DECISIONS, DECISIONS!

It's 11:30 on a Friday night and I'm exhausted! (Isn't that sad!)

Maybe I'd better explain.

I have spent the better part of this whole week, sitting in front of the computer screen but I haven't been writing. No, I've been READING. I'm trying to learn everything I can about self-publishing and the ins-and-outs of ebooks.

Can I just tell you? My head hurts. My eyes are dry and my printer's out of ink. Writer's platforms, marketing, formatting, templates...the list just goes on and on. I fear I will be overtaken by all these pieces of paper.

The one thing I have learned (though I long suspected it anyway) is something that my writing partner told me a long time ago. "Nobody's gonna do it for us. The ultimate responsibility lies with us." Yeah, okay. I kinda knew that but this is ridiculous! That is also the part that I most remember when someone sees me behind a book table at a signing event and quips, "You know, I think I'll write a book someday." Good luck, Huck.

Writing a really good book is VERY hard work. I mean, I'm passionate about the story line and the characters but, honestly? That's just the tip of the iceberg (cliche, I know. Sorry.) Then I was fortunate enough to find a wonderful editor/publisher that took me under his wing to publish "Contessa" and "Trust In the Yord: Hunter's Story" but the burden to sell still lies with me. And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings me to my other dilemma: I loathe self-promotion - always have.

That is a problem, you see, when the whole idea of getting your book published is to get other people to become interested enough to want to buy it so they can read it and see what all the buzz is about.

Okay. I've whined enough. I'm convinced there is no end in sight - at least not for the time being. So, I shall soldier on and learn all I can. I guess it's that way about anything new we try, isn't it? It's all about being flexible and keeping an open mind. Yeah. Okay. I'm as flexible as a 50+ (watch it!) year old woman can be and my mind is open (pretty much). I feel better already.

Back to the keyboard. I have a story to write for Peekaboo Magazine and a presser for an upcoming event. EEK! There's that self-promotion again! But there is also the time I can find to sit down and re-visit/revise "City Girl" and make it as wonderful as it can possibly be before I release it to you. Yes, I'm making strides - or should I say, I'm taking baby steps? Regardless, I'm moving forward and for that, I'm extremely grateful to everyone that has bought one of my books, actually read it and gave me honest feedback or review. (One more thing I've learned: always ask for a review!)

Thank you, sweet friends. (Notice, I didn't say "fans"? I won't be using that anytime soon!) I appreciate your encouragement and support more than you'll ever know and, someday soon, if you keep checking back - I just might have an e-book for you to read! Wish me luck!

Until we meet again~