Summer Slump, 7 ways writers can survive poor sales and heavy distractions.

Summer Slump

7 ways writers can survive poor sales and heavy distractions.

Finding it difficult to stay positive when book sales drop 

and warm-weather activities beckon? You aren’t alone. 

There are five authors in my writers’ group, and one by 

one, we’re feeling the effects of July on our book sales and

 our attitudes. We’ve commiserated and come up with a 

list of ways to stay focused and positive.

1.                    Take a break without guilt. Sit on the porch and read a book, go for a walk, enjoy a parade, a festival, whatever makes you feel good on a summer day.

2.                   Try something new to market your writing.  If you’re one of the many whose sales have gone south since June, try something different. Do an interview on your blog, try a Goodreads giveaway, something you haven’t done before.

3.                   Plan ahead.  Use your time to work on the next big push for your book, a new release, or short story. The most successful events are well thought-out. Be sure your next one is great.

4.                   Don’t omit writing time. Try setting a page goal for the coming week. It’s hard to do a daily commitment during summer, but setting a page goal will keep you using the time you do have. Keep your goal achievable!

5.                   Examine your successes.  Look back on what has worked for you during the past months. Don’t lose sight of the things that you both enjoyed doing and worked well for you. With those in mind, develop a plan for fall.

6.                   Carry a notebook or a small recorder.  Creative ideas can pop into our heads when we’re having fun. Find a way to capture them.

7.                   Misery loves company. Spend some time with fellow writers. Brainstorm with them. You’ll be amazed how much better you’ll feel having shared your doldrums and bounced new ideas around.

Dear Readers,

I try to blog on issues I’m dealing with myself and this one sure fits in that niche, unfortunately. My book sales have gone south, and my attitude with it. Hopefully you’ll enjoy knowing that you aren’t the only one, or even better, share a pointer or two if your summer is going well.

I’m writing this on a hot, muggy day in NW Wisconsin, one in which the bugs and the humidity make going outdoors a challenge! So at least outdoor temptations aren’t too bad. Of course, the screen porch is calling my name right now, with a good novel (Marcia Clark’s latest, Killer Ambition) and a glass of lemonade.

Till next time, hope you had a great Fourth and are enjoying summer,

Marla