Lynette Eason here. Happy Monday. I finally am able to come out of practically total hibernation since…um…October? I can’t believe what I did to myself with deadlines and stuff. I briefly wondered if I was really mad at myself when I meekly agreed to each and every deadline put before me. But now it looks like the end is in sight. The light at the end of the tunnel, etc. Or at least it did—until my editor hit me with another deadline this past week. Then another. ALL before the BIG deadline where a major proposal was due. I wanted to ask her if she hated me. I finally decided she doesn’t and I’m grateful for the work.
So my husband is still talking about moving to Nashville. This has been a major unmade decision lingers over my household. I don’t want to move to Nashville. I want to stay right smack dab in the middle of my comfort zone. I mean, why mess that up, right?
Then he asks, “But what if God wants us to move?”
My response. “What if He doesn’t?”
“But what if he does?”
“Then he does. I’ll go ask him and let you know what he says.”
Two days later, hubby asks, “Well? What did God say?”
“He said he’d get back to me.”
“Uh huh.”
I sigh. “It’s COLD in Nashville in the winter time.”
He laughs. “It’s cold here!”
Very true. The jury’s still out on the move, but it’s definitely COLD here in South Carolina. So cold I think I saw an Eskimo building an igloo up the street.
Other questions that sometimes plague me. I’ve written a lot of books lately. Would it kill my career to take a break? Do I even want to take a break? Do I NEED to take a break?
How about you writers out there. Do you ever think about taking a break from writing? I think about it, I just don’t think I have it in me because I come up with an idea for a new story just about everyday! And I look forward to my writing time with an excitement that hasn’t grown old—yet. ☺
Just wondering if I'm weird or normal. Well, never mind that part. I'm a writer. I'm weird. How about the rest of you?
Christian Romance Authors with Fictionalized Tales of Intriguing Edginess
11 comments:
Lynette,
Big questions, big decisions. I think the not knowing the answer is worse than anything. Once the decision is made, it feels easier.
Yes, I've thought of takign a break from stories and just wallowed for a while. I feel for you with the deadlines. They are sometimes so frightening that you cringe when you see your editor's name appear in your inbox.
But it's one day at a time, isn't it? And as you love God, I know he'll take good care of you.
Barbara
I talk about taking a break but never can. I find that I need to take a break after lots of writing and get back to enjoying just reading. That usually lasts a week or two and then I'm itching to get my stories going again. I couldn't imagine ever going longer than that.
This winter it's cold almost everywhere!! I live in Texas on the gulf coast and it's cold!! And it's not suppose to be. As for moving to Nashville I'm sure God will get back to you!! Just be sure you are listening.
I'm not a writer but I know about deadlines - as a retired teacher - and there were times when I was wondering how I would survive all of them so I can sympathize with you somewhat.
LOL. I hope I didn't sound like I was whining. I'm really not. I was just curious about what other people went through. Thanks to those of you who shared!
Lynette, I feel your pain. Be careful what you ask for.... I used to take breaks between books but I haven't had that luxury in about five years. I'm not complaining. I'm blessed to be doing something I love so much. But I have learned to take mini-breaks. Even on deadline, I stop and rest every afternoon around 4 PM. Then if I want to go back after dinner and work, I am at least rested a bit. Real people take lunch hours and breaks, so I think writers need to do that too.
As for the move--consider it an adventure and what writer doesn't love a good adventure. I moved from Georgia over 25 years ago and I'm so glad I took that leap of faith.
I used to think about taking a break but now it's just so ingrained I doubt if I could. I'm in the classroom more so that gives me a balance of my two passions.
Lynette,
You need to be good to yourself. Plan rewards for yourself. A movie, an afternoon off, dinner out, a new pair of shoes.
As for moving, tell your husband he gets to do all the packing and work.
Hi Lynette:
Have you thought about having two personas?
I know of several authors who switch between two types of writing every other book. Some have two pens names but others just write a very different kind of book.
You still have deadlines but it is a different 'you' each time. The other 'you' gets a break. No one likes an endless grind.
My problem as a reader is often I don’t like the second persona and thus have to wait twice as long for the next book to come out. But this post is about helping authors.
Good luck, Good luck,
Vince
Good luck on the moving issue! God will direct you....just listen!
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net
Hi Vince,
Good to see you at here! Your comments are always right on!
Lynette, thanks for sharing your struggle with deadlines that come one after another. Sometimes pauses happen when we least expect them. Rejoice when the work flows and learn from the down time, if that should occur as well. Every phase of life has meaning.
That's how I feel about my blogging agreements. Little did I know my health issues would put me in a reading bind. Now I'm feverishly trying to read and blog every book I promised to. That's not hard, though, as I LOVE to read.
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