Friday, February 28, 2014

One Writer’s Bucket List

by Edie Melson

Isn’t it funny how certain phrases become part of the vernacular? One phrase I find myself using fairly often is Bucket List. For me, it denotes more than just a wish, these are goals and dreams that I’d like to accomplish before I kick the bucket.

I had the opportunity to hear Debbie Macomber  speak at ACFW in 2008. One of the things she said that stuck with me was to make a list—a crazy, I’ll-never-in-a-million-years-accomplish-this list—and write it down. She shared how she had done that, and been able to cross off almost everything on that list.


She inspired me, and today I’m sharing the list I started that night, when I got back up to my hotel room.

My list isn’t numbered, or even in any particular order. Also, these are the things on my Bucket List that pertain to writing. I have other things on the list, but they don’t necessarily pertain to writing.

Writer's Bucket List
  • Publish a book, then another, and another and...well, you get the idea—this one came to fruition in 2011, with FIGHTING FEAR: WINNING THE WAR AT HOME WHEN YOUR SOLDIER LEAVES FOR BATTLE (no longer in publication). Thank you Eddie Jones and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.
  • Have books on the shelf in every bookstore—independent and chain stores—still not there. Any bookstore can order my book, but few stock it.
  • Have a book signing in Barnes & Noble—I was able to do this in the summer of 2012, in Jackson Mississippi. It was one of the most disappointing experiences ever. We’d ordered my books to have on hand and through a shipping snafu, they didn’t arrive. So I sat at Barnes and Noble, with business cards and fliers, but no books.
  • Direct a writers conference—I’m now the co-director of that conference, thanks to the generosity and friendship of Alton Gansky (the director)
  • Write for Guideposts—can I have a drumroll please…I just signed a contract to write two blogs posts a week for Guideposts.org. I’ll be sharing all the details soon, including a link to the blog.
  • Get a job as a managing editor of a magazine—I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be the managing editor of a start-up magazine for young, Christian men, Centered Mag (no longer in publication). Unfortunately it's no longer in publication, but it was a great experience and one I'm so grateful to have had.
  • Get a Literary Agent—In 2012 I signed with my first agent! 
  • Reach 10,000 Twitter followers—I worked hard for this one and reached it last year.
  • Have a New York Times best seller—I’m still hoping this will come to pass in the future.
  • Have a TV movie made from one of my books—another one I’m waiting for.
  • Co-author a book with a good friend. 
I’ve shared some of my goals/dreams with you. I’d love to hear what’s on your Writing Bucket List.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,

Edie

TWEETABLE

9 comments:

  1. You listed everything on my writer's bucket list! Only, added to mine right now would be to obtain a literary agent and to merely attend a writer's conference. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kristina, I am in sooooo much trouble - I totally left the literary agent bullet point out when I pasted in my blog post!!!!! Thanks for the reminder. I'm going to add it above. Blessings, E

      Delete
  2. I heard Debbie that year, and I have my mental list but I've never written it down. So now I will. I'll let you know when it's complete. :) Thanks for the BTMB (boot to my butt)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ane, I still have my original list on a shelf above my desk. It's dog-eared and has several additions, but it's precious! That was the ACFW year I first met you - a definite good year! Blessings, E

      Delete
  3. Edie, that very same thing happened at my first book signing...but thankfully I had 40 of my copies of the book they were able to use. They are replacing 36 of my copies!! I think everyone needs a bucket list and a lot of yours are on my list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, what a great outcome! Your book is AMAZING! Thanks for stopping by, Blessings, E

      Delete

  4. get my writing published - I am published in magazines, Sunday School take home papers, guest blogs, compilation books, regional newspapers, etc.

    Speak at women's retreats - I began speaking outside my home church two years ago and have offered workshops, weekend retreats, luncheons, teas and Christmas events

    Teach at writer's conferences and retreats/workshops - I have taught my Hands-On Blogging Workshop at our New England writer's Retreat, Writer's Publishing Workshop, to many individuals and soon, at our local adult continuing education center.

    Write and Publish a book - In process

    Write and Publish a bible study - this has been on the back burner. Though I have written and taught my study called, Battle Worn, Battle Weary in my local church and in a retreat setting

    More than anything, I want to step into the ministry God has designed for me. I feel I am still discovering that path.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeanne, what a great list, I know God has so much ahead for you. Thanks so much for sharing your Bucket List! Blessings, E

      Delete
  5. Two blog posts for Guideposts? That's wonderful Edie. I look forward to reading them when they come out. Be sure to let us know!

    ReplyDelete