It happens to us all, no matter how hard we try to fight it; writer's overload. In fact, trying to fight it often brings it on faster. With the new year comes new hopes, expectations, and the dreaded resolutions. While I haven't made any resolutions this year I have been working my tail off with deadlines.
I used to dream of the day when my book released, how I'd be able to relax, write at my leisure, and have all the time in the world. My perspective of what it would be like couldn't have been more skewed. Once The Secret Of Spruce Knoll hit shelves I had to start marketing my tail off (you would think at this point I no longer have one, yet there it is, persistent as writer's block). Publishers expect authors to take a very active role in their own marketing today so be sure that's something you're prepared for. I thought I was, but it took me by surprise just how much there is to it.
It didn't stop with marketing either. Once you've got one book out they want more. Which is great, but that means you have to write it, edit it, and get it in on time. Enter Channeler's Choice releasing the end of February. Then there's this new trend publishers (and readers) are embracing; putting out a novella between novels. Love it, great idea, but at this point you start to feel like Atlas with the world on your shoulders. Enter Born Of Fire, my channeler novella.
The moral of the story is write, write, write. Don't wait between books while you're submitting to agents or are on submission to publishers. Get that next novel done, then the next, and keep going because when you do get that break, chances are they'll ask, "what else have you got? And how quick can you get it to us?"
~Heather
I started feeling it as soon I made the decision to self publish. Writing does suddenly become a business! And I'm sure at times, the fatigue will hit. Breaks are needed and healthy!
ReplyDeleteAnd keep writing! ;)
A business indeed, and a tough one. So very true! What is this break thing you speak of though?!
DeleteSage advice, especially for those of us who love our downtime! I did take time to myself after my last round of subs. It was great, but I knew I couldn't let it go on long. Now plunging into the project I've been percolating, and oh, it feels good. I hope you'll find a little time to relax in spite of all the pressure. Don't burn out, Heather! We need you!!
ReplyDeleteI'm scheduling in a bit of down time. ;)
DeleteHeather, I know the meaning of overload. Funny thing is... I'm so overloaded, but not feeling the impact and anguish. Very strange. Will tell you how when I see you in May.
DeleteExcellent advice! Yes... write, write, write.
So... I was thinking, imagine the slow relaxed life of just writing. You need a marketing manager! Maybe it would be worth the money. Hmmm.
Wow! writing is a full-time job itself!!! I'm always curious about the business aspect of the industry, I have always found it scary!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed, and it only gets harder as we go along unfortunately. But the rewards are so worth it! The business aspect is a bear, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteWow, Heather,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your in a whirl-wind. I had no idea it entailed so much. I guess I need to really speed up my gears. I haven't written anything new in ages and I am still fine tuning my second novel gearing up for the SCBWI conference in less that two weeks.
Congrats on your pace and keep up the good work!
HI, Linda and Karlene... I hope you all are well..
Michael
It certainly does, so much that it's overwhelming at times. But oh what a ride! I hope the conference goes fantastic for you!
DeleteYou are so right on! I have one writer friend that has like twelve books already written before she published and it helped her to have marketing time. Myself, I had 3 in the stew. Now I'm only 1 ahead of myself and trying to write 3 this year in the midst of two releases in one year - insane! So you are giving great advice, write, write, and write. And create a marketing plan with dates/days to do specific task and give yourself 2 days off a week from marketing so you don't burn out.
ReplyDeleteI should add that to the post, that's fantastic advice! And good for you for having three in the stew!
DeleteThe writing is always easy for me...it's the fear of failing at marketing that jabs me in my gut.
ReplyDeleteThat is certainly the heart-stopping, gut-wrenching part. It's scary, but you've just got to prepare and dive in. And it doesn't hurt to have your friends by your side. :)
DeleteHeather, all your hard work is paying off! You're making a name for yourself, and readers are enjoying your work. Amazing stuff.
ReplyDeleteThat's so kind of you. It means a lot to hear that. Thank you. *sniffles*
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