Finding a Routine

A routine is what I need right now. It’s a comforting safety net that keeps me sane. When I don’t have something to do, I feel useless. I can’t sit still and enjoy free time for too long. Free time to me is a void that needs to be filled by projects or chores I’ve put off because I was too busy to get to them on a regular day!

As you may know, I just moved out of state from “dreary” Ohio to sunny Florida. I am not a fan of change, especially starting over again this far into my life. Uprooting my beautiful routine, leaving my awesome job, good neighbors and friends, I’ve been apprehensive and stressed. And I will miss the change of seasons. So much NEW!

I also have loads of time on my hands. Is there such a thing as too much free time? Ha ha. It’s ironic I’m usually wishing for more time to write. Well, I have an abundance now. So much time I don’t know what to do with it all. As a teacher, summer was my writing time. But with the stress of having to get re-established I’m hard-pressed to get into the writing frame of mind… sigh

Now, it’s time to buck up. I’ve never been one to shirk a challenge. I need to create a new routine for my new life. I love lists! I’m writing things down to organize myself and take some stress out of the daunting new atrocities of this monstrous change. And look, I finally wrote a new blog post! Many times blogging helps me figure things out.

Things I’m looking forward to incorporating into my New Routine:

• Write every morning! (I hear some groaning, but it’s the quietest time of the day around here)
• Finding a writers group
• Travel - visit family, but also do some Writerly Events
• Start subbing again? Subbing is where I got the bug to write so many years ago. It will keep me busy and still give me time to write. It is also chock full of inspirational characters!

I’m also encouraged by some new neighbors we met at one of the functions we were invited to. It’s so nice to meet people in the same boat, then it isn’t so lonely and scary. And I have a new hairstylist to try (after going to the same one for 20 years). Check!

Hugs from the new roost!

Hope your summer is off to a sunny, productive start!

Would love to hear how you’ve been doing!

PS - I hope to start the Writers Chat back up soon — I miss that big part of my routine!

How to set writing goals in 2019

1/1/2019 -- Just another day? I like to see it as the promise of a new beginning. For some, it's a continuation of your story, maybe just a new chapter. My last chapter was quite tumultuous with moving, kids returning to the roost, and the holidays all bombarding us at once. Some days, I didn't know if I would make it. But here I am, back for a new beginning of a new chapter.

I even squeezed in some writing--subbing day-to-day, I find spots of down time, and it's a blessing to leave the house stress for a bit!

So as we press on and look ahead to a new year, it's time to set some writing goals--the topic of my IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) post for this month.

How to Set (& Achieve) Writing Goals - version 2019

1. What do you want to get done? Jot some things down, make a list. Then prioritize what you want to accomplish first. Use pencil or a computer doc... change is inevitable.
2. How much time do you have to work with? Life always comes first, and usually second and third. Writing usually has to take a back seat, but don't let it be forgotten. You need to make time for you, just be reasonable about it.
3. Don't procrastinate. If you don't feel like writing some days, that's okay. And the list is more of a guideline, you can jump around on it and add to or take away from it throughout the year. Just don't stick the list into a drawer only to find it next December wishing you'd done more on it! Plan to do a little each day.
4. Limit the Social Media temptation. Checking SM too often brings me down--no new likes or mentions this hour :( And posting all the time to receive more responses takes away time from real writing. My snippet SM advice: it's a great tool, but use it sparingly; remember, you get from it what you give, so lower your expectations; and I've found if I set aside a time to schedule posts for the week, I get more out of them later.
5. Be realistic. Writing is a long distance marathon, you need to have stamina and deal with all the bumps in the road (or find a way around the chasms!) You can reach the goal, but only if you keep going!

Here are my major writing goals for this year... the list helps me focus on writing toward the goals every day and every way I can!

• WINDY HOLLOW Release is 1/29/19 and I'm planning the Blog Tour - I made a Book Trailer for it! -- If you'd like to help out, here's the FORM (Fingers crossed my publisher holds it together to get this one out there--after that, the future looks dim. Read my NEWSLETTER for the full update...)
• Submit FARTHER ALONG to betas/CPs this Spring, then polish to gleaming and Query by Summer/Fall.
• Finish UnPrincess Story #4 GERTRUDE and self-publish this Summer. Seeking artists for this and future projects.
• Type first draft of Pop Travel #4 - POWER OF SUGGESTION or CONDUCTION - still debating on the title - by Spring/Summer, then on to betas and CPs.

And I haven't forgotten my Shout Out of the Week!

Julie Flanders!

She's a boss! With a super cute book about a baby bossie (haha) I've known Julie for several years and love it when we can get together for events or just do lunch. I'm lucky she lives pretty close!

A librarian from Cincinnati, Ohio, Julie loves to read, run, go for walks with her dog, and visit new places. She's a sports fan and an Ohio State Buckeyes fanatic. She's also a history buff and loves to weave history into her stories.

Her adult novels are "mysteries untethered by time." Two paranormal thrillers, Polar Night and Polar Day and a historical mystery The Ghosts of Aquinnah. She also recently released a horror novella The Turnagain Arm, a prequel to Polar Night. Her debut children's book, Baby Moo's Great Escape, features the animals of Sunrise Sanctuary in Marysville, Ohio. A sequel, Baby Moo Goes to Hollywood, is forthcoming.

Check out Julie, she's fantastic!

How do you set writing goals? How'd you do last year? Always room for improvement, right?

Lastly, a Shout Out to my Street Team. They are 100% wonderful, and I'm always looking for more perky promoters. Work is minimal, results and rewards mega. Here's the FORM if you're interested in doing something awesome! (name that movie)

Happy New Beginnings and Positive Vibes in 2019!!

See a Need, Fill a Need

One of my favorite movie lines...Robots, Ewan McGregor, and productivity have been on my mind lately. Though summer just officially started on June 20, my summer is half over! I have so much I still need to accomplish. Here's my summer homework list:

• WIP - DISPOSAL, I finished the first draft, but I really want to finish 2 rounds of edits and send to CPs (I could also use one beta reader - if you're interested, let me know)
• Finish 2 short stories for future submissions - I have a thousand ideas and started stories, but most of my time is dedicated to the WIP... really hard to choose one or two to work on! (One is about robot teachers!)
• Start rough draft of WHEN THE WIND BLOWS (3rd Broken Branch Falls)
• Coordinate Cradle Rock release blog/review tour - I already have a couple of review volunteers but could use a couple more, let me know if you're up for it or if you'd like to help with the cover reveal in Sept!
• Finish reading 3 books - this is supposed to be summer vacation after all.

I've chipped away at my list, but it's funny how things come up that we magically make time for, especially if they're fun. Like for me, it's scrapbooks. I was able to visit my grandma and I wanted to bring her a gift. My dad told me what she likes best is photos - so I made her a small scrapbook.

Then my sister reminded me our parents are celebrating their 50th anniversary this month! Egadz! Well they don't like making a big deal out of things, not even huge milestones like this, so again, I took the time to make them a scrapbook (memories seem to be the most valued treasure as we get older) But the hardest scrapbook/slide show project I am about to embark on is for my first born son who will be a senior this year. I'm going to have to go to Costco and stock up on tissues, I fear.

1st Wed each month

Which all brings me to this month's IWSG post. We all have so much to do these days. But when other things come up, it's okay to get sidetracked and take care of them - whether out of necessity or just to take a well-deserved time-out for yourself. As long as we go back to work! And our work will be better for it.

Thinking about this recently, I was inspired to write a poem...

In Need

A gray cloud...needs to cry
A thorny branch...needs pruning
A scratchy throat...needs silence
A wilted flower...needs a talk

A smudged mirror...needs cleansing
A lone straggler...needs direction
A bad grade...needs focus
A charged firework...needs a spark

A red light...needs patience
A sore head...needs peace
A big winner...needs humility
A sad soul...needs a hug

Thanks always to Alex J. Cavanaugh for getting us together each month and to his helpful co-hosts!

Goings on...


My first book, POP TRAVEL is three-years-old this month! And in honor of its Book Bday, it's FREE! But only JULY 6 & 7. I will also GIVEAWAY one signed copy of each of my novels so far to celebrate OR a bracelet if you already have the book! (See below, starts at midnight 7/4)


The Summer Edition of my quarterly Newsletter is out - can't believe another 3 months has flown by! Stop over for tidbits and teasers if you have time.


Well, THE THING THAT TURNED ME anthology needs more time to be perfected - we're shooting for August 5. Look for the authors' awesome promos for their stories, links on our Facebook page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to manage your time - 5 easy steps! #MotivationMonday

Typical summer - There's so much I need/want to do, when I find spurts of free time, I get overwhelmed and end up squandering it, frittering it away with meaningless nonsense. I really need to have a go-to list for that precious time that slips away faster and faster these days. So here's what I'm gonna do...

1. Prioritize - I know what I need to do, but what needs done soonest? I also need a long list and a short list => How much time is each item going to take? I hate to get going on something only to leave it half done!
2. Get off the internet - we are addicted, admit it!! Admitting we have a problem is the beginning of the solution. Set a time limit, use the timer on your phone! SELF-DISCIPLINE! DO IT!
3. Just say NO - can you add another scrumptuous helping to your already overflowing plate of food you know you aren't going to finish? Stop it! It's okay to say no. But if you really need to say yes, SEE STEP ONE! Add it to the queue (love that word!)
4. Just do it - yes, I'm stealing some catch phrases, but they work and will help us remember. So stop hassling me about it and get back to your list!
5. Make sure relaxation is part of the plan - being productive can only happen if the mind is healthy and rested - a burned out brain is not a functional brain, hence the term brain dead. Don't let your brain die (and playing on your phone is not relaxation, it actually ADDS stress to your life - it's a fact, go look it up, UNPLUG!)

So that's my bit of advice for today. Now for the news...

THE THING THAT TURNED ME

comes out THIS Thursday, June 30! Yay!!

Prompted by the lovely producers of this conquest, Randi Lee and Imani Antoinette, I put together a youtube promo (btw, if any co-authors would like me to edit theirs similarly, let me know taratylertalks at the gmail email)

I'm also considering participation in these upcoming events:

The Write. Edit. Publish. challenge...

with your hostesses:

Denise Covey & Yolanda Renée

The Storytime Blog Hop - for stretching your writerly wings in speculative fiction!

NEXT HOP JULY 27, 2016.

This is the 3rd StoryTime Blog Hop of 2016

Juneta Key has more info on her website side-bar, feel free to contact her if you're interested

What are you trying to accomplish this summer?

Happy Monday, y'all!

Getting ready for a #sci fi #Conference @SciFiValleyCon !

Since I'm getting ready for this fun event, I thought I'd share my checklist with you. This is what I bring to an event:

• Display - I get lots of compliments on my table, but sometimes I wonder if it's too much - the point is to sell books, not just look pretty... but it does catch their attention. For purely book events I bring less, but for this sci fi con, I'm going all out!
• Banner(s) - and for this event I'm bringing my photo props!
  
• Black Tablecloth
• Book stands or rack, depends on how much room I have.
• Candy dish, Card holder, Jewelry stands
• Figures - dragon, mermaid, etc, depending on room
• Newsletter signup clipboard
• Raffle bag - depends on the crowd
• Swag - Free stuff with my name & books on it. Hopefully they'll look at it one more time before they toss it... (so don't spend much money on this stuff unless it's useful!)

• Bookmarks - a staple, and I put one series on each side to save on cost
• Postcards - I use postcards to advertise future books or anthologies, and I don't print a ton, it doesn't hurt!
• Author cards - a must, connections are imperative!
• Candy - I attach stickers with my name/books when possible. Candy brings traffic to the table
• Pens - useful, have my name on them, not too expensive
• Magnets - new for this event, they were reasonable and they're useful!
• Bracelets, notepads - these are not free! But I display them to get attention and give them away with the books, helps seal the deal sometimes!
• Gift Bags - I put labels on gift bags for people to carry their purchases from me and I also offer bags if someone is heavy laden - free advertising!
• Me and My Books!
• What to wear - I'm always comfortable, but I do like to add a little flair...
• For bookfairs, I dress business casual, plus add a little glitter in the hair or extra eye makeup
• For Cons like this one, I'll be going dragon - with bigger eye makeup, wings, and possibly a tail if I get around to finishing it!
• the BOOKS!
• I inventory my supply early in case I have to order more
• I bring a box and a half of books, not too many but enough. I've never sold out, but I do sell more every time I go somewhere, so that's positive. This is a bigger event, but most folks are coming for the art, comics, and celebrities. I keep it reasonable and light.

Well, that gives you an idea of how I get ready for a book event. If you have any suggestions or questions - I'm all ears! I'd love to hear about an event you've done or are planning for.

I'm only bringing one extra box of books, not all of them!

Wish me luck!

#summer is coming

Are you ready? Do you have a plan?

As a teacher I'm supposedly going to have all this free time when school gets out. But usually when I find myself with extra free time, I squander it and get nothing done. Well, not so in the summer! (ha ha, yeah, right)

• I put together a master schedule that includes all of our activities - because we don't often sit still and if you need a ride or want to have a sleepover, you have to check the schedule.
• I post the Reading Chart - it has 50 days on it. The boys mark off each day they read. They get rewarded at the halfway point and the end. (This helps with their summer homework
• I hang the Things To Do When I'm Bored list - I update it yearly as they get older. I won't let them sit around and play video games or watch TV all day!
• I make a Chore Chart - one of the least favorite Things To Do, but these are required. I really ask so little of them!
• This year, I'm going to teach my older boys how to do laundry - some of you have already done this, but sometimes teaching my boys how to do something is more frustrating than just doing it myself.
• I'm also going to have my oldest plan a complete meal for our family. I had to do that for a project in a human civics class (I never took home ec) And I learned a lot from the experience.
• And all of that stuff is just for my boys!!

Here's what I hope to accomplish this summer, besides all the baseball games:

>> a lot of writing in the mornings while they sleep in, yay!

>> squeeze in a pilates class or two a week - wish me luck!

>> shop for myself once or twice

>> do several book events!! yay!

>> visit a blog friend or two, I'll keep you posted!

>> and tackle my basement!

The basement's been on my list every summer, but this is the year I can't put it off any longer. I only have about a year left with my oldest and I have to organize all his pictures and memories and (waaaaaahhhhh!) It's okay. I'll be all right. He sounds like he wants to go to college closer to home, so we'll still get to see him. I look forward to seeing how he turns out!

What plans do you have for the summer?

Things NOT to do at an interview

Sometimes I don't know when to shut up - just ask my hub (ba dump bump)

Lately, I've been trying to find ways to make a better living (sons approaching college age = need more $$$!) And we writers know the best kept secret about writing is there's not much money in it. For some strange reason, the general public thinks if you're published, you must be rich AND famous! It really cracks me up when someone introduces me as a "famous author" - ha ha ha!

Anyway, as I said, I'm trying to earn more money. I've been on a few job interviews, sent countless query letters, submitted a few pieces, and begged for book gigs. So far it's all gotten me bupkis! And upon further examination, I seem to be sabotaging myself. I'll tell you what I mean...

Here are Things NOT to do when looking for work:
DON'T tell them you'll understand if they don't want to hire you.
DON'T act like you could care less.
DON'T tell them their workplace is cute.
DON'T bring up sore spots about their financial situation.
DON'T compare them to a better workplace.
DON'T assume you aren't right for the job.
DON'T force a smile.
DON'T oversell yourself.
DON'T show them you're smarter than they are, know-it-all.

I was in an anti-full-time teacher funk when I went on that interview. Yes, I actually did a few of those things. How could I be so dumb? People know when you aren't genuinely interested. They also know when you're trying too hard out of desperation. We must be confident but not cocky. Self-assured but not assuming. And humble not humiliating.

I was disappointed I didn't get a job offer, but not surprised. Then a long-term job was handed to me - things worked out. Not getting the book events was actually better for me. And more changes are on the horizon that would make getting a permanent job not the best situation right now. I believe God has a plan for me. After having things work out so many times, and mostly not how I plan, it's easier to accept and leave things to Him.

Prayer brings results, worry brings wrinkles.

AND IN THE NEWS:
Don't forget to stop by and vote at the WRiTE CLUB!

Many folks are Revealing their A to Z Challenge THEMES today - including the Really Real Housewives where we'll be joining in the challenge. You'll never guess our theme!

And if anyone would like to volunteer to read JOLISSA for an honest review, let me know. Thanks!

Anyone else notice how things work out for the best in ways least expected?

Hope things are working out for you!

Happy Spring!