fall into a funk over all the stuff that isn't going right?

12 comments:

  1. Le Sigh! :(... I really need to explore my works, I liked what I have written... maybe some else might.

    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host [2015]

    There's no earthly way of knowing.
    Which direction we are going!

    HOLLYWOOD NUTS!
    Come Visit: You know you want to know if me or Hollywood... is Nuts?

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  2. Hi Joy,

    J is for Joy LOL
    This is indeed a different version!
    Jeremiad good thought.
    Starting and sustaining a writing carree!
    Indeed starting may not be that hard but
    sustaining it is a difficult task, though
    storms comes in between be stern and
    face the situation. I like the quote at the
    concluding para: by Randy Pausch,-- The Last Lecture
    “Complaining does not work as a strategy.
    We all have finite time and energy.
    Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals.
    And it won't make us happier.”
    Yes, let’s not complain! Instead face it and go ahead without giving up!
    Have a great weekend Joy.
    Thanks for your kind visit,
    ~ Philip

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  3. i need to know what the next level is - and i don't think i can afford it yet...
    loving your list of what it takes to succeed as a writer - excellent advice! looking forward to the rest!

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  4. Wonderful post. I'll have to remember that word, too. Thank you for visiting my humble little blog, and best wishes! Oh, and I'm number 1295 on the list today. ~grin~

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  5. That's why I don't complain, especially online.

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  6. The thing about complaining is that you don't feel better after you do it and it seldom changes anything. Better to try and fix it rather than whining.

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  7. A good swift kick in the pants take care of any lamenting I'm tempted to do! Loved reading this and I learned a new word, too.

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  8. I promise never to post a Jeremiad! I'll remember that word.

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  9. lovely Jeremiad campbell,

    thanks for your fresh blog and creative writing style.

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  10. Whining doesn't do anyone any good, regardless of the profession. Now wining....that's a different story and can put your mind at ease and give you a moment to chilax and get a different prospective.
    Sandy at Bridge and Beyond

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  11. I like it. Hard work will pay, if not today or tomorrow, then definitely someday.

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  12. No use complaining. It's a waste of energy you could put to good use... and nobody listens anyway!
    Happy J-Day!

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