A Dose of Change, A Dollop of Sprinkles

It’s finally here! Like the summer bedspread that sorely needed changing, my web presence has needed a facelift.  I’m happy to say my online home has been transformed and the linens refreshed. A lovely, new comforter has arrived!

For the past several months, I’ve worked closely with the PulsePoint Design Team as they created a spacious, beautiful home for me to move into.

You’ll notice a vast difference between my previous neck of the woods and my new digs. It’s like comparing apples to oranges, don’t you think? I’ve stepped out of my apartment and into a cottage. Unpacking has been half the fun!

Since I write heartfelt, homespun, contemporary Christian romance, PulsePoint pulled out all the stops to reflect a website that was uniquely me. You’ll notice bright colors, vivid fonts, and a comfy, but modern feel. Please accept this virtual cup of hot apple cider and join me as we chat today.

What made me decide to migrate from a blog to a fully-functioning website?

Well, I knew you’d ask that and I’m only too happy to dish about it. The answer: It was time!

When considering career choices, it’s necessary that we be proactive in our approach. Whether in the initial planning stages, or perhaps a bit further down the road, certain considerations are key in achieving our goals. Here are my suggestions:

• Make a list of life goals. Don’t just mentally summarize them. Write them down. Post them where you can see them. There’s accountability in visually seeing your hopes, dreams, and desires before you. What are you willing/going to do to pursue them? Jot your plan of action beneath each goal. One of my first priorities after signing with my literary agent was to build a website. I certainly wasn’t a techie, so obviously, this was something I knew I’d have to pay to have done.

• Determine your budget. Realize that with growth comes commitment. Commitment of time, energy, and financial resources. That’s not to say that we can’t be creative in self-promotion. There are many ways to utilize limited funds. The biggest isn’t necessarily the best, bells and whistles aren’t a substitute for subpar performance, and costly gimmicks may only last for a season. In other words, set your budget, allowing for some wiggle room should adjustments be necessary, and don your business hat during this step. With regard to a website, I investigated my available options, honing in on a company who not only had a stellar reputation and produced magnificent work, but a company who was known for their Christian philosophy, as well. I contacted PulsePoint via their website.

• Have a Plan B. Once you’ve determined the life goal you wish to pursue, established a working budget and made your contact, is it time to sit back and wait? Hardly! Those are crucial moments you should be planning your next move. Explore other ways and opportunities to make your goal happen should Plan A fall through. Now, I have to be honest here—I wanted to work with PulsePoint so badly I could hardly envision them turning me down. I realized that was pie-in-the-sky thinking and I did have a Plan B, but being the Pollyanna I am, I decided to see the glass as half-full. What was the worst that could happen if they turned me down? I would write them a nice “thank you” note for at least taking the time to respond, give it a month or so, and then I’d approach them again! (In case you haven’t guessed, I’m very determined.)

• Maintain professionalism, and remember, manners count. Realize kindness, courtesy, and etiquette speak volumes. In our excitement, we’re bound to make a faux pas sometimes. Whether the mistake is subtle or glaring, admit it, own it, and move on is my motto. If you wear your heart on your sleeve like me, that’s a bit easier said than done. To unintentionally overstep causes me distress, but blessedly, I’ve encountered a lot of understanding souls along my writing journey!

Thank you, Kelli, Emily, and PulsePoint Design Team for continuing to guide, nurture, and serve during this amazing journey! You rock big time!

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What’s next in your journey? What steps are you implementing to make a life goal happen?