Weary Writer? Time to Recharge!

I’ve taken it easy the last couple of weeks, relaxing as the flurry of book launch activities has died down. Signings, FB parties, interviews, radio–it was all a bit intense. Good, but intense. There are still a few media things floating around out there, but the pace has slowed down. To be honest, I was running on empty.

How does a writer recharge?

Time with the family: I’m enjoying having the kids home on summer vacation. They’re teens and tweens now, so it’s less about playing in the sprinkler and more about finding common interests. My daughter and I have been working (slowly) on re-doing her room. My son and I hide from the heat by pulling the curtains and watching sci-fi on Netflix.

Physical Activity: The only way to succeed in writing is a lot of BIC time (bottom in chair). Eventually our bodies mold into that shape. This summer I’m battling the chair-shaped-derriere and signed up for a summer tap dance class. If you want a good laugh, you should come watch. There’s a reason I’m a writer and not a dancer. But I’ve been surprised to discover it stimulates the brain every bit as much as the body.

Reconnecting with my husband: God’s been good to us, and my kids’s camp weeks have coincided this summer. Taking advantage of that, I’m planning a long overdue romantic getaway. Ahhhh! We’re looking at the Bonneville Hot Springs Repsort and Spa. I think a professional massage and soaking in sulfur spring sounds like a reward (for both of us) for months of deadlines and launch stress. 

Writing: What?! Writing as a way to recharge from writing? Yes. Marketing and editing are exhausting. Deadlines are terrifying. But writing a new story is like cracking open a fresh box of crayons. Mmm. Can you smell them? It reminds me why I like this job in the first place. What reinvigorates creative people? The freedom to be creative!

Conferences & Retreats: While all of these things help me to recharge, attending a professional conference or retreat is like hooking jumper cables to a dead battery. Connecting with other writers, praying together and studying the craft and market trends–it’s a jolt of energy that gets me back on track. Here’s a few that I plan to attend this summer/fall:

• Oregon Christian Writers (OCW) Summer Conference, Portland, Oregon, August 4-7. (And my debut novel, Mistaken, is a finalist in the OCW Cascade Awards!)
• American Christian Fiction Writers Conference,  Saint Louis, September 25-27.
• Books & Such Literary Agency Retreat, Monetery, California, October 26-29.

Plugging into the Word. To be honest, this has always been a weakness of mine. I’ve read and studied scripture since I was young, but it’s never been what I’d call a daily quiet time. I’m recommitting myself to that this summer. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Do I need that right now? Yes, indeedy!

Do you feel the power surging yet? I do! I know that these refreshing moments will help me prepare for what’s ahead. Like these exciting developments . . .

• Advance copies of Beyond the Ashes, Golden Gate Chronicles Book 2, are just about ready! I’ll get one last chance to read through the manuscript before the final copies are printed. I even saw it pop up on one online bookseller as “ready for preorder.” Already? Wow. I’m not going to post any links until it’s available everywhere, so be patient. 🙂
• I’ve been invited to speak at my home town library, the Parkland branch of the Pierce County Library, in September. I don’t know when I’ve been SO excited for a speaking engagement. I credit the public library with my love for books and story-telling. I can’t wait to go thank them in person!
• Book three is due early next spring. I hope you’ll join me in praying for God’s wisdom and supervision as I craft this story.
• Beyond the Ashes releases in May, 2015. It sounds like a long way off, but I know how quickly the time passes when you’re not looking. I’m in love with this book, and I can’t wait for you to read it! I pray readers are blessed by Gerald and Ruby’s story.

So, what are you doing this summer to recharge?

By the way, speaking of refreshing–did you notice the new website? I’ve been working with Nicole Miller of Miller Media Solutions on a complete redesign. What do you think? I might still tweak a few things here or there, but I LOVE the new look. I’m excited about the “Subscribe to my Newsletter” feature. I promise, I won’t inundate you with email. I’m thinking of putting it out about four times a year as a way to update everyone on new releases. I hope you’ll subscribe!

Blessings!

Karen