How to Transition and Survive

Change is hard.

And life is full of changes, getting older, moving, job changes, relationship status, health issues, etc. And if you have to go through more than one at the same time, your stress level can go through the roof!

I'm in the midst of several changes, almost all of the above. I'm dealing with it in the best way I know how, but I know I've been snapping people's heads off when the stress gets to me. Then I feel horrible. I try to keep positive, but juggling all these new headaches is making me crazy.

The hardest part has been losing my writing life and missing out on book events. It's hard enough to be a writer, but when you have a good thing going and it falls apart, it's so hard to start over. It's easy to doubt and wonder if this is the part where I'm supposed to give up and move on...

So for IWSG this month, I'm looking for ways to deal with change. Here's what I came up with:

• One thing at a time - It doesn't all have to be done at once. I have to ask myself: What can I handle today?
• Ask for help - I'm so grateful for this community. I got so much help this summer. When you're down, you've got a friend!
• Don't overdo it - I tend to work, work, work until I fall asleep. I feel overwhelmed and rushed, like I have to get everything done ASAP! But I know many of the things can wait, so I decided to shut down at a certain time every day. Then I can relax a little before going to bed.
• Make time for family - they're the ones usually taking the brunt of my sharp tongue. I have to show them I can be nice and fun and still love them.
• Organize the mess - I have several unfinished projects I want to get to, but they are low priority. Seeing them sitting there unfinished is a big stresser. So I write myself a list of the things I need to get to when I make some project time and put the projects away out of sight.
• Go shopping - or sit outside with my dog and a glass of wine or watch a favorite show... just do something away from the stress. The stuff will still be there, but if I'm too irritated, I won't be able to concentrate and get things done anyway.

Setting aside time each weekend morning in August, I was able to type up, then edit down my submission for the IWSG Anthology Contest. I'll let you know if I make it... Probably keep it to myself if I don't. But I'm proud of myself for getting it done!

I'm just trying to get my life back into a groove, then I think things will start looking up, right?

Do you have any advice for an over-stressed workaholic? 

Hope September is falling into place!

How to Organize a #Successful #BookLaunch

It may not be the end of summer, but with school around the corner, it's the end of MY summer... And though I had a rocky start, it's finished out fantabulous! I turned bad news into an opportunity and published my 6th book with more re-publishings on the way. With the Windy Hollow Release Tour complete, it's time to talk about results and PRIZES!

First, I'll give it to you by the numbers...Over the 45 days of my release tour:

• 563 likes, tweets, posts, and chat participants from my awesome volunteers!
• which averages to: 80 shout-outs per week!
• 7 average number of #WedWrant participants per week -- a big hit! (more info in a min)
• 1073 views of my blog posts

Not only did I reconnect and strengthen relationships with established friends, I also made several new ones!

• Many new followers on social media
• New subscribers to youtube channel and newsletter
• Lots of new connections via guest post comments

And for today's IWSG post, I'm sharing my process.

Success is a relative term. Many people judge success by how many books are sold. And I am pleased to say that the first books in each of my series are always good sellers at events, with previous readers asking for the sequels when I return. But for this release tour, my previous books were whisked away and it's up to me to re-publish them...

As a loner with many responsibilities, and the setbacks I've had to deal with lately, I consider gaining exposure and building connections a big success. Here's how I did it:

1. Put out Feelers--I asked my friends way in advance if they could help me. Then I asked them how and when they'd be able to help, like:
• host a guest post
• shout-out on social media
• read an ARC for review
• make a video! like this one Sheri Larsen and I did...It was so fun! We really put ourselves out there--and now that we've tried it, I'm looking forward to more!
• I also offered a prize drawing for my helpers (see below for winner)
• An online Form is the way to go!
2. Organize--I use a calendar and I set reminders. It's the only way I can keep up with everything.
3. Get Social! Besides the regular guest posts, I took this Release Tour a bit further:
• Mon - blog posts
• Tues - Insta/FB/Twitter
• Wed - CHAT day-#WedWrant

• #WEDWRANT - we had a blast with this and we WILL GO ON! I had a tremendous response to keep it going. So I will continue to send reminders to those who responded. Feel free to let me know if you'd like to be added to the reminder list!
• Thu - Insta/FB/Twitter
• Fri - Videos and misc
• I planned topics, used old and created new graphics/images, and posted my butt off!
• Hootsuite made it so easy to schedule posts.
• And to help my helpers, I sent out emails of things they could post
4. Challenge the people - I hosted a mini-meme (haha) challenge. It was spur of the moment, so not a lot of participants, but I got tons of visitors!
5. Offer Gifts--I usually do a Rafflecopter, not sure if they draw attention as well as they used to, but I got some new views that way too.

All in all, I had a hugely productive summer and hope to continue to gain more ground, if at a slower pace. With school about to start, I will have to cut way back to my normal once a month post for a while. But I plan to nourish the new connections and keep promoting, or I'll be forgotten. That's how it is in today's fast-paced world--go and keep going or get left behind. The more active I was, the more attention I received. If you have time, go for it!

This is all thanks to my awesome writer friends and helpers. I couldn't have gotten this extra exposure without your help. Everyone who helped is getting some personalized note stationary! Like these:

And the BIG WINNER of my Helpers Raffle is:

And lastly, here are the winners of my giveaway...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you! And I'd love to help YOU!

Things I love about #Atlanta

Just got back from my favorite place, Atlanta, GA! Every time I cross into Georgia, it welcomes me home. And it's especially dear to my heart because I got married there and my parents still live there. If you've never been, you must go!

Here's a little list of the things I love about Atlanta...

• Finding shortcuts and driving opposite traffic - many folks complain about the traffic, and it is definitely horrendous if you have to go with the stop-and-go flow at rush hour. But there are so many shortcuts, if you know your way around.
• The trees and nature - majestic, green, towering, shady trees -- especially nice around a hot ball field! Nowhere else are there trees like these. And I love zipping around on windy, hilly roads. Plus, there always seems to be a cool creek around the corner... and my parents have it all in their backyard!
• The neighborhoods - there are some grand old homes and beautiful new estates. It's fun to just drive around and look.
• The restaurants - from eclectic to down-home southern, there's always something new to try. Not only is the food delicious, but the atmosphere is always inviting, with outdoor seating available almost year-round. And many of the restaurants are unique to the area.
• The low cost - everything is less expensive in Georgia. You can find pricey places to eat and shop, but you don't have to!
• A fast-paced city with a slow, relaxed southern attitude - get there fast and enjoy your time while you're there.
• Friendly southern hospitality - service with a smile most of the time, which seems to be harder and harder to find these days.
• Tons to do - from sports: the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks; to the sites like the magnificent Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, and Underground Atlanta; to entertainment and parks: The Fabulous Fox Theater and Six Flags over Georgia, plus outdoor theaters, festivals, and more!
• The rich diversity - culture, harmony, history. I taught in Atlanta for a few years and I thoroughly enjoyed all my students. Kids are all the same with loads of potential no matter where they're from or what they look like.

Here are a few pics from my Atlanta travels... (over the past few years)

my dad added on a lower deck
--it was finished and screened-in this year =)

can you see the deer?
from the screened-in porch!

spotted some duckies while hiking

me by the Chattahoochee River

gorgeous trees in the spring
but watch out for allergies!

my friend Tina and I
at the Flying Biscuit Cafe
I brought home some cranberry apple butter - mmm

Do you have a favorite place to visit? Ever been to Atlanta?

BUT WAIT! I have a special announcement!

The winner of my writer meme challenge is Juneta Key! Here's her creative, funny meme!

And her avatar prize...

Juneta Key
speculative fiction author

Now, here's a funny thing: I'm at her place today for the last stop on my Windy Hollow Release Tour!

The topic was a surprise, but now it's here so I can tell you... 

How to get through Querying!

I hope you have time to stop by. Have a great week!