I wrote my last blog post thirty days ago. Thanks to all who commented on that post and wished me happy holidays. I did have a wonderful family Christmas and New Year’s, ending with a pleasant weekend in the Sierra Nevada where I saw snow falling for the first time in several years. And yes, I caught some on my tongue … and fingertips and lashes.
At the time I wrote my last post, I thought it might be the last time I’d blog. To be honest, I needed to push away the thought of writing—period. Last year, I so pressured myself, as a writer, to do and be that by December, I was not only exhausted, I was lost. So I just gave up.
Two years ago this month, I’d made the decision to self-publish my novel The Brevity of Roses and had started a final edit in preparation. I’m in the same position this year with my next novel An Illusion of Trust. This time, though, I’m more realistic about the amount of work left to do before I can announce publication and in what to expect after that day.
Actually, my only expectation for after publication day is deciding what project to work on next. I’ll continue blogging and hope to interact more on the blogs I read. I’ll try to be more engaged on my Facebook author page, but I’ll probably continue being practically invisible on other social media.
I’ve faced that I suck at book marketing. But I’m not going to continue beating myself up about that. I have to trust that An Illusion of Trust will find its way to the readers who are meant to read it. I love to write. I love to share that writing with others. I’ve found my way back to that true path and I’m going to keep my eyes focused on it.
Your turn: What path are you focused on this year?
Welcome Back – glad you are BACK too! I am focused on health and well being this year; physically and mentally (need to change the thing in my life that I have no control over and stresses me out). Happy Monday & Good Luck!
Thank you, Renee. Health and well-being is a terrific goal. I need to focus on that too. I wish you much success this year.
You’re alive! I was beginning to worry.
You are an incredible writer and an inspiration. Can’t wait for the new book!
Thank you for missing me, K.S.
I have to say, I’ll be relieved when I’ve wrapped up this book. Although, I guess I shouldn’t be too anxious to move on because I have no idea what comes next.
Hello, dear. Welcome back! It’s so good to hear from you. You sound nice and positive. That’s good. You know, I’ve been spending a lot of time recently thinking just the same thing: more writing and less social networking. Seriously. Great minds think alike.
Happy New Year to you.
-Jimmy
It’s clear that I don’t have a natural social media personality, Jimmy, and the stress of trying to force that made me want to quit publishing. So, for now, I guess I’ll have to cut back on “marketing” and be satisfied with fewer readers, but more quality writing time. I hope, eventually, that will result in more readers because I’ll be a better writer.
I wish you a fantastic 2013!
Welcome back, Linda! I’m so glad you had a wonderful holiday break.
I’m taking a hiatus from weekly blogging about my writing and publication efforts and returning to a life of just plain old fashioned being creative by way of whatever tickles my fancy on that specific day.
Like you, I’m not much of a market minded, or driven person. Every time I get involved with marketing I lose my creative drive – not to mention a few more friends who get sick of being pounded by advertising campaigns and since as you know my friends are now numbered few – I consider them precious. Besides, as they are well aware, I don’t like to talk often and when I do I generally talk too much. SO….to make this short story longer…
This year I’ll try my best to devote most of my mental and emotional energy to returning to what makes me happy – simply being creative. That means drawing, painting, crafting, and sculpting in addition to writing. But as for the later, I’ll probably continue to write silently, alone, and without much support. I do plan to send manuscripts to agents and publishers when I feel they are ready. You may even see an update, poem, or a blurb from my WIP on one of those other blogs from time to time. However, as it has been for the past month and going forward, I’m-a-gonna keep my lips pressed and let the professionals do the talking, when (and if) that PROMOTION time comes.
So that’s my plan.
I wish you the best of luck in 2013, Linda.
From
A friend that recognizes the beauty of your well constructed sentences, smooth flowing lines, and impeccable grasp of keeping time believable on paper.
I’ve been watching your new blog direction, DS, and I’m inspired to return to some other creative outlets myself. And I plan to pursue some traditional publication as well as self-publishing, which is why I need more quality writing time. I can handle the writing load on my own, just not the marketing/promotion.
I return your 2013 wishes. May it be our most satisfyingly productive year yet.
Welcome back! I, too, have been lax in my blog writing – but, not in my novel writing, so, yeah!
I read your FB status this morning about blah blogging, Kat. While I was on hiatus, I read some of my old posts and realized that I lost my love of blogging when I started taking myself too seriously. I want to get back to just being ME again. I need to re-realize I’m just this little bitty voice blogging in the wilderness—and that’s a joyful freedom.
Best of writing to you in 2013!
Yes! I am posting now when I feel like it, and having fun with it – when I don’t raise the stakes, it becomes more fun . . . that applies to my writing life, too!
Fun is most important, Kat.
I am glad you are back. I missed your blogs. I share all of your frustrations, but ten steps behind you. We who are passionate about writing just can’t help but press on, right?
Awww, thank you for missing my blog, Mary Jean.
Write we must. Now, publishing what we write is another matter. 
Glad you are back.It is good to take a break every now and again. Happy revising!!
Thank you, Darlene. I’m glad I’m back too.
I’m sorry you felt like you needed to stop blogging. I pretty much stopped for all of December, so I know a little of the feeling! I think the most important marketing tool in a writer’s closet is just what you are doing … writing and publishing another book, then another and another. It’s certainly my main tool. You’re a wonderful, brilliant writer, and I can’t wait to read your new book.
I let myself get sucked into playing the author role, Michelle. Do you know what I mean? Whatever that is, I don’t know how to do it, so I gave up. I’m just going to write. Thanks for the encouragement to get this thing done.