Creative Business Planning for Writers

Creative Business Planning for Writers Samantha graduated from her writing program several years ago. With high marks and big dreams, she found herself working a department store instead. On some nights she compensated Writers like Samantha usually diagnose the problem as a lack of creativity. Little do they know that dreams arent always fueled Creative writers often overlook the value of a business plan. They believe its all about money and dont want to get involved with the facts and figures of it. They shy away from financial planning because its considered too left-brained for the artist. But even the simplest career layout will do. Not all big dreams have to start with dramatic origins. Basic preparation can make a big difference. With a little time and effort, small, but specific plans can transform writing ambiguity into a clearer sense of success. Good planning will mitigate self-doubt which, in turn, could minimize distractions. Setback wont turn into months of procrastination. A handy overview, such as a business plan, keeps a writer on track and financially stable in the long run. Here are four specific examples to show how the elements of a simple business plan could help Samantha – and writers like her – move towards success: (1)    A business plan enhances self-image. Every business plan contains an executive summary which defines the endeavor. Writers could use this statement to define a sharper self-image which will bolster self-confidence and enthusiasm. (2)    A business plan encourages social connections. A good plan helps determine how you will market to  potential mentors and publications alike. It defines your social circle too. A writer isnt born overnight and certainly not alone. Support is essential for success. A business plan challenges the writer to define which influences and niche excites her the most as well as where to focus her work. (3)    A business plan doubles as a funding manual. A writing aspiration needs real money to back it up. It is a sign of commitment and self-trust. A writer willing to budget for dreams will show that shes willing to walk the walk and talk the talk. Whether it be for contests, paper clips or new software, writers stand a better chance when they have money to spend. It not only makes sense for the pocketbook, it keeps the writers ego alive and healthy too. (4)    A business plan marks important dates and deadlines. A writer is nothing without her deadlines. Procrastination runs rampant in the community and following up on ones goals is crucial to success. A business plan gives a birds-eye view of what needs to be done and at what time. A writer in control is a strong writer; she will be focused during tough times and wiser during good ones. Creative writers, like Samantha, arent always the first to admit theyre in business. But the art needs to be supported Samantha doesnt have to waste time any more. She can set down a simple business plan which will transform her attitude and goals towards a real path towards success. Without doubt, opportunities await her prepared mind.

Germans in the American Revolution

Germans in the American Revolution As Britain fought its rebel American colonists during the American Revolutionary War, it struggled to provide troops for all the theaters it was engaged in. Pressures from France and Spain stretched the small and understrength British army, and as recruits took time to try, this forced the government to explore different sources of men. It was common in the eighteenth century for ‘auxiliary’ forces from one state to fight for another in return for payment, and the British had made heavy use of such arrangements in the past. After trying, but failing, to secure 20,000 Russian troops, an alternative option was using Germans. German Auxiliaries Britain had experience in using troops from the many different German states, especially in creating the Anglo-Hanoverian army during the Seven Years War. Initially, troops from Hanover- connected to Britain by the bloodline of their king- were placed on duty in the Mediterranean islands so their garrisons of regular troops could go to America. By the end of 1776, Britain had agreements in place with six German states to provide auxiliaries, and as most came from Hesse-Cassel, they were often referred to en masse as Hessians, although they were recruited from all across Germany. Nearly 30,000 Germans served in this way during the span of the war, which included both normal line regiments and the elite, and often in demand, Jgers. Between 33–37% of the British manpower in the US during the war was German. In his analysis of the military side of the war, Middlekauff described the possibility of Britain fighting the war without Germans as â€Å"unthinkable†. The German troops ranged greatly in effectiveness and ability. One British commander said the troops from Hesse-Hanau were basically unprepared for the war, while the Jgers were feared by the rebels and praised by the British. However, the actions of some Germans in plundering- allowing the rebels, who also plundered, a major propaganda coup which caused exaggeration for centuries- further reinforced the considerable numbers of Britons and Americans angry that mercenaries were being used. American anger at the British for bringing in mercenaries was reflected in Jefferson’s first draft of the Declaration of Independence: â€Å"At this very time too they are permitting their chief magistrate to send over not only soldiers of our common blood but Scotch and foreign mercenaries to invade and destroy us.† Despite this, rebels tried frequently to persuade the Germans to defect, even offering them land. The Germans at War The campaign of 1776, the year the Germans arrived, encapsulates the German experience: successful in battles around New York but made infamous as failures for their loss at the Battle of Trenton, when Washington won a victory vital for rebel morale after the German commander had neglected to build defenses. Indeed, the Germans fought in many places across the US during the war, although there was a tendency, later on, to sideline them as garrisons or just raiding troops. They are chiefly remembered, unfairly, for both Trenton and the assault on the fort at Redbank in 1777, which failed due to a mixture of ambition and faulty intelligence. Indeed, Atwood has identified Redwood as the point at which German enthusiasm for the war began to fade. Germans were present in the early campaigns at New York, and they were also present at the end in Yorktown. Intriguingly, at one point, Lord Barrington advised the British king to offer Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, the commander of the Anglo-Hanoverian army of the Seven Years War, the post of commander in chief. This was tactfully rejected. Germans Among the Rebels There were Germans on the rebels side among many other nationalities. Some of these were foreign nationals who had volunteered as individuals or small groups. One notable figure was a buccaneering mercenary and Prussian drill master- Prussia was regarded as having one of the premier European armies- who worked with the continental forces. He was (American) Major-General von Steuben. In addition, the French army which landed under Rochambeau included a unit of Germans, the Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment, sent to try and attract deserters from the British mercenaries.   The American colonists included large numbers of Germans, many of whom had initially been encouraged by William Penn to settle Pennsylvania, as he deliberately tried to attract Europeans who felt persecuted. By 1775, at least 100,000 Germans had entered the colonies, making up a third of Pennsylvania. This stat is cited from Middlekauff, who believed in their abilities so much he called them â€Å"the best farmers in the colonies† However, many of the Germans tried to avoid service in the war - some even supported the loyalist caused – but Hibbert is able to refer to a unit of German immigrants who fought for the US forces at Trenton – while Atwood records that â€Å"the troops of Steuben and Muhlenberg in the American army† at Yorktown were German.Sources:  Kennett,  The French Forces in America, 1780–1783, p. 22-23Hibbert, Redcoats and Rebels, p. 148Atwood, the Hessians, p. 142Marston,  The American Revolution, p. 20Atwood,  The Hessians, p. 257Middlekauff,  The Glorious Cause, p. 62Middlekauff,  The Glorious Cause, p. 335Middlekauff, The Glorious Cause, p. 34-5