tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post1684806176858452184..comments2024-03-27T01:07:03.944-04:00Comments on The Roses of Prose: My Writing Desert - Part 2 ~ By Leah St. JamesAlison Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725250883303287946noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-42443221476144788272017-06-08T13:43:29.966-04:002017-06-08T13:43:29.966-04:00Wow, great post, Leah. I've also enjoyed all t...Wow, great post, Leah. I've also enjoyed all the comments. What it boils down to is, we each have our own path, our own priorities, our own definition of and level of success. I could never not write, so I'll keep writing, but it's not my only priority, never has been and never will be. I could definitely say NO to more things and have more writing time. I'm working on that, really I am. :) Can't wait til the wedding's over and your back to full tilt writing!Alicia Deanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12003539473772776004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-14851284738031570302017-06-06T19:44:14.620-04:002017-06-06T19:44:14.620-04:00Congratulations on the success of the anthology, A...Congratulations on the success of the anthology, Andi! That's terrific news. I did the same thing as you did for my first books. I traveled to NJ (from VA) for my book launch, wrote customized press releases, etc. I'm glad to know I'm not alone in my feelings these days. (On a side note, I hope you're planning a wedding update soon!)Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-26848156441287306222017-06-06T19:20:57.336-04:002017-06-06T19:20:57.336-04:00Leah, I was thinking the other day about how total...Leah, I was thinking the other day about how totally focused I was when I brought out my first book--the book signings in CO (I live in NY), the 'professional' media kit, being totally set on getting that dang book out and writing every day. And then what? Stuff happened. Breast cancer. A broken shoulder. A wedding to organize. And I think what I've found is exactly what you say. If I can amuse a few people with my stories, that's good enough for me. Today the latest anthology I'm in hit No. 1--a real thrill. But not enough to stop me from believing the rest of life matters just as much.Andrea Downinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11553961600937196102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-9177624018112502862017-06-06T14:52:15.260-04:002017-06-06T14:52:15.260-04:00I think her audience is the person who says,"...I think her audience is the person who says,"I should write a book about (whatever)" but has no clue the amount of work and dedication required. You certainly don't fall into that category, Vonnie! And I think you're doing a phenomenal job keeping your many fans happy, doing something you love while helping your grandchildren with college. What a blessing for them. What a great example you're setting for them...and for other writers! Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-15581830674009484592017-06-06T14:45:41.542-04:002017-06-06T14:45:41.542-04:00I've had the same thoughts, Brenda. But then I...I've had the same thoughts, Brenda. But then I think of that feeling of accomplishment when a plot or phrasing comes together just how I want it to, and know the hard work is worth it. And I love writing. I love the process of finding those perfect combinations that fit together with perfect rhythm. I need to remind myself of that each time I sit down to write. Finding the balance that works for each of us seems to be the key.Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-38002029388226040662017-06-06T14:11:33.574-04:002017-06-06T14:11:33.574-04:00I wrote my debut novel while I was unemployed. I s...I wrote my debut novel while I was unemployed. I spent the morning writing and the afternoon looking for a job. Except for needing money, it was heavenly. You do have to develop discipline, for sure. I think my brain is too frazzled right now. I've decided to stop fighting it until after my son's wedding in July. Hopefully that purposeful break will help. I'm glad you're working through ypur distractions, Alison! Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-47733320700097093582017-06-06T12:44:29.889-04:002017-06-06T12:44:29.889-04:00I bought the book, too, Leah and read the first fo...I bought the book, too, Leah and read the first four chapters. I wondered who she was writing it for. LOL I laid it aside. I made a list of all the writing projects I have lined up and I have eight. Then I'm slowing down. Have you heard this before about my slowing down? I feel as if I'm lying every time I say it. I love writing. I wish I did it better, so I keep trying to learn. I'll never be a best seller. As long as I can please myself and my small band of readers who enjoy my craziness, I'll be happy. Oh, and help pay for Ryan's tuition at MIT. I just sent a check off yesterday thanks to my writing. Two more grandchildren to go. Helping with their education costs brings great joy.Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07360480832587538895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-57898503690768366162017-06-06T12:23:03.902-04:002017-06-06T12:23:03.902-04:00There are times I think being a writer isn't w...There are times I think being a writer isn't worth the sacrifices. And then I consider if the sacrifices are what I'd rather be doing and usually they aren't. I could crank out a good many more books if I didn't take time for the things I want to do. These last few months, I wrote like a maniac for a self-imposed deadline. I really don't want to do that again. Balance is the key. And as we grow older, I think it's doubly important to do what we want to do and let the rest pass us by.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-4586907440301001382017-06-06T12:15:32.491-04:002017-06-06T12:15:32.491-04:00I was looking forward to your first report on that...I was looking forward to your first report on that book, Leah, and I think her comments are spot-on. She baldly states what I've known in my heart about my own writing situation. When I was working, I was also writing with the same focused concentration, and I was much more productive. I thought when I retired, "Oh, how wonderful! I'll have so much more time to write." Instead, I've reveled in my unstructured free time. I stay in bed until eight. I took up photography. I (horrors) joined the garden club. <br /><br />I think she's absolutely right that the root issue is: how badly do you want to be a successful writer? After writing six books and facing the realities of the current publishing world, I've re-defined success on a personal level. Enjoying my life--all of it--is more important than how many books I write or how many copies I sell. That said, I do plan to keep writing, and I'm about a quarter of the way through my current WIP!Alison Hendersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12725250883303287946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-14486968272921458162017-06-06T11:50:33.319-04:002017-06-06T11:50:33.319-04:00You are right, Diane. I've been a joiner for y...You are right, Diane. I've been a joiner for years, and I do have a hard time saying no when asked to help out. I might have to start referring people to my husband. He won't have any trouble saying no on my behalf! :-) Seriously, I think once I start enjoying the process again (I hope), finding that "no" should be easier. Thanks for stopping by!Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-47230705790567881232017-06-06T11:22:14.067-04:002017-06-06T11:22:14.067-04:00I've always liked the expression "Life is...I've always liked the expression "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." Best-selling author or not, none of us can control the demands life throws at us (e.g. hubby, kids, paying jobs, illness), but we can control voluntary commitments (e.g. PTA treasurer, Girl Scout leader, bake sale coordinator). Those are the things we don't have to say yes to, and if we can control those factors, I think we have a fighting chance to finish our manuscripts. I know you can do it!Diane Garnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06000110555204777912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-32091359251859747892017-06-06T11:18:54.889-04:002017-06-06T11:18:54.889-04:00Good point, Jannine, about finding that balance. I...Good point, Jannine, about finding that balance. I think that's my main struggle. I am so tired when I get home from work, half the time I just want to get in my PJs and go to sleep! I wish I had your focus and drive. I'm glad it's working for you! Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-58245471718837023972017-06-06T10:58:39.482-04:002017-06-06T10:58:39.482-04:00I feel like I'm living up to her demands. I pr...I feel like I'm living up to her demands. I probably spend way too much time writing. My paycheck job is undemanding (the reason I have it) and only requires a warm body for most of the time I'm there. So, I write. At home, I ignore housework and write. I did watch The Bachelorette last night. But since that's about romance, can it be considered research? LOL Sometimes I fear I'll burn out. Sometimes I think I need to get a life. But I enjoy my time at the keyboard. I think we all have to find the balance that works for us, and sometimes that balance changes. Good luck finding yours!Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01047728297429025804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-15565421675676685352017-06-06T10:42:16.402-04:002017-06-06T10:42:16.402-04:00Thanks, Margo. I think I'll make my way back t...Thanks, Margo. I think I'll make my way back there. It helps to have a great group of friends to share my woes (or whines). :-)Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-86381221528219023942017-06-06T10:40:03.297-04:002017-06-06T10:40:03.297-04:00I thought the same thing, Rolynn! Sounds like you ...I thought the same thing, Rolynn! Sounds like you have some fantastic support groups in place. That's wonderful. Thanks for your encouragement. :-)Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-37657047873841872022017-06-06T10:33:58.595-04:002017-06-06T10:33:58.595-04:00I think "having a life" is important if ...I think "having a life" is important if you're going to write about life, too, Diane. And I think you're doing great!Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-45347783490840491122017-06-06T10:31:34.618-04:002017-06-06T10:31:34.618-04:00Thanks Chris. I'll take a look!Thanks Chris. I'll take a look!Leah St. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-82229032540965231352017-06-06T08:31:18.952-04:002017-06-06T08:31:18.952-04:00Exactly, Leah. I gave up writing what I wanted to ...Exactly, Leah. I gave up writing what I wanted to write for myself when life responsibilities became overwhelming. Putting an exceptional product out there, i.e. a good book, is one thing. When no one seems to know, or care, is the hard part. I guess we all have live, and work, in a way that suits us. Glad your motivation is starting to warm up again. I learned I so enjoy the process of writing a book, if the recognition and $$$ don't get here, that's okay.Margo Hoornstrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00036077481652050799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-41400435951891256362017-06-06T08:28:48.309-04:002017-06-06T08:28:48.309-04:00Leah, interesting that the writer of the book you&...Leah, interesting that the writer of the book you're reading is saying 'don't waste time reading my words, just write!' It's a conundrum, hamster-cage kind of dilemma, for sure. Many activities that take us away from our writing are about how to write better. I AM in a book club, but they also serve as readers of my drafts, and they've become my best friends/supporters. I DO also lead a book talk group for Sisters in Crime, but they also serve as gems, because they review my books. Balance is tough to find, but life has to be lived fully in order to find things to write about, I think. Mush on, my friend...you will find your personal balance.Rolynn Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09504770204968969467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-81375631863731884812017-06-06T07:59:02.559-04:002017-06-06T07:59:02.559-04:00Leah, I joined that group, too, and bought the boo...Leah, I joined that group, too, and bought the book. That's as far as I got prior to releasing my latest book. Then I started on another WIP in progress, so I haven't had time to read it. I didn't know she was a prof at Hope, right here in my backyard. I can see what she means about the dedication and focus. Yes, it's necessary, but you also have to have a life. Dedicating a certain time each day to writing helps. Watching TV with your spouse is very important, too. So is playing with grandkids, having a social life. So I'll never become a best-selling author. I figure being published and enjoying the time I spend on my books is just fine for me.Diane Burtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03754105332297068271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-41834044270172014872017-06-06T07:42:38.597-04:002017-06-06T07:42:38.597-04:00Another great book that I just read is Write Naked...Another great book that I just read is Write Naked by Jennifer Probst. I felt I read it right when I needed to. https://www.amazon.com/Write-Naked-Bestsellers-Secrets-Navigating/dp/1440347344 Christine DePetrillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00527942532875216883noreply@blogger.com