As most of us can agree, 2020 was the year we’d all like to forget. I literally opened my back door and slammed it shut at midnight on New Year’s Eve. I wanted to kick-out the old year and embrace 2021.
I have a confession to make. In early 2020, my writing stalled. I became frozen. Yes, I’m a hermit by nature—living for the most part in my writing cave. However, I did not want to be there anymore. I became concerned for my family, the world, and I did not like my routine anymore. I had been working seven days a week for ten years, and I had enough. Marketing had somehow become far too important than writing, and I felt the need to be everywhere each day. I was long overdue for a shakeup, and I can only blame myself for my intense schedule.
After the promotional release of my last book in August, I stepped away for a wee bit. What did I want to do with my life? Did I want writing and marketing to consume my waking moments for another ten years? Questions I seriously had to ask myself.
The answers
astounded me. What I missed were other joys in my life—from music, learning
Gaelic, playing more in my garden, and spending time with my hubby and family.
Writing stories will always be a joy and a constant in my life, but I learned to incorporate time for other pleasures. I pulled out my lap harp and began taking lessons, and I signed up for online Gaelic courses.
Life is far too short, and there’s so much more to explore. The year of 2020 made me pause and reflect. I found the balance again, and my writing returned in force. Just like magic!
The marketing can wait a day or two.
19 comments:
I can relate to this, Mary! Priorities have to be a balance in order to find joy in what you're doing.
Thanks, Nancy! I learned valuable tools last year, though I had to dig deep to find them.
I love how you closed the door on 2020. It's great that you've found a balance. It's so easy to think that writing has to be an all or nothing thing when actually it gets better with that balance. Here's to a much better 2021 for us all!
Boy can I relate to this Unfortunately , my old computer has to be replaced which is time consuming and over rode my new lighter schedule. Transferring all the data from my old computer to my new computer is taking a large bite out of my writing and promo time as well as my personal fun time. But when everything settlesIt will be nice. Have a great weekend.
Congratulations on taking your time back from the marketing-monster. Gaelic lessons sound like a blast and I hope you enjoy every minute!
As I read, I thought how familiar it sounded. Last year, my writing screeched to a halt. Nothing inspired me, and I dislike the marketing. I seriously considered quitting altogether. I had to take a break because I had no desire to write. I am happier, too. for putting it aside.
Some good has come out of 2020--like resetting our priorities. I like your slamming the door on the old year. :)
Maureen, I've found such a joy in writing again. It now has become my priority.
Oh! So sorry about your computer, Tena. I waited eleven years to get a new computer and I'm wondering why I waited soooo long. All the best with yours! :)
Marilyn, I used to take Irish Gaelic at an Irish import store in downtown Sacramento many years ago. The shop has long since closed, so I knew the internet would be my next best source.
Linda, I seriously thought my last release (MAGNAR) was going to be my last. Yet the spark remained, and I'm almost finished with the second book. Besides, the success of MAGNAR kept me moving forward. There are six more stories in this series, lol! I really had to ditch that marketing monster for a while.
Diane, I scared my hubby when I did it, too. Teehehe...
The balance is soooo hard to find, Mary. And I always feel like every author out there is figuring it out better than me, even though I know that we all of the same struggles and needs. I'm so happy to hear you're finding your own new kind of balance. I'm still working on mine. LOL.
Six more stories!❤️🎉🎉
Mary, thank you for this frank and inspiring post. Balance is so important, and sometimes we don’t even realize that it’s missing in our lives. But you did realize it and worked to achieve balance and, in effect, more joy. We would all do well to be so aware. Wishing you a wonderful 2021!🌷
I needed to hear this. Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to see what you're working on now, but I'm glad you're having joyful moments away from work.
I'm positive you'll find your balance, Abigail! xo
Thank you, Anastasia! :) I believe it will always be a "work-in-progress" with this balancing act. However, my attitude has changed tremendously.
Thanks so much, Hunter! Rorik's story (second in the Wolves of Clan Sutherland series) is soon to be in my editor's hands. I don't even mind that it took me a long time to find my way back into writing. There was a reason for the "pause" in my life.
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