As I sit down to write this blog it's 9:02 pm the night it is due... publication is but a short three hours away, so it needs to get done.
Also open on my screen is the short story I mention further below (the one that's due to be published in January) which is not finished. That deadline sailed about six weeks ago and I'm embarrassed to have missed it. The publishers are GREAT, don't get me wrong, but it's not a good feeling to know that you've not met a commitment. For those who've taken the Strengths test with Becca Syme, I'm a #1 Responsibility, so missing a due date bites hard. I've sworn to myself it'll be done tonight.
And, I don't know about you, but I feel a bit like a mouse running on one of those little wheels... I'm working the day job, recruiting to replace two members of my team, managing lots family stuff, sitting down to write only almost falling asleep at the desk, trying to figure out how we're fitting everything in around Christmas and I'm TIRED! Pretty sure I'm still processing 2020 and we're almost into 2023!
I just want to take to my bed with a good book or twelve and pretend the world doesn't exist until the New Year rolls around and we're all inspired to begin with a clean slate.
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| Hanauma Bay, Oahu. Author's photo |
But that's not possible!
Instead, I decided to plan a holiday.
I mean, a holiday to Hawaii (who doesn't love Hawaii) is definitely something to look forward to, right?
And I've spoiled myself booking a four night stay at Volcano House with an extra special room overlooking Halema'uma'u Crater (part of the Kilaeua volcano). I CANNOT WAIT!
I also decided to give myself a little grace.
We are all only human, and we can only do what we can do.
I'm trying to focus on the important things at work, and I'm looking for opportunities to ask for help. And I'm making sure I get a little fun every day - #WillowsDiner (link below) helps a lot with that!
All that being said, I'm still working on getting through one day at a time and so I thought this would be a good place to crowdsource some other ideas.
Tell me below, what's keeping you going in 2022?
A little shameless self promotion
Dearest
Breathless Readers, today I’m finishing my blog with a little shameless self-promotion,
introducing you to The Billionaire Fling, a short story anthology which
launches in January 2023.
My story – One
Night with London’s Most Eligible Bachelor – is in the anthology with more than
twenty other shorts from best-selling and award-winning authors.
This is an international anthology, organised by The New Romance Café/Romance
Café Publishing and it is particularly close to my heart because all proceeds from sales of the anthology are donated to the Breast Cancer Research
Foundation. Both my mother and sister have had breast cancer, and my sister (in the wedding dress!) is
still fighting it, so anything that brings us closer to a cure is worth it in
my book!
If you want to buy, The Billionaire Fling can be pre-ordered here.
Champagne,
sports cars, private jets: these powerful billionaires can buy everything but
love.
With the world at their command, how will they cope with the one person who wants their heart, not their money?
Strap on your red sole stilettos, pop open the champagne, and dive into our billionaires' glittering happy ever afters.
Over twenty titillating stories from USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors in a spicy billionaire collection curated by The New Romance Cafe, with ALL proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
LOVE TO LAUGH: Check out @saruh2themax on Instagram (or TikTok). Her #WillowsDiner videos are THE BEST. They cheer me up every day!
LOVE TO LEARN: from Sarra Cannon. I'm starting to think about my plans for next year and I'm using Sarra's HB90 method (which, in short, has you plan in 12 weekly chunks with a focus on what tasks move you towards your goals). If you want to check Sarra out, her YouTube channel is great.
Kristine, I think setting a holiday goal is truly a marvellous thing. It helps you aim towards getting things done before you go, and then being able to relax and enjoy without a care in the world. I had a recent holiday for two weeks, when the hardest thing was deciding what to cook for dinner... I came back refreshed from the break - sometimes normal routine gets hectic! - and enthusiastic to begin again. Hope it also works for you. And the book sounds divine - ordered and very happy for proceeds to go to such a worthy cause. Take care. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Kristine. I feel for you, I really do! Life just gets too hectic at times, doesn't it?? Planning a holiday is my go-to, too, when that happens, and Hawaii is gorgeous. In the meantime, take care of yourself. It's too easy to give in to those negative thoughts when you're tired. Hope The Billionaire Fling goes gangbusters for you all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight into your writing life, and life in general. Yes, I definitely feel as though I'm on a treadmill sometimes! Hope you have a fabulous holiday and that your latest book is a huge success. I also have a sister fighting breast cancer and even if I didn't, it is a very worthy cause to support. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your difficult times as well as the good ones, Kristine. I hope your holiday in Hawaii is fabulous. It's such a beautiful place where you can totally chill out or be busy if you wish for this. I hope you enjoy many good times with your sister. Cancer is horrible, but good relationships are fabulous. Walking keeps me sane when times are difficult. It gets rid of excess adrenaline, helps me to relax and even allows creative ideas to pop into my head. Take care. Best wishes, Sharon.
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