I have two contracts I'm just about wrapping up. I'm on the last book of six. I'm tired. Burned out. A stranger to my family and friends. I literally write eight to ten hours a day, seven days a week, except for one blessed afternoon when Calvin and I go the matinee and out for dinner. The goal is to give my mind a mini-break. Six books in one year. I will never write for two publishers at the same time again. What was I thinking?
I turned in the next to the last book on April 6th. Had a book release party for A Highlander's Passion that released on the 7th. Slept for a day so my mind could rest to make the shift from Scotland and bear-shifters to firemen in Florida. I began the final book on the 9th that is due in my editor's hands on May 11th. Am I in a panic? Yes. Writing a minimum of 75,000 words in a whisper over a month is a feat I keep telling myself I can't do. There have been crying spells. Fits of blues. Migraines.
Then one evening, Calvin and I saw a mountain climber interviewed on PBS. The person putting forth the questions asked when you look at the top of the tallest mountain in the world, don't you have a moment of fear? That you won't make it?
Calvin looked at me. "Did you hear that? Stop dwelling on the turn-in date and focus on your three feet of space, even though it'll change every day."
I have a feeling most of you work on such a routine already. I'm kind of slow to learn. Takes a while for things to sink through my unique, thick head. I'm trying my best not to dwell on my submission date. I just keep my head bowed over my keyboard and my fingers moving.
The book? A Pin-Up Fireman. Not the title I chose, but the publisher, HarperImpulse, decided all the titles of the books in the "Wild Heat" series should have the word "fireman" in it.
How do you keep from getting overwhelmed? What's your secret?
13 comments:
One day at a time is my husband Ron's credo. And that man has survived things that surely would have done me in. While I try to embrace and live by that concept, I'm not nearly as good at it as he is. Best of luck as you move forward, Vonnie.
Vonnie, I don't know how you do it. You are amazing. I'm glad you take the time for a mini-break (movie & dinner) with your husband. You both need it. Best wishes on finishing all your obligations.
Margo, some people are more laid back. They can compartmentalize things. I tend to fly around, going OMG, I'll never get this done, during which time I could have half a chapter written. Good for your husband that he adopted this philosophy early on in his life.
Diane, it was a situation my ex-agent got me into. She didn't keep track of the dates and because I trusted her, I didn't either. I'm on the final climb, staying in my three-feet of space.
Geesh, Vonnie! Looks like you won't have to climb this particular mountain again now that you have a new agent. A note on the bright side: I read a statistic that we start making money by our 20th pubbed book. You have to be getting close to that mark. Pretty soon you'll have a nest-egg of vacation money. Yippee!
With this current series, I had 2 books written. They asked me when I'd have the 3rd book finished. I told them. They put it in the contract. That seems WAAAAY more reasonable than the pub telling the author how fast to write! Believe me, if I get a contract for this next series, I'll keep your life lesson for the rest of us in mind! You're almost there...just keep plugging along in that 3 feet of space!
Vonnie, I can't begin to imagine writing six books in one year. I would be a drooling puddle of goo half-way through. Your focus and persistence astound me. After you finish this last one I hope you plan to give yourself time to recover before plunging back in.
No new agent, Rolynn. I'm trying things on my own. My editor at Random House said I didn't need one. I knew their contract and they knew my writing. She calls and emails quite often, just to make sure I understand they want me exclusively. Fine with me for now.
Jannine, Random House has a new series they want from me, but they want only 2 books a year. It'll feel like a vacation.
Yes, Alison. I'm taking a couple months to be a human being again and do some research reading. Random House wants me to do a series similar to Robyn Carr's Virgin River meets the movie American Sniper. The first manuscript will be due in November. It'll call for deeper emotion as I deal with wounded warriors. My editor did give me a choice...biker clubs or cage fighters. The ex-SEALs seemed more my speed since I know a few.
I'm still working on one from two years ago. (Sigh.) Like Alison, I can't imagine six in a year. Enjoy your break!
My 3 feet of space is to edit what I wrote the day before and add a minimum of 2500 more. You work outside of the home. I'm retired. That makes a big difference.
Vonnie, I think you're phenomenal! I understand why the two publishers want those books from you and fast...because they rock and readers love them, which means sales for that publisher!
But, I'm so thrilled to hear you're down to one publisher you are comfortable with, and who 'gets' you! Woohoo on the new series! You already know I can't wait to start reading it!
Thank you for sharing that 'three feet of space' advice. I'm that crazy author on the mountain to your right. lol I have a deadline looming, with a conference smack dab in the middle. Hence the word 'crazy'.
Thanks for sharing, and best of luck with your deadline. I've no doubt you make it! Enjoy some 'Vonnie' time when done!
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