Publishers

What to look for when seeking out a book publisher – and what to stay away from

Daily Goals

Lately I have been trying to make my life feel more fulfilled. I was stuck in this phase of where I didn’t want to do anything (especially on days off work) and got nothing done. Ever. I was being a lazy piece of s***, to be brief. I started re-evaluating everything and wanting to better my life and feel the sense of accomplishment, even if it was the tiniest of things. I’ve always had self-confident issues pertaining to my skin and acne. So I made a conscience effort to wash my face every single day, at least once. This was about 3 weeks ago and I have not missed a single day yet, and I really think it’s making a difference in my skin. This has brought my confidence up, so I thought I would take on another small task, which is writing. And I mean on my MS. I write emails and go on social media all the time, but I DO NOT count that. (And if you’re a writer, I really don’t think you should count it, either.)

So far it’s been going pretty well! I’m also trying to read a little bit everyday as well. I told you, I was the laziest potato ever, but I’m up to three daily goals now. I used to hear people talk about having daily goals all the time and honestly, I used to roll my eyes at it. I’d say “I’m not that ambitious” or “that seems like way too much work…” But I have to say, now that I’m doing it, I can see why people do it.

The key is starting very small. This is something I think I overlooked and thought that it needed to be something pretty significant. Daily goals can also help with diets and other things. I think of it like a snowball; they can be used to build up to much bigger goals. Change can be hard for a lot of people, but if you begin with one little thing that you want to improve on, it gets easier the more you do it, and it helps you to want to do it everyday.

I also think it can help those who suffer from depression. It gives you a sense of purpose and again, fulfillment. I was at a low point in my life about a month ago, not really seeing a reason to get out of bed. And if this is you right now, literally pick anything that you want to improve. Something you can control easily. I would love to put to stop biting my nails, but…

“…it’s hard to stop a habit. It’s way easier to start a new habit; but a good one.”

Here are some you can think about starting:

Drinking a glass of water everyday; or a specific amount (like 16oz)
Flossing right after brushing your teeth
Reading/Writing for an hour a day
Walk a certain number a steps per day.
Play a game that challenges your mind once a day (if you have a smart phone)
And a million other things

Since starting this, I don’t sit around playing video games, or watching TV or playing on my phone as much. I have only a handful of daily goals I’m doing right now, and frankly, if that’s all you do, there is no shame. It’s not a competition, you’re doing all of this for yourself. Six months from now, you may only be taking on 2 daily goals, but at least you are still doing it. And that’s all that matters.

If you get overwhelmed or keep skipping tasks daily, cut back one or two things and just focus on those. Once you get back into the habit again, just add one more. Do this for a few months, then add another if you can. It’s all about self-improvement and making your life wonderful.

If you have any daily goals or advice you would like to share, I highly encourage it! Please comment below!

Happy Trails,

Laura Mae ❤

Sentiments of Inspiration

Are you have trouble writing anything? Do you think all of your writing sucks and you want to toss into into the depths of hell to burn for eternity? Are you so frustrated with anything related to writing and want to hide under your bed? Fear no more. Save this list for future use when you are having troubles in writing town.

You’re awesome. Don’t let anyone (or yourself) tell you otherwise.
You are doing something creative with your life, don’t take it for granted.
You’re alive. Seriously. I should have put this at the top.
Laptops and Starbucks would fail without writers.
You’re doing what most people can’t, or are too lazy to do.
Be proud of yourself – writing is fracking hard.
In your close nit group of friends, you’re probably the only writer, and you should brag about it. (not too much though; don’t be that writer.)
Coffee companies would go out of business if not for us.
You have the power to do whatever you set your mind too, even kill people you don’t like. (fictionally, of course)
With great power, comes mediocre responsibilities.
You’ve probably given a lot of cats a home. Yay adoption!
You turned down a bunch of vanity publishers. Good for you!
Every book has the potential to be turned into a movie one day. ‘Cause that’s just the direction the film industry is going these days.
Or a television show.
You get to discover the best music when writing.
Wine companies would go out of business if it weren’t for our crippling anxiety.
You’ve probably made the best writer friends (because writer friends get each other, man.).
If you haven’t made any writer friends, I suggest looking for them. Also, I’m a writer, and always need friends. 😉
You can probably type super fast!
Your handwriting probably isn’t bad either?
You own like a lot of super cute coffee cups too, I bet.
You’re able to picture something in your head and write it down for others to see. How freaking awesome is that?!
The world would be extremely dull without writers.
I mean, there would be no books, movies, shows, music, literally nothing.
Fancy pens!
If you don’t finish your book, how will your favorite author ever read it?!
You gave someone an emotional response from something you wrote. !!
Your name could some day be a household name.
You get to sign your name to something you created, making it even more special.
You can work at your own pace. Whether it take a year or ten years, it doesn’t matter. As long as you finish.
Notebooks!!
If you self publish, you’re basically an entrepreneur, which is even more impressive.
Even if you don’t become incredibly successful, just relax.
Whether your goal is 2000 words a day, or 20 words a day, you’re no less and no more a writer.
You may complain how much you hate writing, but you know you don’t hate it, silly.
You can make money off stuff you wrote!
Criticism can be painful. But know that one persons opinion shouldn’t break you.
Hard liquor companies would go out of business if it weren’t for us wallowing in self-doubt.

And I’ll say it one last time: You’re alive. Take advantage of it. We are all on this earth for a very short amount of time. Your books… can live on for eternity.