Darkspell update: It's amazing what everyone experiences. I've been told that authors don't get very much on book signings, yet that's where I've made the most money--a place where I show my face and smile and make friends! I purchased 200 books at the start and now I'm down to less than 50. Amazing...
Social networking: I found that there's a fine line between necessity and addiction. Have you found yourself obsessing over emails, or who said what to every little post on Facebook, Blogger, or Twitter?
Authorness: Well, I'm still getting used to the idea of public appearances, namely presentations. *shiver* I know the last one at TABC was a smashing hit once I decided to just be myself and have fun. It's like my first time every time I hold one--I'm hoping to get over my fear of public speaking!
Writing: I'm currently working on Hidden, a YA thriller type book (not sure what the genre is since the criminal is one of my MCs and he's 'abducted' the heroine.) I started it March 21st and have reached my 50k mark a few days ago. Yay!
Darkspell sequel: Naughty me, I haven't really worked on Darkwraith because I've competed one other book, Kursed, but Darkwraith is in the works. RockStar is a YA about a rock star (Moggie) who falls for little country girl Beth who discovers she has terminal cancer. Being an author with the very independent publisher makes me feel I have no direction so I'm all over the place. Aaack!
Looptee doo, I see you . . .
The month of April is abuzz with the alphabet if you haven't noticed already. So what's the fuzz? It's crazy how over 1500 bloggers scramble every day, posting their thoughts of the letter that day. Guess what? I'm a co-host. :O
What's your life like?
It sounds like you're actually doing very well at a very busy time of your life. And if you ever find the perfect balance, you'll make millions writing the formula, ha ha!
ReplyDeleteDan Wells gave a presentation and talked about how he budgets his time. He writes for a specific number of hours every day (I can't remember - something like three), and after that, he also spends a set period of time (each) on editing, researching, marketing, and self-promotion.
However, it's a little different for a mom, who can't keep a strict schedule without many necessary interruptions. But we do have more control than we think. Jean Keaton (an amazing artist who draws people who have died with Jesus) said that she was so harried, trying to do everything, she vented to a friend one day. The friend said, "No one controls your schedule but you."
Jean promptly went back and scheduled in a free day a week, and down-time each day.
I think - especially for writing moms - that planning unscheduled time is every bit as important as having a disciplined schedule. You have time to think, breathe, get your tasks done, and spend unhurried time with your family.
Keep up the good work!
That's SO true! Thank you for reminding me of that. I just need to rediscover my confidence because it has fled!
DeleteThanks for the post, Eliz, and what wonderful words of wisdom from Jonene!
ReplyDeleteI've decided that I want more discipline in my life. It should give me a sense of progress, at least. I have three goals for myself:
1. Draft something new every day, 1 hour minimum
2. Submit something every week (query, contest entry, short story, etc.)
3. Always be reading something
I don't have to worry about revising - that's my obsession.
That's great. I need to rediscover myself, it's been really tough on me since. I believe I overloaded my brain and have rebelled against myself. LOL...
DeleteIt is very intense with the A-Z postings. So hard to keep up with everyone and all the great posts :)
ReplyDeleteTell me about it..
DeleteI can't believe I wasn't following you until now.
ReplyDeleteJust did. Happy 200! :)
yay! Thank you, David!
DeleteSounds like you're getting tons done, Elizabeth, and writing all kinds of books without on direction is the way it often goes in indie publishing. Go with it!
ReplyDeleteI find that I don't obsess over my social networking now that I've forced myself to do a ton of it. I did when I started out, but now I know how to just check in a few times a day to chat with people on twitter and check my email only when I have time to answer it. I had to go through the obsess stage to get out the other side, though.
I've cut back on a lot of stuff to the point that I haven't really done much since school has ended! Ugh... Now to create a new schedule!
DeleteBalance is always difficult! Over the summer, I'm tilting the balance more toward the family end, but I know it will swing back in the fall. Good luck with all your projects!
ReplyDelete