Earlier today, I chatted with a very close friend about this very topic. Why is it not enough? How can we make it in this dog eat dog literary world? When will it be my turn? We came up with a big fat zero...and concluded that if we didn't have unlimited finances at our disposal, if we didn't know someone who knew someone that could put us in the loop...we would possibly never be where we want to be in the writing community.
     Authors don't just write....especially Indie Authors. We write, format, edit, design our own covers, promote to different sites on social media, organize signing events, attend signing events...and if we are fortunate to have the finances to join RWA (Romance Writers of America) or another national foundation and a state chapter...we can attend classes to make us better at our craft.
     What about those of us who don't have those opportunities? What about those of us who are damn good writers, but because our covers aren't appealing (you know...the half naked six-pack models), we are turned down? 
     We all have successful friends in the industry. We all have friends who have won countless awards and are best-selling authors on New York Times and USA Today...some are more than willing to help shepherd and share how they became successful...some don't have the time nor the desire to help another author for fear it will cut into their sales.
     How do I do it with little to no money? How do I become a household name...an author people admire and want to read? I feel that maybe I am my own worst enemy where this is concerned...but I'm really bugged by it.
     My book covers are top notch...even without the half naked 6-pack model. My storylines are good and I have strong characters.  I have written in several different genres...all with their own unique stories. I have almost 1000 books out there, but sometimes only 1 review. 
      I love what I do. I love creating characters and stories that I feel are realistic, believable. I second guess myself way too much, but numbers don't lie. When Amazon directly deposits my royalties for the month and it doesn't total $5.00 I begin to wonder if this is the road I'm meant to go down.
     I will continue writing, because I love to tell stories. I hope you will continue reading.  As always, your comments and suggestions are most welcome.

     I'm often asked, "What do you do with your day that you're so busy?" That simple question puts me in such a quandry. I don't know how to answer it.
     When you have an autoimmune disorder, you pretty much are at its mercy. Some days are very good days, where much is accomplished. Others, the only thing you want to do is huddle under your favorite blanket and sleep.
     Thankfully, lately, I've had more good than bad days. I try to make them as productive as possible. I don't force myself out of bed in the mornings as I did for over forty years when I had a real job. Instead, I slowly wake up, think of what needs doing--with the least amount of steps and energy--, do some stretches, deep breathing, yoga, meditation...then, put my mind in a right place to face the day. Once a week I have physical therapy, every other week is the chiropractor, once a month I visit my awesome neurologist at the UIHC in Iowa City. Once every three months are visits to my GP and the rheumatologist.
     My diet has changed dramatically in the past year, so I no longer do a huge calorie ridden breakfast. It's usually an assortment of berries and a banana. I've learned that I can have coffee, but need to limit how much I have per week. I love orange juice with the most pulp possible! On my doctor visit free days, while eating, I surf Facebook, emails, and attend to personal correspondence. After eating, it's time to get down to business.
     I've several projects in the hopper...sequels to Protected by His Grace and Moonlight & Music, several other stand alone works in progress, a few new painting ideas, as well as a couple other major ideas for next year...so I work in 60 minute increments...meaning I type or paint or brainstorm for 60 minutes, then take a 10 minute break. When the 10 minutes is up, it's another hour of work before I break. You'd be surprised how much you can get done in 60 minutes.
     I encourage you to fill out the form for my quarterly newsletter to keep in the loop! My Newsletters will be emailed in October, January, April, and July...and I promise not to flood your inbox with unnecessary amounts of unwanted emails.
     So, really, that's about it...oh, other than loving on sweet Bou, watching America's Got Talent (Go Darci, and that choir is incredible,) excited for the new shows CBS is offering--SEAL Team, Wisdom of the Crowd, S.W.A.T, the reboot of Dynasty, as well as other programs on other networks, like WILL & GRACE! I'll be tuning into Dancing with the Stars, too.  I'm really NOT a TV junkie, just have certain programs I enjoy...maybe one an evening.
     It's September, there's a chill in the air, and some of the sugar maples have already turned into a blaze of orange and red. Get out and enjoy some of the early Fall festivals in your area...have mug of hot cider, take in a local football game. Be thankful for your surroundings and be a part of them.
     Please pray for Mother Earth... For the victims of Hurricane Harvey, for the potential of more devastation from Hurricane Irma, and for the countless acres of land, livestock, wild animals, and structures lost to wildfires. Pray also for the emergency personnel helping those in need.
    A special thank you to the Coast Guard, Firefighters, National Guard, Local and State police officers whose efforts are tireless in the face of this national travesty.