Okay, I'm a little late into January, but better late than never. I haven't written a news post in quite a few months and I have lots of stuff to share, so let's get right to it.
Writing
Where to start...
Finding Home Again is now available for preorder and officially releases on February 07, 2022.
My ice cream themed story, Cherry Red, released on September 06, 2021, under my publisher's One Scoop Or Two themed series. This book is one of my top three favourites. It was so much fun to write and it takes place Halifax, which includes many of the city's historical landmarks. The tag line is: 'She creates ice cream. He radiates heat'. Cherry Red received great reviews. Check them out on Amazon and Goodreads.
I started writing a new romance suspense series, but I've paused that series to focus on The Marleys of Redford Falls. During the holidays, I took a break from writing and did a lot of thinking about my future in the publishing industry. I'm a slow writer, so I don't push out several books a year. I also don't have many hours per day to write. Sometimes I feel rushed to write a chapter, which only makes the writing more difficult. I'm not good with writing under pressure or with deadlines. I'm also terrible with marketing. I get lost in all the new apps that many authors are on. I don't have the patience or time to learn them.
So, right now I'm feeling a little lost in the business. I can't keep up and I'm not sure I want to.
Then there's the royalty return...yes, I'm talking about money. The return is minimal - definitely not enough to consider writing a full time job. Some authors put $$$ dollars into marketing and promotion, but I don't see the investment as a huge payback. And while that might work for some authors, it's not happening for me. I thought the more books I publish, the better the return, but that's not the case. I love writing and I have so many stories to share, but I've lost the drive to put in so much time and energy.
Maybe it's because I'm getting older (another birthday passed by last week) and I have other things I want to do. I also really enjoyed the relaxing days throughout the holidays where my days weren't rushed to turn on the computer and write. I have a full spreadsheet of books I need to read for Still Moments Magazine, and I've returned to one of my favourite hobbies - painting. It's been years since I've picked up a brush, but last month I discovered fluid art painting and I'm hooked. Check out the tab 'Paintings' for pictures of my recent art pieces. Also, on the left side bar is a label 'Paintings' where I talk about the inspiration for each design.
Will I continue writing? I don't think I can stop, at least not for a while. However, I won't be rushing to push books out. I am focusing on the next four books in the Marley series, which will all be novellas. Once that series it done, I will consider my options to continue or retire.
I had more to chat about, but this newsletter went into overtime, lol.
Be sure to visit often as I will continue to host guests, share my paintings and pencil drawings, and chat more about writing. I gave my blog a fresh new look for 2022 with a new background (one of my paintings) and a beautiful header. I also updated my web site http://darlenefredette.blogspot.com/ Both sites will focus on my writings as well as my art work.
What is your focus for 2022?
Until next month...
Take care, Darlene
Dear Darlene I love your stories and am glad there will be more in the future. But you echoed so many of my thoughts and feelings of late regarding writing. Keeping up has become less fun and personally rewarding and more of a chaotic struggle. When new passions come along, like your fluid art painting and my weaving and spinning, they shouldn't be denied either. I'm not giving up completely on writing, but new horizons mean learning and growing and that's what life is all about. Thank you for saying what I have been feeling.
ReplyDeleteHi Gini! Thank you for stopping by and letting me know that I'm not alone in this struggle. But I completely agree with you that we shouldn't hold back from diving into a new craft. We just have to find an even balance :)
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