Over the years, hopeful authors have come to me complaining, \u201cI want to write, but I just can\u2019t find the time.\u201d They ask, \u201cHow do you find the time to write?\u201d I tell them that it boils down to priorities. You have to want it badly enough to make it a priority. If the wannabe author persists with more questions\u2014they want to know how\u2014I sometimes give them an example from my own experiences.<\/p>\n
Those of you who have followed my blog for a while, know this story\u2014about how, at one point in my life I had to get a job and I became despondent because I missed writing so much. That\u2019s when I realized I had to find a way to write no matter what else was going on in my life. However, if the author doesn\u2019t have that sort of passion for writing, this story may fall on deaf ears (or blind eyes). Can you relate? Perhaps there\u2019s something you\u2019re passionate about\u2014something that you pursue despite obligations to work and family. You\u2019ve figured out a way to get your exercise at a gym after work; you\u2019ve created a container garden where you have no dirt to work in; you go sailing every other weekend like it is a religion\u2014because it feeds your soul. As I said, if you want it badly enough and if you value yourself enough, you will make it a priority.<\/p>\n
For me, when I thought a traditional job would be my future, I began getting up at 4 every morning. I\u2019d write for a few hours, take a power walk, then get ready for work. I wrote an entire book on this schedule. Then I built a freelance article-writing business on the same schedule so that I could eventually quite the job and write full-time.<\/p>\n
Now I have another problem: all I want to do is write. I spend so much time writing that I\u2019m neglecting this blog. I apologize to those of you who enjoy it and\/or rely on it for information and encouragement. I\u2019ll try to do better. Problem is, my Klepto Cat Mystery books are my priority now.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s where I am with the Klepto Cat Mysteries. The 12th<\/sup> book in the series, The Purrfect Lie<\/em> is scheduled for publication as a Kindle book over the weekend. I\u2019ll make a formal announcement soon.<\/p>\n Seven of the books are also in print. We just came out with The Corral Cat Caper<\/em> in print.<\/p>\n I\u2019m working on book 13, a Christmas story. It is with beta-readers now. If you want to be a beta-reader\u2014if you\u2019d like to read the first draft of the book and give me feedback before it goes to the proofreader, let me know. PLFry620@yahoo.com<\/a><\/p>\n I\u2019m selling note cards with the Klepto Cat Mystery book covers on them. They are so attractive. I\u2019m excited to be offering them to those of you who love the series and would like to have these cards to frame or to send. I\u2019ll announce here and on my facebook page when they are for sale at my website\u2014I\u2019m guessing it will be by the first of the week.<\/p>\n As for sales, they are still up. I\u2019m selling over a thousand Kindle copies per month and there are reportedly thousands and thousands of pages being read through the lending arm of the Kindle Direct Program. There are readers who still prefer print books, but sales for print books are more sluggish. Keep that in mind if you plan to produce a novel anytime soon.<\/p>\n In order to publish that novel (children\u2019s book, nonfiction book, etc.), you must write it. Are you passionate about writing that book? Have you carved out your time and space to do the actual writing? If not, maybe now is the time to reevaluate your schedule and readjust your priorities. If your project is important enough, you will<\/strong> find a way to proceed.<\/p>\n Good luck!<\/p>\n Websites<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/patriciafry.com<\/a><\/p>\n Catscapades blog<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades<\/a><\/p>\n Klepto Cat Mysteries\u2014Amazon page<\/p>\n