Bad days, months, years--we all have them. We all think about giving up, instead of thinking outside the box for solutions, about how to make it all work. This blog post by Kristen Lamb is incredibly encouraging! And lets everyone know they're not alone. Let this one encourage you!
COMING NEXT WEEK:
Recently, a non-writing friend asked, “Do you ever look back and think, ‘Wow, I wrote XX number of books last year?’” Hmmm... honestly, I don’t.
But I should.
Because when I did stop to think about it, it totally blew my mind! Just in my published works, I have 3 contemporary romances written and released, 1 written and scheduled for fall, and 3 in some stage of production. That doesn’t include the 6 additional stories I wrote before I published.
[caption id="attachment_731" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Titles by author Kira Sinclair[/caption]
It’s pretty astounding to realize I’ve completed that many stories. Most aspiring authors finish 1 book, maybe 2. I have a lot of accomplishments under my belt for a new author. :)
Why don’t I savor these milestones more? I think, when you are a published author working on a publishing deadline, your focus is always ahead to the next book, the next deadline, the tasks on the list left to be done. There’s little time for looking back.
But we should.
[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Titles by Kimberly Lang & Andrea Laurence[/caption]
This reminds me of when my kids were babies. There was so much that needed to be done in any given day, that savoring the wonder of having these children in my life was virtually impossible—unless I reminded myself to STOP and look for it. But when I did then...and I do now...what incredible beauty I see!
[caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="212"]
Title by Marilyn Baxter[/caption]
I have a group of friends who have been tight knit since long before we published. Now we are ALL published authors. Between us we have numerous novels and novellas. It’s incredible to think about what we’ve accomplished in the 10 years we’ve known each other. Throughout this post are pictures of our books. Looking at them makes me smile. For the record, that’s a good thing when you’re on deadline!
Dani
Takeaway: What accomplishments should you stop and savor? What memories make you smile in the midst of your current hard work?
Titles by author Kira Sinclair[/caption]
It’s pretty astounding to realize I’ve completed that many stories. Most aspiring authors finish 1 book, maybe 2. I have a lot of accomplishments under my belt for a new author. :)
Why don’t I savor these milestones more? I think, when you are a published author working on a publishing deadline, your focus is always ahead to the next book, the next deadline, the tasks on the list left to be done. There’s little time for looking back.
But we should.
[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Titles by Kimberly Lang & Andrea Laurence[/caption]
This reminds me of when my kids were babies. There was so much that needed to be done in any given day, that savoring the wonder of having these children in my life was virtually impossible—unless I reminded myself to STOP and look for it. But when I did then...and I do now...what incredible beauty I see!
[caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="212"]
Title by Marilyn Baxter[/caption]
I have a group of friends who have been tight knit since long before we published. Now we are ALL published authors. Between us we have numerous novels and novellas. It’s incredible to think about what we’ve accomplished in the 10 years we’ve known each other. Throughout this post are pictures of our books. Looking at them makes me smile. For the record, that’s a good thing when you’re on deadline!
Dani
Takeaway: What accomplishments should you stop and savor? What memories make you smile in the midst of your current hard work?
My sister, author Ella Sheridan, posted a blog that echoed mine from April 7th. (Both posted on the same day, with no collaboration--imagine that!) But if my remarks about perfectionism and balance resonated with you, hers most definitely will. Check out The Yin Yang That is My Life.
*Above picture courtesy of DonkeyHotey on Flickr
*Above picture courtesy of DonkeyHotey on Flickr
I’m a lifelong reader. My first love was romance books and, though I read many subgenres, they all have that happily ever after in common. I love them so much that I wanted to write my own. Twelve years later, I write my own romances...and I don’t read nearly as much.
This was brought home to me over the last few weeks as I’ve been judging entries to Romance Writers of America’s RITA contest. It’s rare that I take enough time off to read a whole book. I usually only do it between projects, or during revisions, so that I don’t adopt the other author’s voice or characteristics as my own.
The good thing about this is I have to read these books by the judging deadline—so its a great excuse to give myself permission to read. I’m enjoying the chance to do this without the guilt of these words floating through my mind...you should be working.
Reading reminds me why I started writing in the first place. And the joy of losing myself in a fictional world without all the work of having to create it. :)
Takeaway: Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy!
How many books do you read in a week?
Dani
The good thing about this is I have to read these books by the judging deadline—so its a great excuse to give myself permission to read. I’m enjoying the chance to do this without the guilt of these words floating through my mind...you should be working.
Reading reminds me why I started writing in the first place. And the joy of losing myself in a fictional world without all the work of having to create it. :)
Takeaway: Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy!
How many books do you read in a week?
Dani
It's September in the South, but the heat isn't quite ready to let go of us yet! Still, for those of us in the US, it means the kids are back in school and football season is here. Its a busy time for my little band geek (Book Worm) and Little Man as they return to the rhythms of getting up early, studying, and homework.
[caption id="attachment_165" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Nearby Waterfall[/caption]
August passed in a blur as I started, and finished, the rough draft of my next Harlequin Desire. But revisions will have to wait, because I'm off mid-month to visit the beautiful vistas of Ireland! Traveling with my besties and sis to see some of the places I've only read about--and plot Sean's book while I'm there. He's the sexy Irish drummer who will be featured as the hero in the third Backstage Pass novel.
Progress on Daniel's book has been slow because of my Harlequin commitment, but I'm hoping to have a more definitive timeline soon! My upcoming trip will provide some much needed creative inspiration. Sometimes artists forget how important it is to refill the well from which we mine our ideas.
I was reminded of this (yes, I do need a reminder upside the head now & then) when I went with sis on a road trip to hear one of my favorite authors speak: Lexi Blake! Talk about a genuine, heartfelt woman! We listened, learned, and laughed the day away. It reminded me of Nationals, but not nearly as exhausting. :)
I still have a lot to learn about writing (and probably always will), and listening to any subject that interests me, viewing art, and allowing myself to just soak in knowledge is so refreshing. Heck, talking with other artists can do the same thing! My chaotic schedule doesn't allow for it often enough, but I really need to make time for it regularly. It energizes my writing and makes me a happier person.
I hope y'all find a wealth of inspiration as fall colors and cooler weather make their way in (or new spring growth in other parts of the world)! Watch the blog later this month for pictures from my trip!
Don't forget to keep updated with me day-to-day on Facebook (see sidebar link) or on Twitter as @daniwade1 .
Dani
Nearby Waterfall[/caption]
August passed in a blur as I started, and finished, the rough draft of my next Harlequin Desire. But revisions will have to wait, because I'm off mid-month to visit the beautiful vistas of Ireland! Traveling with my besties and sis to see some of the places I've only read about--and plot Sean's book while I'm there. He's the sexy Irish drummer who will be featured as the hero in the third Backstage Pass novel.
Progress on Daniel's book has been slow because of my Harlequin commitment, but I'm hoping to have a more definitive timeline soon! My upcoming trip will provide some much needed creative inspiration. Sometimes artists forget how important it is to refill the well from which we mine our ideas.
I was reminded of this (yes, I do need a reminder upside the head now & then) when I went with sis on a road trip to hear one of my favorite authors speak: Lexi Blake! Talk about a genuine, heartfelt woman! We listened, learned, and laughed the day away. It reminded me of Nationals, but not nearly as exhausting. :)
I still have a lot to learn about writing (and probably always will), and listening to any subject that interests me, viewing art, and allowing myself to just soak in knowledge is so refreshing. Heck, talking with other artists can do the same thing! My chaotic schedule doesn't allow for it often enough, but I really need to make time for it regularly. It energizes my writing and makes me a happier person.
I hope y'all find a wealth of inspiration as fall colors and cooler weather make their way in (or new spring growth in other parts of the world)! Watch the blog later this month for pictures from my trip!
Don't forget to keep updated with me day-to-day on Facebook (see sidebar link) or on Twitter as @daniwade1 .
Dani I had the privilege of attending Romance Writers of America's National Conference in Atlanta, GA this year! It's been several years since I've been able to go, and the fact that this was the year I was eligible for the pink SOLD! ribbon made it that much more special.
I helped out at the PASIC reception held at Miss Pittypat's Porch! This restaurant was incredible! Great food. genuine southern hospitality. and a really cool atmosphere.
[caption id="attachment_552" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Authors Kira Sinclair. Dani Wade, Andrea Laurence[/caption]
I only got to attend 1 workshop while I was there but both the luncheon speeches were very inspirational! I'd forgotten how beneficial it is to listen to other authors talk about their journeys, the pitfalls and the high points. I came away with my creative well full and energized to write.
The majority of my time at Nationals was focused on the RITA Awards ceremony, as I was on the Awards committee this year. But those rehearsals were all worth it! And I got to see my lovely sister, Ella Sheridan, on her big night! She was a finalist for RWA's Golden Heart Award for Paranormal Romance. She didn't win, but we still celebrated her first publishing contract by dancing the night away after the show.
[caption id="attachment_548" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Authors Ella Sheridan, Dani Wade[/caption]The other major event for me was meeting my editor for the very first time! Charles Griemsman is my editor at Harlequin Desire. It was wonderful getting to know him better, and attending a dinner with him and other Desire authors. They were all very welcoming and I truly enjoyed learning about each of these lovely ladies!
[caption id="attachment_549" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani Wade with editor Charles Griemsman[/caption][caption id="attachment_550" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Authors Anna DePalo, Katherine Garbera, Emily McKay, editor Charles Griemsman, Michelle Celmer, Dani Wade[/caption]
Probably my favorite time of the trip was the Harlequin Party! This annual event is put on by my publisher at Nationals to celebrate their authors. We danced, had desserts and drinks, and sang long into the night. I got to see my cover for His By Design make an appearance on the big screens hung near the dance floor. The Sale Shoes even made an appearance!!! It wouldn't be a Harlequin Party without them.
[caption id="attachment_551" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Authors Addison Fox. Liz Talley, Jennifer Bray-Weber, Dani Wade[/caption][caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Sale Shoes!!! Black-Dani Wade, Silver-Andrea Laurence, Brown-Kira Sinclair, slippers-Kimberly Lang (who had a good excuse for not wearing her sale shoes)[/caption]
Every year that I've attended a National Conference has taught me something about myself, has pushed me forward in a career I love so very much. This year was about stepping outside my comfort zone, meeting new people, and trying not to panic in the glass elevators. :) And it was my first time to really enjoy being Dani Wade, author. I think I accomplished a lot, hopefully started some new friendships, and created some great memories. I can't wait to do it all again next year!
Dani
Next week is the Romance Writers of America National conference, the ultimate conference in the US for romance writing professionals. It's THE place to learn, socialize, meet industry professionals, and network. My first RWA National conference was quite a few years ago in New York. I was both nervous and exhilarated at the same time. Five conferences later, that hasn't changed. Though I feel those same emotions for different reasons.
This year I'll be meeting my Harlequin editor for the first time, assisting with the RITA awards production, putting faces to the names of my fellow Desire authors, and helping my little sis celebrate her Golden Heart final. I'll also get to attend as a PAN (Published Authors Network - recognition of an author achieving a certain level of professional sales with her writing) member, my debut year after making PAN with my first Harlequin contract.
But I'll also get to meet up with authors I only get to see at conference (like my Ruby Slippered Sisters) and hopefully get to go to a workshop or two on topics that aren't widely available at chapter meetings.
Though attending conference means 4 1/2 days of constant people, along with the stress of being "on" all the time, and even the good stress of catching up and meeting people, these times navigating crowds and learning to pull myself out of my comfort zone have been some of the biggest growth opportunities of my life. They've helped this introvert develop better people skills, more confidence, priorities, and learn to accept not being perfect. By Sunday morning I'm exhausted but happy.
So next week I'll be silent (because I'll be prepping, then gone), but I hope to return with many, many happy memories and some pictures to share!
Until then, share with us your most exciting/exhausting growing experiences. If you'd attended Nationals, what's your favorite memory?
Dani
We’re working hard to slim down before RWA Nationals in July through healthy eating, exercise, sharing information, and accountability. Join us any time along the way, introduce yourself and post goals, or just contribute to the conversation! We’re here to share!
When it comes to sleep, I'm an 8 hour a night girl. My hubby can attest that my grumpiest years were the infant stages where my babies woke me up during the night. Since I've started working full-time and publishing, one of my most fervent wishes has been to get by with less sleep. But I neglect those hours to my (and my employers) detriment.
Without adequate sleep, I spend all day in a fog and am dozing over my work-in-progress by 7pm. So sleep I must. When I protect those 7-8 hours, my body and brain rewards me by being more alert and on board when I am awake. I'm able to exercise and make better eating choices because I'm not noshin' all day to try to keep myself awake.
Challenge: Are you a 6, 7, 8 hour a night girl? Does the amount of sleep you get affect your writing/exercise/eating choices? How do you ensure you get enough rest? Don't forget to check in!!!
Dani
P.S. A big thanks to Kayelle Allen for the updated version of our button!!!!! Didn't she do a great job?
Aargh! I’m drowning in work stuff, kid stuff, writing stuff…and now my brain has said its HAD ENOUGH!
Sound familiar? Or am I the only over-achiever wannabe in the room? I want to be the best Mom, wife, daughter, employee, writer I can be. Until I run down with exhaustion. Not good.
So I’m adopting a concept I’ve used with my kids and have heard of others doing. I take a “Mental Health Day”. As a planner, mine have an agenda, of course. They must involve some combination of the following:
1. No work.
That means no day job (if I have PTO, sometimes even if I don’t), but sometimes I schedule it for those oh-too-few Monday holidays. It also means no writing, typing, research, blogging, etc. Yes, writing is fun, but its work for the brain – which needs rest and recuperation.
2. Have fun.
No dishes or laundry. Only activities that I enjoy and refill my depleted energy and enthusiasm. Mine include: reading, watching movies, and scrapbooking.
3. Take a nap.
My perfect day includes an uninterrupted nap. That’s just me. You might have a different heavenly activity, but I love to snuggle down into a fuzzy blanket mid-afternoon and drift away for a while.
I don't get to indulge in them nearly often enough, but I think days whose sole purpose is to renew and refresh your brain are very important. Those are my 3 must-haves for a perfect Mental Health Day. What are yours?
Sound familiar? Or am I the only over-achiever wannabe in the room? I want to be the best Mom, wife, daughter, employee, writer I can be. Until I run down with exhaustion. Not good.
So I’m adopting a concept I’ve used with my kids and have heard of others doing. I take a “Mental Health Day”. As a planner, mine have an agenda, of course. They must involve some combination of the following:
1. No work.
That means no day job (if I have PTO, sometimes even if I don’t), but sometimes I schedule it for those oh-too-few Monday holidays. It also means no writing, typing, research, blogging, etc. Yes, writing is fun, but its work for the brain – which needs rest and recuperation.
2. Have fun.
No dishes or laundry. Only activities that I enjoy and refill my depleted energy and enthusiasm. Mine include: reading, watching movies, and scrapbooking.
3. Take a nap.
My perfect day includes an uninterrupted nap. That’s just me. You might have a different heavenly activity, but I love to snuggle down into a fuzzy blanket mid-afternoon and drift away for a while.
I don't get to indulge in them nearly often enough, but I think days whose sole purpose is to renew and refresh your brain are very important. Those are my 3 must-haves for a perfect Mental Health Day. What are yours?
I voluntarily confess to being a music fanatic. Next to a good book, an iTunes card is my favorite gift. Now, I didn’t say I was an aficionado – I pretty much have specific things I’ll listen to: Top 40s, some harder rock, a bare minimum of country, and some instrumental movie soundtracks that I like to write to. That’s about it, but its more than enough. Go one day without music and I’m most definitely going crazy.
Music motivates my writing, enriching scenes, evoking emotion. Each of my main characters has a theme song that I listen to when I need to get into their state of mind quickly. This would annoy anyone within listening distance, because I play the same song over and over on repeat. Lucky for those around me, I use headphones.
But I’ve learned that music can motivate me in many areas – lifting me from a bad mood, saving me from boredom, ramping up my speed on the elliptical, and yes, even making housework fun. As long as I can remember, my mother has cranked up some fun, upbeat music while she dances her way through the housework. I didn’t adopt this practice when I moved out on my own, but a couple of Christmases ago the hubby gave me a pair of speakers shaped like red high heels. I could plug in my iPod and listen while I cooked dinner. Then during dishes. Now, I too love to crank it up while cleaning in just about anything. It makes the time pass quicker and gives me something to think about other than the fact that I have to scrub toilets.
What about you? What role does music play in your life? What is your favorite song? I’ll leave you with a video of my current hero’s “theme song”:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3HHZ43jq1U&w=560&h=315]
Dani
I love hearing from my readers! For every comment in the month of March, you are entered into a drawing for a $5 Amazon gift card. Simply comment with your email address. I'll draw for the winner on March 31st!
But I’ve learned that music can motivate me in many areas – lifting me from a bad mood, saving me from boredom, ramping up my speed on the elliptical, and yes, even making housework fun. As long as I can remember, my mother has cranked up some fun, upbeat music while she dances her way through the housework. I didn’t adopt this practice when I moved out on my own, but a couple of Christmases ago the hubby gave me a pair of speakers shaped like red high heels. I could plug in my iPod and listen while I cooked dinner. Then during dishes. Now, I too love to crank it up while cleaning in just about anything. It makes the time pass quicker and gives me something to think about other than the fact that I have to scrub toilets.
What about you? What role does music play in your life? What is your favorite song? I’ll leave you with a video of my current hero’s “theme song”:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3HHZ43jq1U&w=560&h=315]
Dani
I love hearing from my readers! For every comment in the month of March, you are entered into a drawing for a $5 Amazon gift card. Simply comment with your email address. I'll draw for the winner on March 31st!