One of the most important things I think I have learned in my life is that nobody can do everything. Even people who think they can… perhaps especially people who think they can… can’t. There are specialists and talented people in every field, and a big part of being a good writer is recognizing what I can do really well (write!) and what I can’t (cover art, editing, etc…), and then pay people to do what they’re good at so I can do what I’m good at.
I reached out for some business help to the university I’m currently attending, which is convenient because they have numerous full-time staff who’s job it is to help people like me be better at what we do. As my graduation date looms (gosh does it ever), I’m realize that I should do my best to get the most of the resources the university offers me. After all, I am paying for it already. My first meeting involved a lot of walking through the kind of steps I already do in order to make this writing thing successful, and the first actionable element the counselor gave was to think about how I approach Patreon.
It’s a fair point. I am eternally grateful to my patrons, but I don’t give them as much as some writers do. Partially because I almost never have time (any spare moments I do have are always filled as quickly as possible with writing, after all!), but I think it should be something I schedule to do. I have a schedule to write blog posts twice a week, I could probably schedule a Patreon-exclusive thing once a month or so… worth thinking about, at least!
Anyway, that’s where I’m at. I have another meeting “soon” (date as of yet TBD), which hopefully will give me more useful insight, but it was nice to talk about the business end of my writing career with someone who specializes in this kinda thing.
As a quick aside: I’m going to try and make enchiladas in salsa verde for dinner tonight. I blame Adam Ragusea. Hopefully it turns out okay!
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!