Say What?

If you read my blog often you might remember a recent post where I mentioned that authors might have their day, week, or month all planned out and then BAM! Someone throws something in the way. Well... yeah. I That happened to me last week. I had put together a great timeline for writing and editing and was heading out the door for a doctor's appointment when I paused to check the fantastic inbox. Imagine my surprise when I received an email from my publisher saying that she sold her company. SAY WHAT? I hurried out the door and got a second email before arriving at the doctor office. Wendy, here are the rights back to all of the books we had contracted. Not in those exact words but just as quick. But we had just published an anthology! What about that? And why had we done that when this deal was in the works for a long time? My head spun.

But I was delight. While some authors were on (and probably still are) Cloud 9 to be able to transfer their books over to the new division of one of the BIG publishing companies that my publisher has become, I want to keep the rights to my books. I had over year left with my publisher and I couldn't wait for the day to get my rights back... I wanted to be free. That day came! It's here!

Besides my regular work load, I've been working with my cover artist and doing formatting, trying to get these 4 books ready to be re-released. You see, one unexpected (but good!) email can throw an author's schedule way out of whack.

But please celebrate with me... I'm on Cloud 9 too!

Check out these new covers. By the way, these books are up on Amazon already.  You can find them HERE!!

An Author's Day...

When I tell people that I'm an author their eyes usually take on an excited shine as their face lights up. They often exclaime, "You're an author?!" Something is magical about that word! So I'm going to let you in on a secret... the average author's day. Here is a typical day for me:


4:00 a.m.- Yes, I start my day this early. My honey works in construction so he has to be up for work now. I get up too because it gives me an extra long work day. Once he is out the door, I wake my brain with a large amount of coffee, some breakfast, and check email (but don't respond yet!). The real key to my early morning wake-up is playing some strategic games (usually Candy Crush or Pet Rescue). After my lives are used up I'm ready to go.

I set my word count for the day. This week I'm writing a novella so I must make at least 1000 words a day. I'm delighted if I go over that word count though. At this time I respond to emails and then start writing.

5:45 ish: The kids are up for school. Our house a busy for awhile and it's hard to concentrate on writing the book. I'll often do some promoting and corresponding with readers and other authors. I might schedule blog posts and write some posts. I often update my Goodreads page, Twitter, and Facebook author page and regular Facebook page.

6:45: Daughter is off to marching band practice. Son is still here, but he is quiet so I get to refocus on writing. I'll reread what I wrote earlier to help get back into the zone. He leaves an hour later and by then I'm really ready to make my word count.

10:00: I'm ready to eat lunch. I also am ready for some conversation. I usually walk around while I eat to give my butt a break from sitting so long. Before I settle back in the recliner with my computer, I'll make calls to people, pay bills, and check emails again. Oh look: my cover artist wants me to choose pictures for my next cover! I must agonize over this before writing continues. And then... I am invited to special projects like another anthology. What should I write? It's hard to get my thoughts back to my current characters.

And then I decide that I've taken so long with "other stuff" that I just might not make my word count for the day. Back to writing I go...

Around 12:30: I put my computer up for a bit. I really need to move around, so I try to do a workout while the family is still gone. I have the Zumba program on DVD and this sparks up my day. After I workout I start some chores. When I'm finished I go back to the keyboard in hopes of meeting my word count.

3:00 p.m.: Both kids (plus daughter's boyfriend) are here. It's crazy. My mom was here yesterday and she mentioned how she finally realized why I don't work when the kids are home. I try to squeeze in a few more words, but that usually is unsuccessful. Dan gets home shortly after and the rest of the day is for family.

And there you have, readers!

An Author's Day

When people learn that I'm an author they usually are amazed by the idea. They usually explain, "Wow! That is so exciting!" It is like I have turned into a super hero or something hehe. Responses like these often make me feel weird because I'm just me... I just have ideas pop into my head so I write them down so other people can read them! 

Being an author isn't all that glamorous. I promise you that. We work very hard for the money and recognition we receive. So today I am going take off my super hero cape and let you see what my life as an author is really like. 

I get up at 5:30 most mornings to begin my day. I do not get up this early to write. Heck no. My daughter has to be up for school so I start my day at this time. Promotion and marketing is a big part of being an author. No, publishers don't do most of this for the author. It rests on the author's shoulders. Being an author is a very solitude profession. During this time of day, I write emails, chat with my friends, do promo/marketing, and blog. I take a break for breakfast before starting my "day job" which I also do from my home. 

My day job happens to be editing manuscripts for other authors. I am swarmed by the craft of writing all day long. I love this! I edit a manuscript for several hours straight. When I need a break, I usually end up doing chores, running errands, or chatting with my boyfriend on the phone. After I take a break I'm back at the computer for several more hours of editing. I have  deadlines for these manuscripts so editing them takes a lot of time. 

In the early evening I'm ready for some outdoor activity and exercise. We have a pool so that is usually where you'll find me. Swimming lasts about an hour before I'm inside to do more chores and cook dinner. I hang out with the kids for a bit. They are teenagers so they only like so much "mom time" before they are off doing their own thing. 

Late evening is spent working on my own novels. If I have an editing deadline, I will focus on getting my edits finished and will not write any new material. Otherwise I balance it out... edit for awhile, write for awhile. Research is squeezed in there somewhere! I work on my book until my brain is numb. I talk to my boyfriend on the phone while a movie is playing and then I pass out. 

I do get to do fun author stuff occasionally. I belong to a writing association so the meetings help me feel all author-like. We also get to take fun workshops like How to Process a Crime Scene. I get to meet interesting people like homicide detectives, scientists, and male cover models! This stuff is the glamorous side of being an author but these are special events. 

Don't get me wrong. Being an author isn't a fancy job. It is hard on most days but there are so many rewards. Getting a good review, having a fan email you to say how much they love your book or to ask when the next one comes out, and seeing the final product of all work you put in is the best. 

I might not really wear a super hero cape and that is fine with me.... I just want to be an author.