By Ann Minnett

Einstein is credited with saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.” These words describe my approach to writing for the past five years. Although I prefer NOT to label my writing as insane, I’m not getting the results I desire and must make changes.

My theme for 2016 is: Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Nothing changes… refers to the outcomes I want to achieve. Easy. My writing goals have always been:

1. Write meaningful stories.
2. Have lots of readers.

Meaningful stories—check. Lots of readers—not so much.

… if nothing changes  refers to what I can control/change in order to accomplish those outcomes.

1. Enroll in workshops to become a better writer. I love being a learner and can always improve.
2. Stop self-publishing and explore other ways to share my work. The successful self-publisher engages in a web of marketing activities every day. I’m a fair-weather marketer, at best.
3. Take a break from writing. Counter-productive? Not really. I’ve written three novels, a screenplay, and several short stories in the past five years, always feeling pressure to come up with the next project. It’s time to step back from the keyboard, realign my writing priorities, and brainstorm with abandon.

I might be crazy, but “insanity” will no longer define my writing process.

Happy New Year!