Hello, everyone.
This coming November I will celebrate my 72nd birthday. Even as I contemplate another year in my life, I have to wonder, where did the time go? Seems like only yesterday I was a vigorous thirty-year-old woman with two kids. I had a lot on my plate, but managed to get it all done in the time required. When the boys were on their own, I turned my energies to writing--something I'd wanted to do for a long time. My father wrote short stories. I found them in a folder when I was a teenager. After he passed away, I made sure they were always in a safe place. By today's standards, his stories are pretty awful what with POV and dialogue, but the fact is they gave me the push I needed to pen my own. I had my first book published in 2010 and all I could think of was how proud Dad would have been.
Last week, my oldest son and his three sons came for their summer visit. Naturally, the final edits for Judge Not landed in my inbox and a few days later, the first round edits for Killer Country Club joined them. Not wanting to miss family time, I put off doing anything with them. Have to face the music now and get to work. But one thing stood out this past week. When my company returned home, I realized I was exhausted. It took two days to recover. And I had no inclination to do my job. Those two book edits are still waiting. I have to face the fact I no longer have the stamina I did even five years ago. And while my general health is good, I'm beginning to discover little aches and pains that weren't there last year. Plus, I've found I'm having a hard time focusing on what I should do, and instead squander hours on nonsense like social media and gaming.
In view of this, I came to a reluctant conclusion. After these two books are released, I will take a break from writing. So what if I only write five hundred words a week just to keep my mind active. I'm sure that one day I'll find my muse again and have at it. But for now, I'm sick of deadlines.
I also made another decision. This will be my last blog entry. I've had a ball this past five-plus years, but it's time to call it quits. I've struggled for several months on subject matter and honestly feel I've been lacking. I'm going to miss all of you. Smart Girls Read Romance is a terrific outlet for both readers and writers. I hope I've given you a few laughs and smiles along the way. To readers, I hope I've shown you a glimpse of what it's like to be an author. To my fellow writers, I hope I've imparted some of my knowledge and experiences to help you along the way--or to have you nod your heads in agreement and say, "Yeah, I can relate to that!"
I'll still read SGRR and make the occasional comment. Who knows? When my head is screwed on straight again, I may crawl on my hands and knees begging Caroline Clemmons for another go at blogging.
Finally, I'd like to thank you all for your support, comments, and readership.
So long, farewell, auf weidersein, adeiu, and good-bye--at least for now.
Suzanne
We'll miss you. I know where you're coming from. I decided after my historical release in April, that I'd try my hand at short stories and novellas only...and I'd take my time to enjoy life and not feel pressured to write. Best of luck with all your endeavors.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy. I've been doing novellas and short stories, too. I just need to breathe for a while.
ReplyDeleteI really hate to see you leave. I understand. When your muse returns, you might try indie publishing. Then you decide your deadline so a lot of the stress is eliminated. That said, I've lined up too many multi-author projects that DO have deadlines. I really like being self-published so I can control when and what I write. Best wishes, Suzanne! We will miss you!
ReplyDeleteI hate to leave, Caroline. I may give self-pubbing a try down the road, but I'm a moron when it comes to things like formatting and such. Maybe an old dog can learn a new trick or two.
DeleteKudos to you for making such a huge decision--I couldn't have been easy. I'm sad to see you go but I sure understand your reasons. Best wishes to you and I hope you come back soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jacquie. As I said, I just need to breathe.
DeleteDear Suzanne: Your post really hit home. I have been struggling with the exact same feelings you described. Turning 70, a speed bump for me, makes me reassess where I want to devote my time and finite energy. I get the focus thing too. Stay well and stay young at heart. Will miss and thank you for all your posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gini.
DeleteI understand you perfectly, Suzanne, and bravo to you for taking a step back. I can appreciate what a difficult decision that is to make....if only writing were as quick and easy as reading, eh? Enjoy your freedom away from the computer and deadlines and have a wonderful summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth. Just need to clear my head and see if I want to continue writing.
DeleteEnjoy whatever you decide!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. I plan to kick back and just be lazy for a while.
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough decision to make, Suzanne, but in the end one must do what's best for oneself. I've had an enforced break from the computer for nearly 3 weeks, due to my back issues. I'm easing back into work today after learning what's causing all the neck/shoulder pain. Good luck, and if you again have the zest for writing, go for it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joan. I just finished 2 stages of editing for 2 separate books in the past 3 weeks. I'm exhausted mentally, but hope I can come back at a later date.
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