#MotivationMonday – Getting Organized for a New Phase in Life

So there are big changes coming to my life and one of the things I’ve been tackling is getting organized for that new phase in my life. What does that involve?

Downsizing the house as well as all my stuff in the house. It’s been quite a chore so far to sort out what I’m keeping for our new smaller space. It has been especially difficult with the clothing since thanks to my weight ups-and-downs I have clothes in different sizes that I’ve kept. New Goal: Get rid of it.

Planning for next year’s writing. My June 2020 Hallmark book, SOUTH BEACH LOVE, is done and I’m just waiting on edits. #3 in the At the Shore series, NEVER A BRIDE, will be out in January 2020. I’ve got a mess of books in The Calling is Reborn series to re-release as well as writing FIGHT TO LOVE which many of you have requested. I’ve also got a new book to write for Sourcebooks and I’m excited about this one since my goal is to include many of my family’s stories about our escape from the communist dictatorship in Cuba and the liberty and success we have found in the United States. To keep all that in order, I’ve gotten out the calendar and a notebook to track what I’ll be doing, namely a new release every month, whether they be new stories, traditionally published, or indie re-releases.

Getting healthier. As you may know from visiting, I’m committed to losing weight and getting healthier. I’ve been good about keeping to a workout routine and also watching what I eat. Next year may prove to be a challenge as I’m going to have to change up that routine, but my goal is to adapt and stick to it.
Set Goals and Get organized on Motivation Monday
Original Image by William Iven from Pixabay

#FridayFunday Writers and Deadlines

If there’s one thing that writers dread, besides the synopsis of course, it’s a deadline. I, for one, freak out if a deadline is approaching and I’m not where I want to be in the story I’m writing. Luckily for me, I just finished the first draft of SINCE WE WERE 18, the first book in the Jersey Girl Bridesmaid series. I have had a blast writing Maggie and Jax’s story and am already itching to write the next one, WE DANCED ALL NIGHT which features uber responsible lawyer Connie and Jax’s brother, thrill-seeker/surfer dude/bestselling author Johnson.

In a few days that draft will be off to my agent well in advance of my deadline. But for all the other times I freaked and for all my writer friends who dread that deadline, a little fun this Friday with this quote from Douglas Adams.
deadlines doug adams

P.S. For those who might be wondering why I chose a typewriter, I wrote my first book on a typewriter. Not fun.

Time Management Redux

work.jpgWe’ve talked about Time Management before (click here) since so many people wonder how it’s possible that I write as much as I do and still have a full time job. I should also add that family is important and I spend as much time with them as I can and I also volunteer at my writing group, the Liberty States Fiction Writers.

I discussed in that earlier blog how to make time to write, but also how you should plan to take time off. It’s that concept that I want to further discuss in today’s Tuesday Tip, namely having free time.

I don’t have much “free time” but it’s there in my schedule. I always give myself evenings off for various reasons. The first is that you do need time to recharge and relax. We all face tiring and stressful days, so having an hour or two to read a book, watch tv or just sit and chat is absolutely necessary to allow your mind to settle down. Especially for writers. It’s in that down time that our minds will rest and get ready for tackling the next page or chapter.

There’s also something else that’s really important about “free time”. When an emergency arises, like an unexpected deadline, having allowed yourself that “free time” gives you the necessary hours to deal with something unexpected.

For me, a change in deadline or new request can be handled in those few evening hours without the craziness of wondering, “OH MY GOD! HOW WILL I EVER FINISH THIS!” I don’t normally have those moments because I haven’t scheduled every second of every day.

So, plan for the downtime. If there’s nothing due, savor it and let your mind relax in order to destress and face the challenges of the next day. If something comes up, you won’t freak about not being able to find the time to do it.

I hope you found today’s Tuesday Tip useful!