I will be the first to admit, I usually end up breaking all of my New Years resolutions. I think a lot of people do. And while some believe that there is no point in making them if all you’ll do is break them, I have to disagree. Even if you don’t keep them, AT LEAST YOU TRIED.
I made resolutions this year. I decided that 2014 is going to be my year because, let’s face it, 2013 sucked for most people. I can’t say it was all bad. I had the chance to connect with new readers as well as getting a chance to know my other readers, better. I even made a new friend this year. A good friend, and those are hard to find.
If you follow me on Facebook,then you already know that I had somewhat of a meltdown about a week before Christmas. For six weeks straight, I burned the candle at both ends. I went to bed between midnight and two a.m. I would get back up at 6 a.m. to get my children off to school, and then I would write.
In November, I wrote 67k words during NaNoWriMo for What the Heart Takes #SSB3. Had this book been like it’s predecessors, it would be finished and in your hands. But nothing in my life is ever simple. How could it be when Layne constantly whispers in my ear, all his frustrations and naughty thoughts. Like being dipped in chocolate…
Long story short, I knew I wasn’t going to reach my self imposed deadline to release before Christmas. With holiday errands, family activities, and sick children, finishing by this deadline grew impossible. It wasn’t just my time I had to consider. I have a critique partner, editor, beta readers, etc. I couldn’t impose on their hectic holiday lives, either.
So, I had to do the one thing I didn’t want to do. I had to push my release date back. It was one of the hardest things I’ve done in a long time. I cried for days. I didn’t want to disappoint any of my readers. I felt like a failure, along with a list of other insecurities.
Between my husband and my mother, they broke through to me and helped me realize that I was slowly killing myself. My mother convinced me that I’m too hard on myself. My husband asked me to announce to everyone that the book wouldn’t be ready. And once the announcement was out… WOW. I still can’t believe the response I received. My true readers understood and offered their support and encouragement. For that, I’m forever grateful.
After giving it some thought, I decided to make some new goals for myself. New Years resolutions, if you will. I know I will probably break most of them. But that’s okay. At least I’m trying to do better. One thing I’ve learned from this experience: I’m not superwoman. This year, I’m taking back the reins to this crazy life of mine, and I’m steering myself in a new direction…toward the NYT bestsellers list. I will be there one day. Even if it’s isn’t this year, I will be there.
Back to New Years resolutions… Did you make any? Here are a few of mine:
I resolve to take better care of myself this year. I will not be hard on myself. I will maintain a healthier lifestyle with a good diet and exercise. (Dear God do I need to get back to exercising.) I will not have unrealistic expections. I will not set self-imposed deadlines. I will not allow others to break me, take advantage of me, or convince me that I won’t succeed at my dreams. I will bring back the girl who is a force to be reckoned with. And most importantly, I will be grateful for every day I have.
As a thank you for not only supporting me, but for encouraging me every step of the way, I shared a little teaser with my Facebook friends. I’m sharing it here, too. Hope y’all like it. And as for book 3… My goal is to release by the end of January/February. Notice that I say ‘goal’. This is not a deadline. đ
Thanks for sticking with me. Love and hugs, y’all~
