Every time I think I’m going to blog on a regular basis, like maybe weekly, something happens. Before I know it, two or three weeks have passed.
And while I don’t want to write something just for the sake of writing, I would like to communicate more often with my readers.
So what have I been up to the past couple of weeks? Of course, I’ve been writing. I’ve made a few changes to The Stranger (once offered as a free giveaway for my mailing list). I plan to make it available on Amazon and other retailers within a few days.
Final edits for Unseen Motives is coming along. I’ll be revealing a sneak peek at the cover soon and plan to have the book ready for sale in November. I’m also working on a short story with a Christmas theme.
But I also took a few days off from writing, and it’s been refreshing. I took the time to catch up on my reading list and have almost met my Goodreads challenge for this year.
Some of you may know I enjoy looking at the night skies—even it involves manmade objects. So when I learned the International Space Station would be visible a couple of weeks ago, I phoned my brother.
We watched it for four or five minutes until it faded from view. Afterward, we sat and talked as the stars became visible and the night insects began to chirp. We even heard a Screech Owl—something I hadn’t heard in a long time. (My mother was superstitious of them, but I love owls.)
Speaking of night skies, did you see the super moon last weekend? The Hunter’s moon is always bright, but it was especially so a few nights ago.
I didn’t have my camera (the photo is from a couple of years ago) because my husband and I were with friends. We went with a group to one of our favorite barbecue restaurants. (If you haven’t had Texas barbecue, you don’t know what you’re missing. However, I am biased.)
Part of my downtime includes spending more quality time with my spouse. We attended a production of The Miracle Worker a few weeks ago at our local community theater.
Throw in a class reunion, a birthday celebration for an aunt, and seeing the movie Sully on opening weekend.
So now, this extroverted introvert is ready to get back into my writing schedule, but the time away helped to clear my mind. I feel like I can focus on the editing with a clearer perspective.
Have you done anything special this fall? I’d love to hear about it.
13 Responses
I love looking at the night sky, Joan. My dad and I used to do it all of the time when I was a kid….sit outside, look at the stars and dream up stories. I even had a telescope as a teen.
Sometimes we need to take a break from the writing clutter and clear our heads. I’ve been working on my WIP (deadline) but I’m looking forward to breathing room by December. I’m definitely going to take some time to unwind then.
I’m looking forward to both of your releases, and if you’d like a promo spot on my blog when Unseen Motives is released, I’d be happy to host you!
You both (I think) know that I’m also a night-sky fan. I’ve mentioned it in stories and novels, I’ve blogged and pinned about it, and I’ve discussed it with you. I’m still thinking the three of us are somehow related…
We’re all busy with writing, editing, publishing. And family, too. I’m just glad we can check in with each other this way. Don’t feel badly about not posting regularly; I haven’t this year, either. But I agree with you, Joan: better not to post than to post nothing of quality just for the sake of a schedule.
And, like Mae said, my blog is open to you (to both of you) for promotion. 🙂
Staci, there has to be a connection somewhere! Twins…triplets. 🙂
I love the connections we’ve made and yes, it’s so nice that we have the cyber world in which to communicate.
Now that I almost have two of the busiest weeks of the year (day job wise) behind me, I’m ready to write and edit. Thanks for the offer of the guest spot. Would love to take you up on that.
🙂
It occurred to me that we have something else in common in that we must like lakes. Staci you have the Cathedral Lake series, Mae wrote Eclipse Lake, and my upcoming series is Driscoll Lake.
These similarities would be scary if I didn’t like you guys so much!
LOL
Something else we have in common! Such special times with your dad.
I purposely made myself step away from Unseen Motives while it was the beta readers. Don’t think I’d ever stop editing, but there comes a time when we have to let go. Ready to get this final round of editing behind me and publish! Plan to take December to start outlining book two of the series (which I hope to publish in late spring of 2017).
I’d love to be a guest on your site! Thanks for the offer. I know we’ll be in touch.
Sounds grand! Give me a holler at maeclair (at) maeclair (dot) com when you’re ready, Joan!
Will do, Mae!
Spring here, yet very cold still! I have slowed to blogging once a month. I just can’t seem to fit it all in, so don’t feel bad, blog when you can the creative dream is more important.
It took me a long time to realize that I don’t need to blog on a set schedule. To think that, several years ago I blogged 2-3 times a week is unfathomable to me now. But back then, I wasn’t writing novels. Take care, Kath, and I hope you have some warm weather soon!
I agree Joan over the years I have been blogging and writing. I noticed the ones who got books written were the ones, not on social media or blogging once week until their project was done. All the very best.