Saturday, April 5, 2014

E: A to Z Blogging Challenge

Most writers I've met in person are completely supportive of other writers no matter where they are in their careers. That's what this group, IWSG, is all about. For today's A to Z challenge, I have some encouragement for you all.

Be Epic in your plans for you career and your life. Don't settle for Eventually or almost. Make a big plan how what you'll accomplish and how far you'll go. When you reach one goal, set the next one.

Be Elastic in the path you ink in for your journey. Better use a pencil. When one direction hits a road block, find another route. There are so many paths to success available these days and more will open as the world of publishing advances.

Know a writer you like or who has found a way to success. Emulate those you admire and see if their style fits your intended pathway. But don't forget to find your own Epic career. If you haven't visited already, check out IWSG Facebook page.

Do you have epic plans? Are you elastic? Anyone you emulate?

Susan Gourley writes epic fantasy and also write romance as Susan Kelley. Read her world building posts for A to Z at Susan Says.

26 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. what a lovely "E" post - getting on with things is something we really all should be doing ..

All your "Es" are so right ... think epically, be ready for change by being prepared to be elastic, and then emulate others who you admire ...

Great "Es" ... and E for Extra special via the IWSG participation in the A-Z .. cheers Hilary

Joss said...

What a great post. I love coming and seeing you A to Z post they always leave me feeling inspired.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks Hilary and Joss. Having you visit during A to Z is EXTRA special.

LittleCely said...

A really encouraging post! What a great idea for an A to Z post.

SittieCates said...

Epic, Elastic, Emulate and not settling for Eventually. Perfect! Great post, Susan.

Epic plans? Yup, to get more books published this year.

Am I elastic? I believe so. :-)

Anyone I emulate? Lynn Grabhorn's one of 'em. J.K. Rowling and Suzanne Collins, too.

Robin said...

This is what I thought of when I read "Epic." So HERE'S TO YOU...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwfHyYvj2Q4

"No one writes songs about the ones that come easy."

Or the books, either.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'd sure like to emulate the way Preston and Child write.

J.L. Campbell said...

Being flexible is a must and it's always good to emulate those who've gone before and done well, particularly if they write in the same genre.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

I need to be more flexible ... maybe if I wore looser pants.

Lisa said...

What a great pep talk to start the day! Thanks so much. I really love what you do for our group here! I think I've not been elastic enough in the past and need to change that.

Pat Hatt said...

Elastic I can be, always finding another route at my sea

Unknown said...


Yeah I got it now, I didn't think of what would be before and after I publish my book. Serves me right - yet all is not lost.

Thanks to all the resources I am picking up here, I am gradually becoming more secure!

Chrys Fey said...

Great post! Yes, I have many epic dreams and plans. And I do look up to many authors and let their writing teach me, but I don't really emulate them. I keep my own style. :)

Michelle Wallace said...

Susan, your post rocks!
Thanks for the advice and inspiration!

Anonymous said...

I'm working on finding my Epic career. =D

~Patricia Lynne~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, YA Author

LuAnn @ BackPorchervations said...

I think "Be Epic" is like my new favorite saying!

LuAnn Braley
AJ's Hooligans @AtoZChallenge
Back Porchervations

Julie Flanders said...

Love this, Susan. I've been struggling with setting for eventually lately. Thanks for the inspiration to stop that!

Margo Kelly said...

GREAT post!! Thank you for the inspiration. :)

M.C.V. EGAN said...

Hi, stopping by #a2zchallenge. What an inspiring POST EPIC! I love your guidance and generous advice... Off to be EPIC and Elastic !!!!
I went with D for Daring to Dream and E for Egret my fave Birds ... swing by if you get a chance http://4covert2overt.blogspot.com/ Catalina

Unknown said...

I absolutely have epic plans ;) Though perhaps not everyone's definition of epic. I have plans for epic joy. :D Elastic is more difficult, but I'm working on it. Right now I am trying hard at accepting and emulating me.

Bob/Sally said...

"Don't settle for Eventually" - words to live by, especially when you have a tendency to procrastinate like I do.

My A to Z Challenge

Mike said...

super post

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I'm learning to be more "elastic" in my writing career. There's a difference between being focused and living with blinders on.

Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
Minion, Capt. Alex's Ninja Minion Army
The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'm Energized by your post, Susan. Energized in Epic proportions, which is why I'm wearing Elastic waisted pants because I'm off to Emulate Alex Sokoloff and write an intensely suspense filled scene. Couldn't think of a word for suspense that starts with an E.

Oh! Exciting scene! Edgy. Extreme! Extraordinary!

Erica Gore said...

Great post. i an entirely enthusiastic.

Looking forward to tomorrow.

Erica

Kristen said...

This is great! It turns out I've been this way in finding a career in the first place. From tile painter to software engineer to writer, and the journey continues. :)

Random Musings from the KristenHead — E is for 'Elementary' (and Elephants)