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Status: Drafting the fourth book in the PERILOUS series!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Refocus

We're almost done with January of 2011. It's about time to take a good look at my resolutions and see where I am. It's also a good time to reevaluate and see what I need to make sure I do this year.

I've been getting too involved with menial things, like blogging and facebook and reviewing and marketing. These things are important...but they are taking up too much of my time. Am I a writer, or not? I can spend all my time trying to promote my first book, but if I don't write another one, that's the end of my career.

Perilous launched me out there. It got my name on the internet, put my blog on the blogging map. But it by no means is going to be a one-hit wonder. It's time to move on. I need to let Perilous do its own thing and I need to write.

I've been working on Inevitable for months now. Months, because I am too busy with other things to do more than write 500 words a week. So I'm refocusing. I'm letting go of the menial tasks. I'll still blog--but the posts are going to be short and to the point. I'll still comment--on occasion. If people want to visit my blog, fine. If they don't, well, I'll miss them. But I can't spend countless hours beseeching people to visit my blog. What's the point, anyway? Either I'm writing something worth reading, or I'm not. Visits and comments don't equal book sales.

I'll still update facebook and Twitter--when it suits me. And I'll still review. But the reviews aren't going to be as in depth. I've been giving other people an hour of my time each day while not even giving my own writing that much time.

So, am I a writer or not? Doesn't that mean I actually have to write?

What about Perilous? Do I just leave it hanging in the virtual world, parentless? No. I will continue to promote my book. But it can't be a full-time job. It's too demanding, too tiring, and not immediately returning. These things take time, and I'm going to let it ripen.

You haven't seen the last of me, folks. But I've got some new priorities. And they involve a lot of writing.

13 comments:

Unknown said...

I wish the best of luck prioritizing your time! It's not an easy thing to do. Having to decide what's important and what isn't. I always tell my husband that if I didn't have the 40hr a week day job I'd accomplish so much.

But I don't. So I make do with what I do have. Utilize my time as efficiently as I see fit. Sounds like you've got a good plan! Good luck!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

The constant struggle of a writer! Caught between real life, the writing life and now the marketing one's book life-- it's enough to drive one crazy! Good luck with your new year's goals, and may you get lots of writing done!

ali cross said...

It's important to refocus now and then. I think the lives of our books (and our writing) have its own season, and there's a time for all those menial things and a time to hunker down and narrow your focus too. Good luck with your projects and with realigning your priorities!

M Pax said...

It is a tough balance. All success with your book and getting refocused.

Anonymous said...

Tamara: You have beautifully voiced exactly what I have also decided, a decision that is bringing me the peace I need.

WRITE those new books!!!

Anonymous said...

p.s. Given the number of people today, in an awful economy, trying to sell their writing...well, not many are making money. I think it was Stephen King who said, There are a lot better ways to make money than writing. Not too long ago there were paying magazines for fiction. They're all gone. Bottom line: I think we should WRITE BECAUSE WE ENJOY WRITING. Then, if we write something that's really good, we might (or might not) find a publisher. I'm going to start READING again, also!!!

MaDonna Maurer said...

Focus...that is a good word. This week has been chaotic, maybe a little focus would help me get my priorities in line. Thanks for the little "pick me up". =)

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Rock OooooooooooAoooooooooooAooooooooon!!!

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

LOL, David. Love it.

You're welcome, MaDonna!

That's exactly it, Ann. Glad I'm not the only one feeling it.

Good luck, Jen! You can do it!

Thanks for the well wishes, folks!

Aaron and Emily said...

I am really glad you are revamping your writing,
(is revamp the right word? This is why I do not write). Because I can't WAIT to read your next book. So don't take too long. Work hard. Write alot. I am eager to read it!

Katie Anderson said...

Good luck with making progress on 'Inevitable' Tamara!

Kim said...

I've had the opposite problem this month—ignoring my poor little blog and social networking, while I work on big projects offline.

BTW, love that "focus" photo and may steal it, enlarge it, and tape it to my 10-year-old's forehead.

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

good for you, Kim! that's what I need to do! (work on projects, I mean,not tape the image to my kid's head.)

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