Getting to the Next Level

I sent the final (?) edits for Mik Murdoch: The Power Within to my editor/publisher on Sunday. Since that time, I have been thinking of the things I have done and still need to do to move to the next level as an author.

So, let’s start with what I’ve done:

• I blog regularly on my website;
• I have been working to build my Social Media presence on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and other places;
• I have my first novel out;
• I have my first edited anthology out;
• I have stories in several anthologies;
• I have stories up on Wattpad;
• I podcast regularly (Get Published, in case you didn’t know);
• I’ve done sessions at several conventions;
• I’ve collaborated on a novel which was sold and should be out this year;
• I have done a handful of readings and appearances;
• I have done a few school visits and workshops (this year).

Looks like a pretty comprehensive list, doesn’t it? However, I still have not gotten myself out there as much as I want. The school visits and workshops have all been local. I need to get further away from home.

That being said, I have a few other things for next steps:

• More school visits/workshops. This time further afield (and close to home);
• All the other stuff in the first list;
• More general writer’s conventions that include the public. For example Word on the Street in Calgary and Lethbridge;
• Self-publish Boyscouts of the Apocalypse and start pimping it everywhere (hoping to take it to World Scout Jamboree next year where I can give it to youth as a gift);
• Find new ways to market/promote myself;
• More collaboration work with other authors.

The big challenge to all this will be finding the hours in the day to achieve it all.

Do you see anything missing that I could/should be doing? I’d love to hear from you.