Over the years, hopeful authors have come to me complaining, “I want to write, but I just can’t find the time.” They ask, “How do you find the time to write?” 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—they want to know how—I sometimes give them an example from my own experiences.
Those of you who have followed my blog for a while, know this story—about how, at one point in my life I had to get a job and I became despondent because I missed writing so much. That’s 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’t have that sort of passion for writing, this story may fall on deaf ears (or blind eyes). Can you relate? Perhaps there’s something you’re passionate about—something that you pursue despite obligations to work and family. You’ve figured out a way to get your exercise at a gym after work; you’ve created a container garden where you have no dirt to work in; you go sailing every other weekend like it is a religion—because 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.
For me, when I thought a traditional job would be my future, I began getting up at 4 every morning. I’d 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.
Now I have another problem: all I want to do is write. I spend so much time writing that I’m neglecting this blog. I apologize to those of you who enjoy it and/or rely on it for information and encouragement. I’ll try to do better. Problem is, my Klepto Cat Mystery books are my priority now.
Here’s where I am with the Klepto Cat Mysteries. The 12th book in the series, The Purrfect Lie is scheduled for publication as a Kindle book over the weekend. I’ll make a formal announcement soon.
Seven of the books are also in print. We just came out with The Corral Cat Caper in print.
I’m working on book 13, a Christmas story. It is with beta-readers now. If you want to be a beta-reader—if you’d 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
I’m selling note cards with the Klepto Cat Mystery book covers on them. They are so attractive. I’m 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’ll announce here and on my facebook page when they are for sale at my website—I’m guessing it will be by the first of the week.
As for sales, they are still up. I’m 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.
In order to publish that novel (children’s 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 find a way to proceed.
Good luck!
Websites
Catscapades blog
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades
Klepto Cat Mysteries—Amazon page