I originally saved this back in November of last year. I do that. Sometimes, one of the Universe’s emails pops up, I want to keep it but I’m not ready to use it, so I tuck it back as a draft.
At the time I saved this, I had a whole lot going on and every bit of it scared me to death. I was releasing The Penumbra Papers and not seeing great sales. I had COWGIRLS DON’T CRY with Harlequin and had been told to wait longer. (I won’t mention how long that deal actually took!) I was really questioning my writing career.
The problem was, I was afraid of things staying the same and failing because I’d tried to change them. I think that’s called a Catch-22.
When the fear of “things staying the same” exceeds the fear of “failure,” Silver, stuff happens.
Ch-ch-changes…
~The UniverseIf you could see how well things will be going for you, Silver, you’d probably be skipping every day.
Fast forward almost six months and wow! Granted, Penumbra hasn’t caught on as I’d wished but I’m still proud of the series. And I have a two-book deal with Harlequin, with a chance for more in that series. The Wolves remain popular and an editor I’d previously worked with asked for me specifically to participate in a Christmas anthology. Deadlines! I have them! 😆
So yeah. I’m doing some skipping, and the occasional happy dance. And my advice from all of this? Don’t give up. Don’t hide from change. And don’t let things simply go on exactly the same way. Shake things up. Because when you do? Yeah, stuff happens. And more often than not, it’s good stuff. Now go forth and skip. 😉
Silver James 
I can’t believe what I’m reading – you questioning your writing career??? You have been so steadfast and driven??? But I understand – as Natalie said over on the Journal the other day, it can be a depressing business (manic, actually).
And look how much can change in 5 months. So happy for you and the ch-ch-changes that have taken place, the doors that have opened and will continue to open. Good lesson here, not only from the Universe, but from you, too 🙂
I think its in the nature of the writing beast, Janet. 🙂 Every writer I know suffers some form of doubt and panic when it comes to their talent, their sales, their ability to get the next thing out there, their lack of making headway on their particular career path. I have to remind myself daily that others are struggling, that I’ve had some success, that I’m okay. I really have to reinforce that last one. I’m okay. Life is good. And I’m too stubborn to give up. So…
Back to work!
You ladies inspire me to continue on with my writing and cheerleader me through tough patches!
For that I will be forever grateful.
Working on moving and packing, To the new digs– damn I havea lot of books*smirking*
Have a great day and Happy Easter weekend!
This is why I went to the Kindle, 😆 Much easier to move!
We all go through rough patches, Kimber. We need virtual hugs and chocolate and sometimes a swift kick to the patootie. I’m all about dreams and reaching for them. 🙂
I know you’ll be so happy when you get settled in the new place and it’s “yours.”
We will still get more stories about Sade and crew, right?!? No questioning your writing career! I love your voice.
Oh yes! I love Sade and the misfits far to much to abandon them! LOL I have far too many voices in my head. If I don’t breath life into them, I’d be even more weird than I already am. 😉