For those of you who sail, you know that term.
It’s why I’ve been MIA.
It’s not that I don’t love ya’all. I do. Truly, madly, deeply. But the reality is, when I sold my first book, I sold two more within the same month, and kept selling. I was overwhelmed by the prospect of deadlines and took a leave of absence from my business, a referral agency, that I started from the ground up nearly 27 years ago. I blissfully skipped away leaving the entire business in the hands of my capable office manager and wistfully wrote ‘till my heart’s content.
Fast forward seven years. Between the economy and my lack of involvement, my business hit critical mass last month. I had a choice: revive it, which meant jumping in feet first, 100% committed and reboot and rebuild or walk away. I chose the former. I could no more walk away from my long standing clients and my loyal contractors than I could say adios to my writing and my readers.
Since the first of the year I have done nothing but immerse myself 100% back into my company. In many ways, I am starting up an entire new and vastly improved company. It’s been grueling.
Writing? What’s that? FB? Huh? Responding to email? In your dreams.
Despite all of the mind melting brain farts and tension headaches, I’m loving the process of resurrecting my once thriving company. The determination, the focus, and the challenge of landing hesitant clients has infused me with an energy and, yes, a cockiness ^_~, I have not felt for a long time. I feel like there is absolutely nothing I can’t accomplish. And as much as it has taken way from my writing time and my beloved writing community, it was what I needed.
I realize now I was burning out. I have been chasing one deadline after another for 7 straight years, and while deadlines mean contracted books which equal a healthy bank account, I was tiring. I still have two contracted books to turn in, one by mid-February and the other by the end of May, but now I feel revitalized and confident they will be fresh.
I’m still going to be running my agency, with the help of my daughter who I am so very happy have by my side, but I will also be able to tackle my writing with fresh eyes and revitalized gray matter (what’s left of it that is).
I’m very happy in my crazy, chaotic world. It’s how I roll. ^_^
How about you? Do you like to ride the ragged edge or are you a smooth sailor?
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I so understand what you are saying. Just focusing on one pursuit is exhausting, and the well runs dry. Even though keeping a lot of balls in the air can be difficult, it is also exhilarating. And a buoyant spirit makes a better writer. I love hearing the enthusiasm in your voice. And yours was just the message I needed to hear this morning–I’ve been taking a little time away from the stories concentrating on some other things that needed my attention. I felt guilty yet somehow I knew it was the right thing to do. Thanks!
any time, Deborah!
Smooth sailing? Isn’t that something like a dead calm? Nope. Wouldn’t know if it slapped me upside the head. Me? I’m an on-the-edge kinda gal.
Congrats on getting a handle on the business. I can tell that it’s invigorated you and I know that will show in your writing. Sometimes we need to just back away from the keyboard to find that sense of adventure again, just to ride the ragged edge.
Silver, I’m ready to get back to my stories!!
Karin,
To use your sailing analogy, I think it’s nice to have a little of both. Smooth sailing is great for a while, but once you’re rejuventated it’s nice to see what my dad always called “cats’ paws” on the water that let you know another stiff wind is coming. There’s just something about the speed that leaves you having to lean all your weight over one side just to keep from capsizing. But then again, too much time like that would leave me frazzled and unable to function at all. I don’t get nearly as much time to write during the year as I would like because of planning and grading for my classes. At the same time, I’m self-aware enough to know that if I didn’t have school, I might not be as good a writer and might not even have a shot at being pubbed. So I guess a nice balance would be my choice.
ah, Jake, balance. A lovey word I strive for.
Balance…necessary when riding the ragged edge:)
Absolutely.
I’m all about smooth sailing. I keep things in check so they don’t get away from me. I gladly sacrifice a bit now for things to be better in the future. I’m always looking ten steps ahead. Boring sometimes, but I thrive in stability!
Kendra, my stability has never been smooth. Maybe that’s why I’m always on the brink of insanity. I need more sanity in my life!
I love the sailing analogy. I used to sailboard. There is nothing like hanging out there, skipping along the water at high speed.
You sound like you’re in a great place now. Enjoy it!
B.J. I have never sailboarded. Sounds right up my alley though. ~_^
I’ll respond to everyone when I get home later today! Happy Friday!
Yay for going back into something you love. The brain does need to mix things up a bit. Glad you were able to refresh yourself so you can talking new writing projects with a new outlook.
I prefer to have smooth sailing, but life has a different agenda. Sometimes I feel like all I do is ride the edge. Once I accomplish something in that quagmire, though, I feel like I can conquer the world
You may need to take me out of time out…um, moderation. I love you K-Tab
Peace and love,
Paula R.
You can conqueror the world, Paula! It’s all in the attitude. xo
Hi Karin,
Congratulations on revitalizing your company! That’s the thing about small businesses–they take so much time and personal attention.
I’m glad you are feeling refreshed with the writing. I keep having to remind myself that this career is a marathon, not a sprint, and to keep a steady pace.
Happy New Year to you!
Happy New Year, Laura! 2013 is kicking my ass already but that’s how I like it. ^_~
I so respect your dedication to your business, and for recognizing that a break in your writing schedule isn’t going to sink your career. In fact, it’s nice to be able to get off the hamster wheel we sometimes put ourselves on to evaluate our next step. In my opinion, editors/publishers are good at keeping us so preoccupied with deadlines that we don’t notice there’s no real career planning go on. Hitting the pause button will allow you get some perspective before you go back. Win, win! (I hope your business is going gangbusters!)
Stephanie, I need to find a way to be on two hamster wheels at the same time. But it is nice to know that as much as I love writing, my life isn’t tied to it. But I’m ready to get back to the story!
I managed an interior design firm (nope, not an interior designer myself!) When I realized I wanted to write RS I went down to part time for 2 years then quit altogether.
After a few years they asked me back per diem (to do advertising) and I said yes (even though I really wanted to say no.)
Turns out it was the best thing for me! I think straining for creativity in one area started to drag me down. Working 2 days a week, being in a social office setting and getting raves on my advertising (and rejections on m/ss) kept me on an even keel.
Sadly, the interior design firm closed its doors a few years ago. On the other hand, with FB, blogs, online KOD classes and my agent shopping me again I better stay put for now.
Sarah Andre
http://www.KissandThrill.com
Sarah, I wish you much success in this crazy world of writing fiction!