Apparently my previous post sounded a little down. I’m not depressed or upset about anything. Not really. Maybe a little frustrated with the absence of my muse lately, but certainly not depressed. There’s no reason to be. The print edition of THE WAGONMASTER has met with very positive reviews. 🙂 Gotta love that.
The Hamster Factor and Other Tales of Twelve Monkeys move And the part about not making any money at writing wasn’t a complaint, just an explanation as to why I don’t feel I should really make myself miserable spending all my spare time on promotion and stuff.
I don’t write for the money. (Right now there isn’t much money to consider. LOL) I write because I enjoy it. Maybe one day when I make the big time, money might play a bigger role in my decisions, but not now. Now I write (and promote my writing) when I want to– because it’s fun. When it stops being fun, I have to take a step back and reevaluate things.
The last post was just about that reevaluation. That’s all. I think my muse’s defiant refusal to cooperate is because I was spending too much of my free time doing stuff that wasn’t bringing me any enjoyment. There were things that were causing me stress. I don’t like stress. LOL
Blue Collar full movie Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning trailer So, as evidenced by the lack of posts, I’m currently spending my free time doing things I enjoy, like reading, having lunch with my daughter, or playing video games with my son. I’m thinking that maybe if I let go of some of the stress related to writing (and especially the promotion of it,) I can coax my muse into returning.
That’s the plan anyway. The General Died at Dawn rip
Nita
Don’t be down, it doesn’t help. Smack yourself and begin again. It’s in there you know it is.
Stress stinks, heck I am so in the red with money. I could never recoup what I have spent. But I could never recoup what I have found any other way.
It’ll come, you’ll see. One of these days you’ll say, hmmm. maybe I’ll try a page or two. See what happens.
Hey, Nita,
I still read your blog when I get the chance, I promise. And I know exactly how you feel. I did the exact same thing you’re doing last year, right about this time, too. My second book had just come out with Kensington and within a month, I’d found out they wouldn’t buy anymore from me. It was devastating, ego-wise. I just said the heck with it and dropped everything — all of my promo. I pulled ads, cancelled book signings and chats and literally retreated. I didn’t even write. At that point, I didn’t figure it mattered anyway. But you know what? Going on that self-induced exile/sabbatical really helped. I spent time with my kids, my husband, my friends. I wasn’t glued to the computer or my laptop, not always checking emails, not always spending extra money on promo items or opportunities. When I did return to writing about two months later, it was with a renewed optimism and enthusiasm. I’ve been going at it ever since. I’m even doing an online workshop this month, and a little free promo gig over at Coffee Time this month — the first stuff like that I’ve done since last fall. And probably the last I’ll do for awhile, too, LOL. I’ve come to enjoy my “down time” away from promotions. Like you, I felt burnt out on it. REALLY burnt out. I don’t miss it at all. *hug* I hope you enjoy yourself. Your muse will find her way again, don’t worry. 🙂
Hey, Nita! I was thinking about you today and thought I’d drop you a comment. I changed my e-mail addy. authorlexiconnor@yahoo.com. Let me know how you’re doing! Take care.
Your muse is just on sabbatical, it’ll be back.
Smack yourself, you’ll be fine!!
Big smile.
I am reading the Wagonmaster right now, I really wish I didn’t have to be at work right now because I really want to finish it up!! I only just started reading last night and read quite a bit on my lunch break and I’m having a hared time staying away from it : )
Can’t wait to see how it ends!
I want to thank all of you for the wonderful support! You’re the best!