On taking things in stride

I am not a laid back person by any means. I enjoy relaxing and there are days when it's better to flop on the couch than to anything. But when it comes to my writing, I'm very much the push-push-push type of gal.

Writing is not an industry where push actually works. It takes a long time for things to manifest. You write the book. Finished! But THE END is only the beginning in this long trip.

By taking things in stride, by not trying to change the unchangeable, it makes for a healthier, happier, and more productive work strategy. And life. Because let's face it, somethings (and people) can't be changed.

So as you're working on your next book while you wait for word on that one you just finished, remember: Sure, it's better to have another offering to agents/publishers/readers but it's better to step back, take a deep breath, and remember you're only in control of so much.

Monday Musings

I have girl scout cookies, a new dishwasher, a finished book, and a weekend off from writing. Life is good.

I know I have lots to do on the next book, I know I need to update the blog, the facebook page, the twitter feed, and yes even jump in and figure out that darn website and out to update that. And yes, I'll get to all that eventually.

But for today, I'm going to lounge on the couch and watch a little TV with the dog. I'm going to enjoy the moment and not pop up to write a few hundred words after work and dinner and before I crash. This week my brain will rest. My muse will recharge, and those pesky voices in my head will be silent.

If only for a little while. ;)

Keeping positive

Recession, swine flu, recession, unemployment, recession...it's a depressing state of affairs. Keeping positive isn't as hard as it sounds. I like time to myself, I like hibernating far far away from people. I'm finding now, as strange as it seems for ME, that joking about the little things is all it takes to make me laugh.

Sure, I work in a public library and sure, people are disgusting with their hygiene habits, but working with people I've known for years makes it less stressful. (I can hear you now asking how a library could be stressful. Trust me. It is. And if you have to ask, you haven't been in a busy one, in a poor neighborhood.)

That and writing. I'm breaking a story that takes place just after the American Revolution and tossing out crazy ideas that make me laugh. Improbably and I'd never ever use them, but even in this, you gotta laugh.

So that's my advice for today. Breathe deeply, scowl at the stupid people, and laugh. Even if it's at those stupid people, it'll make you feel good! That and sexy men...