It’s the old story, isn’t it?  We work by day and write by night, and then we wonder why we’re so tired.  I started joking some time ago that I’m now a full-time publisher, and in my spare time I write the books.  But it does seem to be like that, and maybe if I want to increase the discoverability of my books that’s the way it should be – but I should do it better.

One of the things I read when I first started self-publishing – and I’ve read it many times since – is that to be a successful indie author you need to have more titles out.  More titles says more about you as an author than loads of clever promotions, giveaways and gimmicks.  And especially spammy tweets.  Well, I still have some spammy tweets around, but I hope they aren’t intrusive.  I find tweeting about my blog posts more … engaging? But I’m not very good at social media, and I get overwhelmed with the need to spread myself around.  I’d much rather talk to you, on my blog or yours.

But so far this year I’ve finished editing and published my dad’s memoirs in kindle, paperback and hardcover editions (epub etc to follow in about August), learning a lot about a new POD/distribution group on the way (Blurb), and I’m very close to releasing the six Princelings paperbacks in new livery (well, Talent Seekers and Bravo Victor have enhanced covers rather than new ones, since they’ve never been in paperback before).  At the start of the year I also wrote the first third of the next Princelings book, although it wasn’t scheduled until the end of the year!  Actually, that was the easy bit, as that brought the protagonist up to where the published books are in the saga to date.  The next bits will be the new storylines.  And next month I’m determined to start editing the first Viridian System series book The Perihelix (Pete & The Swede 1).

And, as you know, keeping a blog going (and doing the A to Z Challenge in April) takes up a lot of time and writing effort.

So it’s not really surprising that I’m  suffering from real life grabbing all the rest of the time I have, or that I’m behind with my reading!

The trouble is, I think I’m doing the right things.  I just think I should be doing them better, or more effectively.  I need to make a written promotional plan for the rest of the year and stick to it.  And give myself time off for good behaviour.  Time off which isn’t filled by a writing masterclass in a pleasant spot!

IWSG badgeI think this is probably my ⌗IWSG post for the week, a day or so early.

How are you feeling about your year so far?  How’s it going?

 

 

I’m working too hard

11 thoughts on “I’m working too hard

  • 1 June, 2015 at 6:25 am
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    You need to slow down while you can Jemima.I found that if you completely fill your time with promotions, blogs and post, it doesn’t ease off as you catch up. The work will expand to take every minute of your day if you let it.
    Do s you suggest and set yourself a plan and stick to it.Making sure that you allow yourself time off and don’t allow yourself to say, “I’ll just….”.
    I’ve had a plan to put new covers on my second and third Barsetshire books and on my Oscar the Cat one. I won’t say how long I’ve had the plan but it’s no nearer fruition.
    Have a Great Week
    xxx Huge Hugs xxx

  • 1 June, 2015 at 8:44 am
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    I don’t know how you do it Jemima, I have to admit, I don’t always have time to read all your posts, so how you get time to write them, I have no idea!! 😀

  • 1 June, 2015 at 3:10 pm
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    I think having a plan is a good way to go. Your days are just packed, and you need to schedule in some down time to keep your creative juices flowing. Seize the day and make it yours!

  • 1 June, 2015 at 4:17 pm
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    Yeah, there is never enough time in a day to do everything. I’m not a planner, but having todo lists and being organized does help. Good luck with all you want to get done.

  • 1 June, 2015 at 6:47 pm
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    Hi Jemima .. how fabulous to be able to help your father with his memoirs .. that sounds as though it will be such an interesting read – if not for the public … for your family and near and dear.

    We just get busy don’t we … I’m nowhere near as busy as you are – but must take the summer away from blogging, to give myself time to get on with some other things … I’m looking forward to that challenge … and all the associated things that go into freeing up some time ..

    Cheers and good luck with your plans – Hilary

  • 2 June, 2015 at 3:36 pm
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    I need a plan, too. But I usually find out about promotional opportunities at the last minute, which not only makes planning hard but makes them less effective. Still, at least trying to plan might make me seek out the opportunities. I think you do a great job of it all, Jemima!

  • 3 June, 2015 at 1:57 pm
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    It’s hard sometimes not doing too much becuase we feel a need to get it all done. I’ve made it a yearly practice now to take two months off from my blog in the summer. I pre-schedule a few posts and then walk away. In that 1st month, I rest and read for pleasure. In the second month, I do a bit of planning for when I go back to blogging. It really does take some of the pressure off. However, during that two months, I’m still active on other social media and trying to meet my writing goals.
    Congratulations on your father’s memoir.

  • 3 June, 2015 at 3:11 pm
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    Breathing room is so important! It is far too easy for us to spread out time and energy thin…. taking a REAL break can help give some rejuvination!

  • 4 June, 2015 at 11:36 am
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    Thank you all for these thoughtful comments. I’m taking your advice and having a little downtme this week!

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