Feeling a bit stabby

I don't expect things in my life to go swimmingly. I would probably die of shock. But I would like things to go as planned with few hiccups.

I'm starting an author's newsletter.

Woot!

I've no idea what in the blue fuck I'm doing.

woot

Okay. Listen. I've taken notes from other authors. I've gleaned pertinent info about who supposedly is the easiest to use and how you only have to drag and drop and how simple putting that one page together is.

😑

Nay, I say unto you.

NAY

I've been dicking with MailChimp for hours. HOURS of my life, guys. And I'm not much farther in than when I started. It's not easy for me. I am driving the struggle bus. Like WTF? 

I'm a visual learner, and I looked up a YouTube video. It's a bit helpful. Will have to rewatch probably half a dozen times. *sigh*

For now? 

Feeling a little bit stabby. Just a wee bit. 

Why do people and things have to be so difficult? 😒 

Always writing*

...or looking up how to start a damn newsletter with my awkward ass...

Ya girl is EXCITED!

No. I still can't breathe out of my nose. sigh

BUT...I AM attending...

I'm completely overwhelmed and excited! The ad kept popping on my FB feed, and I wanted to go, but I thought it would involve travel and various other issues I would not be up for solving right now. But I check out the site anyway, and I'm blown away by the programs and speakers. 

It then becomes a *tiny* obsession. I want to go to this, but I'm not a member of RWA. Way back in the day, they didn't accept ePress published books. My first book published in 2005. That's how way back I mean. But they've evolved with the times. Absolutely awesome. But there's also a fee for the conference, and rightfully so, that I don't have. 

I'm looking at a late March event and wondering if I need a hotel room, how many books to take, and other items that will utilize funds. I've never been to this event. I hate not quite knowing what to expect.

I then realize that RWA, you absolute jewels, are offering a scholarship to this wonderful weekend. 😍 

I apply a day before the cut-off day.

Then I receive an email today saying I've been chosen for one of the scholarships!!! 

*office chair dancing*

This coming weekend, January 20th and 21st, is booked!

I'm virtually attending this wonderful weekend workshop for Independent Authors. 😁 

Man, I'm going to need snacks.

Always writing*

...and attending helpful workshops...thanks RWA!

 

Bon bons?

I throw myself back on the bed with a dramatic swish of my sea-green satin gown. The back of my right hand meets my forehead, and I sigh loudly. "I need the bon bons."

Hell yes, I need the bon bons. I don't think I've ever had a bon bon. But that was a running joke when I took early retirement. Lazing around. Eating bon bons. 

I do not live a bon bon life. Like...I'm curious about that tier of whatever that's called, but I would lose my shit after about six hours of it. 

Been under the weather the past four or so days. The Honey still has her lingering coughing. She had strep and an ear infection. Daughter had strep. Gbabies were sick. I don't think I had it as bad as they did, but mine came with body flares (thanks fibro, you absolute shit) and headaches. Sudden onset headaches. Not a fan.

I'm firming up my 2024 schedule with writing, appearances, etc. Starting on two new books, Contemporary Romance and that always different Other. My FB posts and my Gmail are blowing up like floats at Macey's Parade. All I could do was sort and stack.

I'd rather be busy than bon bonning. I'd rather be absolutely losing my mind over putting the perfect paragraph together or booking the right hotel or applying for an Author Event than massacring the chocolate.

Maybe some people simply aren't bon bon people. I don't think that signifies the "good life" for me. 

I'm looking more for all the family roasting s'mores at a big cabin. Having a personal assistant I can be manic with. Knowing readers are looking forward to reading my stories.

Yeah. 

That beats a bon bon any day.

Always writing*

...I think I'm prioritizing the "Other"... 

Shall we?

I took time over the Christmas holiday to step back from the writing a bit. Did I make notes? Sure. Did I type up my goals? Uh huh. Did I completely rearrange the Sanctuary? Of course I did!

But I didn't sit down in front of my computer and physically work on anything.

Today is my first day back.

And I'm conflicted because of course I am!

(small sidenote: the Honey has strep and an ear infection. I'm dreading the day her germs may catch up with me and overtake my immunocompromised system, and I fall to the enemy. will update as needed.)

Two completely different stories. 

One is a Contemporary Romance which could lead into a series.

Two is a different sort of romance I've never read. That's why I need to write it. And the characters are quieter in my head but incredibly persistent.

I can usually tell, by this far in, which story I will cater.

No such luck.

Both are giving dialogue. I've opened OneNote Notebooks on both. 

I've never written two books at once, and I truly don't wish to start now. 

My fear is that the fibro will screw me up somehow (fibro fog). On the other hand, I have two, they're so different perhaps I should try?

But that's giving four or five characters access to my headspace 24/7 instead of the usual two or three. That's a lot of voices, even for me. You know, plus the regular crowd.

And if I DO allow two books, is that what the future will look like? 

Characters simply bipping in when they want, setting up shop, and monopolizing my attention?

Do I hate that?

Nope. Not gonna lie.

Will I forget showers, eating, and my name? Mebbe...😑

sigh

I digress.

Maybe I'll work on both. I certainly need to cleanse the palate before I write "Canary: Out of the Shadows", the third and final book in the "Canary" series. 

Plan on finishing five titles this year. We'll see what shakes out.

Stay warm, my lovelies!

Shall we begin?

Hello, 2024.

Always writing*

Melancholy or Merry? Both.

It's the end of the year sadness for me. Quiet. Introspective. Some read more into this than they should. I'm allowed.  

I need this as much as the mania, laughter, and snark. Maybe even more.

It's as if I've a blanket on me that I've snatched and pulled all around me, holding tight, making sure I'm covered properly with all the security I need and trust. And now it's the time to loosen my hold and straighten the fabric to fold and put away for 2023.

Because I won't be taking my 2023 blanket into 2024. 

New goals, books, decisions, and thoughts. New experiences. New intentions. 

But between now and January 1st? 

Lots of thoughts. 

I've pushed back starting a book because I need the separation. I have tabs open, but I haven't dived into OneNote yet. But when I do, it'll be back to the heart of it. The absolute madness of the story and the love affair we'll have. The air will be electric.

But for now, I'll relax at my desk, talk sweet to Simba, and let the end of the year wash over me like gentle waves.

Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!

Crystal*

Overwhelmed? Yeah. A titch.

I will have five things to do and add two more. Or say "sure" when someone asks if I can add something on to what I'm doing.

I'm an idiot like this. Always have been.

I also like to book myself to the nth degree and then wonder why my ass is hitting my heels.

Let's book events two weekends in a row, cook Thanksgiving for a large crowd (the best crowd-wouldn't change a thing), then stumble into December with appointments, parties, no Christmas shopping done, and another event. OH! And a book dropping Black Friday.

I can do it all or die trying. 💀 

I'm booking four to five author events for 2024. And they are asking if I have a Personal Assistant.

A what? 😕

Personal assistant?

An assistant that is personal to me?

Do people have those? Other writers have those?

What is that even LIKE?

I'm completely perplexed and envious.

I'm making that a goal for 2024. Acquire a Personal Assistant.

It all sounds so...wonderful.

Always writing*

It's beginning to look a lot like...

 ...The Big Christmas Expo in El Reno!

I'll be spending my Saturday and Sunday from 10-6 here this weekend. I'm incredibly excited. Last year, I had ALL my Christmas shopping done early. First time ever. I've not replicated that this year. But this year has been a bit different and definitely busier.

I will probably do a LOT of Amazon shopping because my days are busy with family, events, and writing.

I'm a bit twitchy because I always get this way before an event. The unknown tends to rattle me. But I'm prepared with books, swag, and I'll be bringing some suckers. Woot!

I think the atmosphere is going to be absolutely amazing. I'm ready for it.

August took approximately three years. Then September and October was an inhale and exhale. November looks to be another quick one.

More good news!

I have my Canary: Dark Descent ebook for pre-order. I have it on sale the day it releases, Black Friday 11-24, through Cyber Monday, 11-27. It'll be discounted at $2.99. The price will go up to $4.99 on Tuesday the 28th.

Look for me bundling Canary and Canary: Dark Descent paperbacks around the beginning of December.

Have a great week!

Always writing*

...and doing a jig with my anxiety...