IWSG: How’s that Career Plan Going?

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Wednesday, June 03, 2015

IWSG: How’s that Career Plan Going?


I laughed when I saw this on Facebook, and then I looked harder. Half the year’s gone, and the smooth road I imagined for myself has turned out to be more American Ninja obstacle course than that quick road race.

Some days I long for the simple years when I first got published, when ignorance was bliss. I’d open my notebook and write my stories, type them up and send them to my editor in a big honking box, then I waited to see my book there on the shelves where I bought my groceries, did my shopping and got my gas, and no one knew I was the author. Writing was my job, my ONLY job (other than raising those two kids!). And I loved it! It was intimate, personal, mine!

Now, writing occupies the LEAST amount of my time. There’s the 9-to-5, blog, website, FB, Twitter, Goodreads, Pintrest, etc. to maintain, groups, loops, a grandson (hey, no complaints about that!), numbers, rankings, reviews to obsess over, contest judging, critiques to do, art fact sheets, back blurbs, book trailers, playlists, hosting and guesting on other sites, Hops and giveaways (and that’s just my To Do list this month!). And I LOVE all those things, too. But some days I miss it being just me and that notebook.

When a career plan goes from perma-press to natural cotton, it takes some extra effort to get all the wrinkles out, but there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing what went into making it look smooth to the casual observer. And burns a lot more calories.

Part of my current busyness is getting my Touch of Midnight vampire romance series dusted off and ready for repackaging with ImaJinn Books (now an imprint of BellBooks). Written during those simple paper manuscript times, the first three books haven’t been in print for 20 years, and to get them ready for a July book-a-month relaunch of the entire series, I’ve been swamped with art fact sheets, scans, copy edits and proofs coming in practically every week (a high class problem to have, but an exhausting one!) that leaves next to no time to get my current WIP finished. Finding time to do both (AND all the rest!) has been frustrating, to say the least. But I’m getting there, pedaling hard and coasting downhill when I can.

How’s your career plan looking at this mid-year mark? Smooth sailing or motocross moguls?



Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!


Twitter hashtag is #IWSG 

IWSG awesome co-hosts for the June 3 posting will be M. Pax, Tracy Jo, Patricia Lynne, Rachna Chhabria, Feather Stone, and Randi Lee!

11 comments

  1. Looks about right to me. I'm exhausted just seeing the visual!

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  2. You must have read my mind this month, Nancy. Definitely motorcross mogul!

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    1. Just remember to go "Whee!" when you go over the top. Makes it seem less like work.

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  3. Motocross mogul here too. Where did the time go, I thought we just got finished celebrating Halloween. It's that constant pedaling uphill that's the hardest. Thanks for sharing, Nancy.

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    1. But it builds great calf muscles! Keep pedaling, Margo!

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  4. Wow, you are a very busy woman indeed. I don't know how you can juggle all those things and still manage to write. You are amazing! Thank you for your kinds words on my blog.

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    1. I'm a Gemini w ADD/OCD! Great to meet you,Murees!

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  5. I have two more books to finish this year... I'm working as fast as I can.... Just keep swimming!!

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    1. Especially when you hear that cello music coming up behind you!

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  6. What! It's the middle of the year already! I'm behind. That darn book should have been finished and pubbed last month (my plan). Love the visual. So true! Good luck with your re-issues.

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