More writing tips to beat the slump...

This week, I pick up where I left off on some more helpful hints that might jump-start your writing slump. By incorporating these hints, I was able to set a goal and keep my BIC.
1. Get serious about documenting and tracking: I'd be lost without my Exel spreadsheet for submissions and tracking. I keep a simple file with the following headers:
Title/ Sent to/ Date/ Method/ Follow Up/ Response
This has served me well as I've been able to stop myself from 'double dipping' on any one agent/editor. I know at a glance exactly when I sent something out and exactly when I should either give up or follow up. Which brings me to # 2:

2. SUBMIT, SUBMIT, SUBMIT!: I'm a fan of goals. Lord knows, I set long-term goals, short-term goals, weekly goals, daily goals, and hourly goals.
If you don't believe that, you should see my daytimer. Sometimes, I can't get anything done for checking up on my goals.
I read somewhere one should keep at least 12 things submitted at all times! Sometimes I go a little over, but most often, I fall way short.
What, you don't submit on a regular basis? Shame on you! I know Lana Turner got discovered when she least expected it, but I doubt if an editor will ever ring my phone and ask me if I'd like to write them a story. I gave up on that happening long ago. Now I CONTACT THEM!
I prefer email queries and we're seeing more and more of that type, but I try to submit something every week, either by email or snail mail. Believe it or not, once you set that goal and follow up for a couple of weeks, submitting is not the difficult job it's cracked up to be. Words I have taped on my home office wall:
IF I DON'T SUBMIT ANYTHING THIS WEEK, I'M GUARANTEED TO FAIL.

Next time: REJECTIONS--you gotta love 'em.