#IWSG for September 2016

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is the brilliant idea of Alex J. Cavanaugh. The purpose of the group is to share doubts and insecurities and to encourage one another. Please visit the other participants and share your support. A kind word goes a long way.

The awesome co-hosts for this month are: C. Lee McKenzie, Rachel Pattison, Elizabeth Seckman, Stephanie Faris, Lori L MacLaughlin, and Elsie Amata!

This month's IWSG question: How do you find the time to write in your busy day?

I'm very lucky. When my husband and I decided to have a child, we agreed one of us should stay home with him. Childcare is expensive, after all, and my husband was making enough to support us. Now that our son is in school, we can still pay our bills with me at home.

During the school year, I have the weekdays to write. I love it. It makes for a very happy mama. I treat it like a full-time job. Some days, I feel there aren't enough hours to get all my work done, but I am my own worst boss!

In the summer and on breaks, I don't get much time to write. On good nights, we can get our son in bed at a decent hour, and there's nothing on television to distract me. Then I write or promote a little more. I don't like staying on the computer late. I've been very good at settling into bed at a reasonable hour and getting a proper sleep. I read a little before going to sleep too. A good sleep also makes for a productive next day.

One of my ongoing insecurities is time. While it might seem like I have tons of time to write and promote, sometimes it doesn't feel that way. Real life cuts in. Like a virus sticking around for over a month. (And it gave me pink eye so I can't stare at the screen for very long!) I don't know if I'll ever feel like there's enough time to do what I want, and that's something I'll hopefully learn to accept and not be so harsh on myself about.

Is time a concern of yours too? 

IWSG for November 2013, Interview, & Realms Faire reminder

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is the brilliant idea of Alex J. Cavanaugh. The purpose of the group is to share doubts and insecurities and to encourage one another. Please visit the other participants and share your support. A kind word goes a long way.

Take a nap.

That's right. Get comfy, curl up under your favorite blanket, and snore.

Sleeping will help your insecurities. It will chase away your blues, increase your mind power, and boost your metabolism. We function better on all levels when we have enough sleep.

Plus, dreams are terrific inspiration for stories. That's where most of my story ideas originate.

Researchers at Harvard University have found that sleep does increase your creativity. (Make sure to use this article as proof when your family wonders why you need to snooze more often.)

As writers, sometimes we get up extra early in the mornings or stay up late to find the time to write. While that gives us our quiet time, it takes away from our sleep time. Lack of sleep will eventually catch up to you, and the price will be steep.

So take a nap.

You'll be less stressed, have more energy, and find your muse equally refreshed.

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Join me at the the awesome TB Markinson's today for a great interview. We talk about the 13th Floor series, self-publishing, and what book do I wish I had written.

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 Don't forget the Realms Faire is next week!

9 events with 9 chances to win prizes every day.

Plus Untethered Realms is giving away a Kindle!

HUZZAH!

Friday Five for September 6, 2013

1. It's been a long week. I haven't done anything in terms of writing or revising. Yet today the boy is staying for lunch at school, so I get an extra hour to myself. I've got lots of emails and blog stuff to catch up on. I'm nervous about the reveal of my 13th Floor Collection cover in one week. If you search around the net, you might find a few spots to get a sneak peek!

2. In two days, it's the MORE THAN JUST A KISS blogfest! My lovely co-host, Cecilia Robert and I want to read your kissing scenes. We're offering prizes including critiques and ebooks. Two other generous romance authors have volunteered to help judge the entries. Thank you to Kyra Lennon and Laurelin Paige! You don't have to be a writer to participate. You can opt not to be entered to win a critique, but surely you don't want to miss out on the fabulous ebooks offered. I'll be posting kisses from my books every day next week. I hope to read one of yours.

3. I survived my first day assisting with my son's class at his preschool. The kids are very good and wonderful little helpers. I made mini blueberry muffins and brought apples for their snack, and the kids loved them. My little guy got a bit ornery with me there, but the teacher assured me he was much better behaved when I'm not around. Yup, saving all that for mom. He was testing me again yesterday and broke my camera. For the fourth time. Thankfully it's still under warranty. I really need my quiet time this morning.

4. I think I wanted to mention something else that was going on. Wow. My brain is on the fritz! I'll tweet it if I remember. Wait! I have a post on marketing next Tuesday on the Untethered Realms blog. Was that what I wanted to tell you? I don't know. Yup, brain fuzz.

5. No plans for this weekend. I obviously need to catch up on my sleep! Have a fantastic weekend!

Update: I forgot what I needed to add! Heather Musk shared her thoughts on THE DRAGONSLAYER yesterday. Pop on over and tell us what you thought about the book. :)