Happy Monday, WG2E-Land!
This week, as we welcome-in Autumn, I’ll be busy setting my 2012 Production Schedule.
I even bought my first 2012 Calendar…by one of my fave artists Suzy Toronto:
If I had to choose one element of my Indie Epub Journey that I felt was perhaps the most vital to my Indie Epub Success, I’d say, without a doubt, it’s the fact I set a Production Schedule each year then write my ass off to meet that schedule!!!
Here’s what my Production Schedules look like…
First to finish-out 2011:
October 2011 – FLUID FULFILLMENT (The Mom Squad Mini-Mayhem Mysteries #1)
October 2011 – LICENSED FOR LOVE (The Mom Squad Mini-Mayhem Mysteries #2)
Early November 2011 – D. D. Scott Special Edition Ebook Boxed Set (including all three Bootscootin’ Books plus the first two Cozy Cash Mysteries)
Thanksgiving 2011 – HULLABALOO AND HOLLY TOO (A Cozy Cash Christmas Novella in the MADNESS UNDER THE MISTLETOE Anthology with fellow Indie Epub Authors Tonya Kappes, Lee Lopez, and Talli Roland
***Note: To make good on the biggest three months of the Ebook World – November, December and January - I’ll have four new releases – two short stories, a boxed set, and a novella in an anthology - to go along with my back-list titles.***
All together then, for 2011, I had 7 releases…3 full novels, 2 short stories (companions to those novels), 1 boxed set (including my entire backlist of 5 novels) and 1 novella in a holiday-themed anthology.
Now then…for 2012:
January 2012 – Cozy Cash Mystery #3
March 2012 – 10 Years & 24 Hours to Indie Epub Success
May 2012 – Cozy Cash Mystery #4
July 2012 – Mom Squad Mini-Mayhem Mystery #3
August 2012 – Mom Squad Mini-Mayhem Mystery #4
September 2012 – Cozy Cash Mystery #5
October 2012 – Mom Squad Mini-Mayhem Mystery #5
November 2012 – Holiday Anthology including another Cozy Cash Christmas Novella
December 2012 – D. D. Scott Special Edition Ebook Boxed Set #2
***Note: I’m also developing two more anthologies which will each contain a D. D. Scott short story/novella.
So that will be right around 11 new releases for 2012…3 new novels, 3 mini-mayhem mystery shorts, 1 boxed set, 1 non-fiction how-to book, and 3 anthologies including 3 of my novellas.
Which means, by the end of 2012, I’ll have a D. D. Scott cyber shelf which includes a total of 21 releases…in just 2 1/2 years (my debut release was in August 2010)…the time it would take to release just one book going the TradiPub route!!!
Okay…a couple of points to consider…
1. The primary reason I do Production Schedules is to keep my muses movin’ and groovin’ across my pages and screens. I work best on set schedules. By literally exercising my muses EVERY DAY toward very clear goals, I keep ‘em crankin’ out pages with gusto.
2. Creating my next year’s Production Schedule in Autumn of the current year, I get first shot at the Production Schedules for my entire D. D. Scott Team. For example, I make sure my Go-To Format Guy – Rob Siders of 52 Novels - knows when to expect my books so he can work his magic. My superfab cover designers know what they need to create for me and when. My wonderful Editor Matt Rush – The Edit Dude - knows when to put me in his work plan too.
3. I also begin to look at all the Ereader Centric Blogs I’ll want to be on and when for each release. Many of these blogs, like Kindle Nation Daily, that I’ll be on, for example, during Christmas Week this year, I’ve had scheduled and paid for since early in 2011.
4. I have a clear focus for my muses…and I can aim their creativity, even subconciously, on the projects I know I’ve got coming up.
Yes…projects and opportunities will pop-up in 2012 that I will then decide whether or not to work into my Production Schedule. But, the basic plan is down and ready to go!
It’s Your Turn, WG2E-Land: How many of you have Production Schedules? If so, what do they look like for you the rest of 2011 and for 2012? And if you don’t, is this a tool you think you can use in your Indie Epub Journey?
The Best of The WG2E Production Schedule Wishes — D. D. Scott
OMG! I think I might have to hand over the Wonder Woman knickers to you! I feel knackered just looking at that schedule! I really admire it.
I’m a panster, so I find if I put too much pressure on myself to perform, it never goes to plan.
I’m working on my next chick lit novel, The Baby Trap, which should be released before Xmas. Then I’ll be working on my third Amber Fox chick lit mystery. And then I don’t have a clue! I have to work to my muses as and when.
LOL! I’m with ya, Sibel! I have an idea when I want to work on the books, but my muses won’t let me plan that far ahead. I’m a total panster too:)) And proud of it! I do know that I want to end my Grandberry Falls series by the spring….hey, that’s a start.
And this is the beauty of the Indie Epub Journey, Super T…
Each of us has the power to decide which methods work best for us…and use them on our own time schedules.
Cheers to that!!!
It doesn’t matter if you’re a plotter or a pantser…as long as you write the damn books…over and over and over again!!!
I’ve got the Wonder Woman Underoos, Sibel…but I’d luuuvvv the knickers too! LOL!
I’m crackin’ up ’cause this is freakin’ y’all out!!!
LMAO!!!
My muses are total “Sybils”…as in multiple personality Sybils…so if I don’t rein’ em in…I’m screwed!!! LOL!!!
Thus, why I wrote the book Muse Therapy: Unleashing Your Inner Sybil…I needed “therapy” too…so I wrote the book on it!
And having this Production Schedule totally keeps my Sybils in the game. Hell…who am I kidding…theyr’e always in the game…they’re just on the wrong field most of the time! Squeee!!!
Egads! I’m trying to get that first book out…
But I hear what you’re saying. For me it’s a spreadsheet, a ‘writing only’ spreadsheet.
I like scheduling who I’ll be needing in the future, as my cover designer sold her first three books and will be busy in the future, so she needs a date for me for the next book. Oh, I have to finish writing that one.
Since it’s only 4:44 am, I guess I’ll get busy, I can’t sleep, might as well plan my future!
And…Love the Suzy Toronto art. I just emailed them to see if I can get a Pink Ribbon Sisterhood ‘thingie’ to put on my website.
You Go, Pepper!!!
Cheers to crankin’ out that first book!!!
Spreadsheets work too! My DH – who is also my manager – does everything by Spreadsheet.
Me?
I hand him some frufru sticky note with memos written in sparkly ink!
I betchya Suzy will hook u up too! She’s the sweetest!!!
DD, you are far too organized to be human!
We like planing ahead, but that’s ridiculous. I’m insanely jealous!
But being able to plan at all is one of the absolute joys of being indie. We have our next dozen titles pencilled in and are moving them all forward (though with none of the military precision of DD Scott!). Just knowing we CAN publish our next novel as soon as its ready is worth its weight in gold.
Looking forward to the ceremonial handing over of the Wonderwoman knickers. Hope this will be on youtube. Could go viral!
Totally hear ya, Mark…there are many moments in my life where I too think there’s no way in hell I could be human! No one could be that nuts, right?! My DH agrees!
You nailed it right here:
“But being able to plan at all is one of the absolute joys of being indie…Just knowing we CAN publish our next novel as soon as its ready is worth its weight in gold.”
And sorry to bust your bubble, but there ain’t gonna be no Wonder Woman knicker exchange on You Tube…well, there probably already is…but it won’t be starring Sibel and me. LOL!
Yep, I’ve seen that video and it’s not pretty!
What Mark said! ^^^^
How can anyone be that regimented?!
Very jealous! We have a schedule… do whatever comes next!
LOL, Saffi!
Whatever works for you and Mark…sooo works!!! So keep it up, Girlfriend!!!
I’m loving that schedule!
Oh, what a terrific idea and I am SO incorporating this into my routine! Seriously, I love this. Most of the writers I know, myself included, are deadline driven so setting regular deadlines will keep most of us producing. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!
Glad to hear it, Angela!
In my Muse Therapy book and online classes, I teach a session called “Rorschach For Writers: I See Dead Lines”…and that’s what it’s all about…setting those goals, then makin’ ‘em happen.
For me, after being a Human Resources Manager for years for a large corporation, I learned that if you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen.
So I document my production goals…then make ‘em happen.
Holy Tornado, D.D. You’re like the Tazmanian Devil! I do have a production schedule of sorts, but nothing so ellaborate…or well planned and executed. I will take yet another page from your book and try to get on top of that:)
I luuuvvv The Taz, Pj! LOL!
All I know is my Taz-ness sure works for me! So have at it! Maybe it will work for you and your superfab muses too!
Cheers to givin’ it a Taz-kinda whirl!!!
I thought I was organized but I look lazy next to you, DD. I love how driven you are. It’s obviously keeping your muses amused so keep it up!
It’s all about keepin’ your “muses amused”…you nailed it right there, CJ!!!
Cheers to that!!!
DD you’re living proof of what the great Robert B. Parker (Spenser, Jesse Stone) said. He didn’t believe in writer’s block any more than, say, plumber’s block. Do plumbers get up in the morning blocked? Can’t find the inspiration to fix the leaky faucet? An unexplained plummet in creativity stops them from installing the Instant Hot Water Dispense in the kitchen?
Uh, nope. lol
Great post & very inspiring.
Luuuvvv the Plumber Analogy, Ruth! LOL!!!
And that’s exactly what creating this Production Schedule does for me…it makes it impossible for my muses to jam-up. They just don’t have time to mess with me!!! LOL!
I’ve also learned that by continuously “exercising” your muses – aka “Writing your ass off every day”, it’s all good.
In fact, sometimes, I can’t get to my keyboard fast enough…’cause I’m rarin’ to go. I actually feel restless if I have an appointment or something and life gets in the way for a couple of hours.
For those of you who don’t quite believe me…try it…
Write something, anything, for say 7 days straight…then stop for a week. It’s a ton tougher to get back in the groove on week three.
I have a production schedule but I have a hard time keeping up with it! Good on ya, lady, for making things go right and on time! You’re giving me something to shoot for.
Exactly this, Misha:
“…giving me something to shoot for…”
That’s what it’s all about!!!
It may look a wee bit daunting today…just seeing that huge list…but you’ll be amazed by the end of the year that you got all that done, and it really didn’t seem like a bunch while you were doing it.
Wow D.D. your schedule is absolutely amazing.
If I start seeing that I’m getting stressed out or overwhelmed, I tell myself plans can always change. 
I don’t know how you aren’t stressed out. Koodos though for staying so focused and goal oriented. 
I honestly tried to make up one myself, but seriously it overwhelmed me when it was all said and done. I have a rough plan for the rest of this year and next.
I’m a huge overachiever, but I’m a much slower writer, so my plan has to fit my process.
Perfectly said right here, Abbey:
“…my plan has to fit my process.”
How many books y’all have on your Production Schedules per year doesn’t matter.
How fast or how slow you write doesn’t matter.
What matters is just that your keep writing…every day…one book after the next…at your own pace.
A Production Schedule is a tool you can use to, like you said, “stay focused and goal-oriented”.
Alright, D.D. I will have you know you are not alone! I am so a schedule person
I’m working on outlining Book 2. I am also using a new software tool called The Writer’s Cafe. I LOVE IT!!!! It let’s me SO much more organized with my files (I am very lazy when it comes to that, and have a tendency to save everything to the desktop then later try to sort it all into folders…) I have three WIPs (two on the very back burner) and yesterday I was inspired to sketch this crazy fantasy novel idea.
As far as production, I’m still not 100% confident enough to start scheduling outside help like you do, D.D. I was going to save Book 2 for Nanowrimo, but I think instead I will go ahead start working on it in October (since my outline broke through) and try to have it ready in time for January. After that, I want to write 2 novels in 2012, and work on a serial about college freshmen dealing with their first year of college.
Cheers to you, Elizabeth!
Now then…regarding what u said here:
“…I was going to save Book 2 for Nanowrimo, but I think instead I will go ahead start working on it…”
That is one lesson Nora Roberts taught me at a workshop…she said:
“Never save a story. Just write the damn book.”
So yeah…if I didn’t have something else in that slot, like in your case, I’d go for the gusto!!!
What I do…is as soon as I get an idea, like you did with your “crazy fantasy novel”, I immediately pencil it in for the next year. Somehow, just by giving it it’s own slot, my muses are happy.
It’s as if they’re saying…”our Queen does love and respect us…see…she’s letting us run with this idea…but the witch is makin’ us wait ’til next year.”
Oh yeahhh, Baby, it’s all about reining in and reigning over your creative divas!!!
Hmmm, that sounds like a post on being Queen of your own writing kingdom…. sigh. I prefer the title Emperess Elizabeth.
I think I will get there one day, but right now, I still have a toddler at home. She is two, and changes so much from week to week, making a firm writing schedule is tough. I try to make sure I get in at least 10 hours of actual writing per week) not including marketing or stuff like I’m doing right now. That’s about 10,000 words per week, or two months to write a novel. With editing work after that, 5 months is about as tight as I can make it.
Emperess Elizabeth…luuuvvv it! That works too!!!
Sounds as if you are quite the organizer, D.D.! Way to go……that’s exactly what gets things accomplished…..whatever they may be.
I got it from my mom, Jeanne…who happens to be the Queen of Organization!!!
Cheers to that!
And thanks, Mom!!!
There’s no way I could produce quality work at that pace. Even with genre cozy mysteries, I spend a lot of time developing subtext and themes, weaving in layers of character development, going through my own editing before it ever goes to my editor, world-building, etc. Two really good books a year, that I’m proud of, is pushing it for me. There’s no doubt about it; your schedule would kill me, and kill the quality of my books.
Beyond the 2
releases I have coming out by the end of the year (Love By Design and Playing For Keeps) I( plan to have a novella out by March 2012 which tells the story of 2 secondary characters.(Going For It) I even have the cover art already and plan to hang it on the wall so I finish it on time. ‘m going to see how these do because I do have 2 great ideas for a YA and 3 great ideas for a women fiction project.
Bravo, Liz!!!
I want to point out one thing you said you do that I highly recommend…and that is to give yourself – and your muses too – visual stimulation – like you’re so brilliantly doing by hanging your cover art on your wall!
Well done!!!
I do that too and teach this technique in Muse Therapy as well!
For example, right now, sitting right in front of me on my writing desk, are three Christmas ornaments that are featured in my superfab Christmas Anthology that I’m doing with the WG2E’s own Tonya Kappes, Lee Lopez, and Talli Roland too!!!
Visualization sooo works!!! And that’s exactly what my Production Schedule is for me…another visualization tool!!!
Woo-hoo, D.D.! Impressive! To be so creative and so organized at the same time is incredible. As I’m just beginning my Indie journey I’ve kind of got a very tentative schedule, but it tends to overwhelm me and get me crazy. And the ‘kind of’ has a way of taking over. Maybe I’m in need muse therapy.
As usual, I also have a question – I thought an author had to have a completed book to submit to schedule a date on Kindle Nation Daily. How do you deal with that?
I remember your post from your first KND, but if you have any advice on which options you’d recommend in hindsight, I’m sure I’m not the only one who’d like to hear it.
Well, I think I’m gonna go get me a 2012 calendar . . .
Tentative schedules are the perfect place to start, Alicia! Well done!!!
Now then…as far as Kindle Nation Daily goes, once you establish a relationship with them, and they know you will produce when you say you will, you can schedule ahead. All of your material is due to them I believe two weeks ahead of your push day. But yes, on your first date with them, I do believe you have to have a completed work.
I’m not sure on which options to choose with KND now…’cause they have sooo many superfab new ones out there! I’ll be looking at that for 2012 and do a post though so I can fill y’all in with what I choose. ***Note: Steve Windwalker usually helps me with this. He knows what spots my kinda books will do the best in.***
Thanks, D.D.! And I agree with what you and Liz say above. I need visuals!
I make a production schedule as well D.D.. Glad to see I’m not alone in the list making. Whew!
You are sooo not alone, Jennifer!!! Cheers to being Scheduling Chicks!!!
Good Lord, DD!! And you look so human in your picture, not like a robot at all
I am so jealous of you. I’m hoping to get my 3rd book out by Christmas and after that I have no idea what comes next. I can’t think that far ahead. I think if I did I would probably have a meltdown.
For me, after Christmas comes Tax Season, so I’ll only be available for breathing and hopefully eating in those 4 months, then I can have my life back and think about writing again
Lol, Alison…yep, looks can be deceiving, Girlfriend!!!
No worries on your schedule…it’s all about what works for you and your muses too!
Personally, I’d have a bit of trouble writing through Tax Season too…LOL!!!
OK, Dee Dee–what exactly is in your coffee?!! Good luck to your brilliant schedule–take care!
It’s those organic coffee beans, Dee!!! LOL! You’d be surprised at your energy levels once you’re body isn’t full of chemicals and preservatives.
Kinda kidding…kinda not.
Since I went pretty much vegan, as well as mostly organic, I can’t believe how much more productive I am. There’s nothin’ like the all-natural high!!!
DeeDee, I didn’t see any potty breaks scheduled. Have you allowed for pit stops?
(You’re freaking me out woman!)
LOL…actually I do take potty breaks, Barbara…as well as a half-hour for lunch too!!!
You gotta refill your coffee mug and/or cocktails at some point as well…those moments are scheduled-in too!
D.D I’m going out to get my new calendar for the new. I have to have a schedule or honestly nothing will get done. You’ve got quit a schedule going on, but you’ll be very productive.
Super T and I were just talking about this on the phone, Lee! LOL!
I’m the same way…I’ve just got to write everything down on something…actually, on whatever is in front of me at the time.
Here’s a secret:
I’ve actually written on the dashboard of my Jeep…don’t tell Sweet Man. I cleaned it off before he could see it!!! LOL!!!
Wow, D.D.! When do you sleep? It seems you start replying on this blog about 5am every morning, then checking your numbers and recording them, Tweeting, writing, teaching, marketing, and on and on…
Your schedule makes me dizzy…and a little jealous. I love that you have everything planned out and look at it regularly. The best business and life coaches tell you to have your goals clearly lined out and to review them regularly. They say it helps you get so much more accomplished toward your goals than just keeping them in your head.
I just released my 2nd novel last week, She Had No Choice, and am working on my third right now, Missing in Seattle. I’m shooting for 2,000 words a day, but sometimes life gets in the way and I don’t accomplish that. But it does move me to write more consistently and get more words written each week. I have a series in my mind that I have started sketching out, as well. Looks like I need to make a schedule for it so I can get it moving a little faster, too.
My hat is off to you, lady! You’re amazing!
Cheers to you, Debra, and congrats on the superfab start to your Indie Epub Journey!
What you said right here is sooo right-on:
“The best business and life coaches tell you to have your goals clearly lined out and to review them regularly. They say it helps you get so much more accomplished toward your goals than just keeping them in your head.”
A very important piece that I forgot to mention in my post is what you reminded me of here…and that is to regularly review your goal and production schedules.
I review my schedule each quarter and adjust accordingly.
For example, I didn’t even have the two short stories I’m about to release in my original 2011 Production Schedule. Those were new items that came to be throughout the rest of the year…so I added ‘em in.
My you have been busy writing. I have trouble keeping up with my daily schedule. So far I have scheduled in for the next 6 months: teen ebook 1 for October and maybe an adult romance ghost story for February. Other than that, I don’t know.
That’s perfectly awesome sauce, right there, Julie!!!
You’ve got a schedule started…now then…just fill ‘er in from there…
Go, Girl, Go!!!
D.D., you are inspiring. And just the teeniest bit terrifying. I guess I’d better get my derriere in gear and start writing.
No need to be terrified, Anne! LOL! I’m sooo not in denial that I’m a wee bit “off” in the sanity scale.
Cheers to that!
Isn’t she though?? I’ve been thinking about this post all day at my day job, and NOW I not only want to get me a new calendar, but I want to sign up for MUSE THERAPY AGAIN!!! I have to admit that two years ago when I did take DD’s Muse Therapy, I got so much writing done.
I’m going to try to knock at least four books out next year!!
You’re always welcome back in “therapy”, Super T! LOL!!!
And so are the rest of you WG2E-Land Peeps…here’s the scoop on Muse Therapy:
http://www.ddscott.com/muse.html
Is the Muse Therapy an ongoing group now? That appeals to me more than a class after which I tend to do stuff for week or so then fall back into my old habits.
U betchya, Alicia! It is an ongoing, never-ending “therapy” group now! LOL!!!
We’ll kick-off again on October 1st but I post on the loop periodically and anyone can post on there and ask me questions at any time as well.
We’ve been quiet lately but that’s because we’ve all been crankin’ out pages which is terrific!
But every few weeks, if I haven’t heard from y’all in awhile, I’ll go in and give ya some more LOLs. In fact, I’m heading over there in just a minute to post some nonsense!!!
I have already put together at least a draft of a schedule I’d like to stay on for ’12 and the end of ’11. But right now it falls after the three classes I’m taking which will complete my required hours towards my Masters at the end of this semester. Then I’ve got my thesis. My Masters is in Professional Writing, btw.
I’m deep in the middle of a awesome wip I’m also using in my Advanced Fiction writing course. My plan is for it to release in 1/12. And I’m proofing/editing my sequel to Perpetual Love, which I would like to see released by years end. All part of my schedule, all do-able. But I’m not as detailed as DeeDee to have when, where at to whom things get sent to. I’ve got my cover in mind, know what I want, just have to find someone.
Will I ever get to relax? Maybe, perhaps! Stay tuned to 2012 for that (I’ve got a graduation trip to myself in the works).
Oooo…congrats on your Masters, Jamie! Very cool!
And yes…what you said right here is crucial:
“All part of my schedule, all do-able.”
Make your Production Schedule something you think you can reach with just perhaps a bit of a stretch.
I would advise staying away from a schedule that is certain doom…that is sooo not gonna help you or your muses!
You want to motivate your muses, not scare the crap outuv ‘em! LOL!
What a schedule. I think when I really get into this Indie process I will have a better schedule too. But right now, just have to get started.
That’s the key, Jill…”just getting started”!!!
Go, Girl, Go!!!
Kudos to you for being so on the ball! You are truly an inspiration. Now I feel compelled to peel myself off the internet and get cracking on my next book!!
Atta Girl, Angel…
That can be your new mantra:
“I will peel myself off the internet and get crackin’ on my next book.”
Luuuvvv it! And I’m thrilled to be able to inspire you with my insanity!!! LOL!!!
Yet another inspiring posting from you, D.D.!
I’ve been making up a similar schedule for my own planned novels. The first one will be done and hopefully published by the end of next month. After that, I’ve got tentative schedules for my next five books, all of which I’m going to put out in 2012.
I think setting self-imposed deadlines is a great way to go. Nice to see how well it’s been working out for you.
Thanks bunches, Buddy!
And cheers to your first release being just about ready to go and then having a plan for what comes next!!!
U Go!!!
I think I need to bookmark this one. Looking forward to continuing to work with you well into the future!