R.L. Geer-Robbins's Blog, page 7

The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Barnes and Noble:

Target:

The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

The post Barnes & Noble for the win! appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

(Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on May 14, 2024 05:22

Yes, Johnny. Snakes do bite.

6 minutes

Friends,

In case you didn’t know- snakes can bite. Apparently, this is a trade secret that only a few of us knew. At least, that’s what I found out last night.

Let me explain myself and why I am so heated right now. That’s right, friends, I’m frustrated. It rarely happens, but every once in a while, I will get popping like an overstuffed bonfire. I become a firecracker aimed towards the center of the 4th of July celebration. I am a cat that was just thrown into the bathtub.

Three worlds. One person.

Now, I live in three different worlds. My day job is one that I trudged to every day to support my other two worlds. Thankfully, I have great co-workers, and I do like my job, so it’s not terrible—especially when they bring food to work.

My writing world is full of fantasy, research, and promotions. It is like living in two sub-worlds, where I get to play with my imaginary friends and, at the same time, stay conscious of trends, book awards, and new metrics.

And then there’s my husband’s world of reptiles. Scaley, dangerous, vicious hunters that now dominate my home with their ruthless personalities and adorable faces.

Knowing my limits

I am untried in the reptile world. A newbie. A baby snake in the world of anacondas. The assistant to the magician.

I’m okay with it because I still can’t explain the genetic differences between an Amazon Tree Boa and a Columbian Rainbow Boa. All I know is that they look different. So, when asked difficult questions, I politely direct the customer to my husband.

There is no shame in my game in admitting my limitations. I want people to invest in their perfect forever friend, but only if they are making the right decision for themselves. Which means having the right information.

This means my award-winning personality and social media content lure potential buyers in, and then my husband closes the deal with his expertise and knowledge—you know, all the boring stuff, like genetics, traits, feeding schedules, etc.

It’s a good partnership. I research the promotional part and allow my hubby to do his research on the technical part of owning, breeding, and selling reptiles.

I love our jobs.

Professional inside and out

In the limited time I have been in the reptile world, I have met some amazing people. These breeders are passionate about their craft, knowledgeable about their field of study, and up to date with new scientific discoveries. They spit out data and research on new federal laws quicker than I can on the historical importance of mythology.

This is saying a lot if you know how important history and mythology are to me.

They are the cream of the crop. The bee’s knees. The reptile whispers of the 21st century.

The Animal Channel should really interview them.

And then there are the others.

And then there are days that make me question humanity’s direction. Are we really going to be able to survive another million years? Or did the scientists get it right, and all those red Skittles and artificially flavored Kool-Aid drinks doomed us to a future of mental instability and chaos?

Because who in the world claims to be an ‘expert’ with snakes and then proceeds to complain when the snake is being ‘snakey.’ Or tries to bite?

These people are about as useful to our industry as a screen door on a submarine. And they want to breed snakes? I can’t tell you how shocked I was when I saw this comment:

‘Are all your snakes aggressive?’

Well, Johnny. Let me explain the basic fundamentals to you. I just shipped you a high-quality snake—one that my 16-year-old son and I handled with no problems. We put it on a plane and overnighted it across the country so that it would have as little disruption to its life as possible.

It doesn’t mean it arrives full of sunshine and rainbows. Have you never flown before? I take a three-hour flight across Alaska, and by the time we arrive, I am meaner than a hungry viper.

Thought it was a no-brainer

Some people should not own reptiles. There’s nothing wrong with that, just like some people shouldn’t own dogs, cats, or fish.

The rule of thumb should be, ‘If you’re afraid of being bitten, don’t own something that can bite.’

I know there are some problems with this statement. Anything that has a mouth has the potential to bite. Which means if you never want to be bitten, don’t get married or have kids. Honestly. The only time I’ve ever been bitten was by my oldest child when he was two. That crap hurt. I made sure to steer clear of his mouth ever since.

And then there was the justification.

This is what did me in—the part of the conversation that made me want to scream. The owner questioned us about the temperament of the snake that had just faced a 12-hour flight and a new environment.

That somehow, the animal whose only defense to protect itself is by hissing and biting when it doesn’t want to be messed with is damaged goods if it acts like a snake.

And the justification for his accusation? He has never been hissed at before.

Honestly, I can’t make this crap up. It’s like going to the zoo and having the lions roar at you and then telling the zookeepers they are doing something wrong because ‘a lion has never roared at me before.’

It just doesn’t make sense.

My husband to the rescue.

My husband quickly grounded me to the bedroom and took my phone away before I could cause damage to the poor customer’s mental health. I was posed to hit purchase on flights across the country to go save the snake.

I was coming in like a wrecking ball.

But hubby played the part of a professional. He was calm, cool, and collected while I fumed over the conversation in the bathtub.

The snake is fine. Hubby explained how to properly transition her into a new environment and tricks for handling her once she was settled. He kindly explained that baby snakes are notoriously bitey when confronted with adult humans and to just give it time.

I, on the other hand, wrote this blog out in my head with a few more choice words.

Conclusion

Snakes have the potential to bite, just like dogs. Or a wet cat. And 99% of the time, it will be the owner’s fault. It comes with the territory of owning any animal. Or having kids.

You can mitigate the potential. Just ask a professional. Or Google it. Thousands of videos on YouTube teach the proper handling techniques of a baby snake.

And just like any other new ‘forever family member,’ you have to make sure you are in the right mental space to deal with them—or at least know a little about the species. Don’t be thrown off when a snake acts like a snake. Just be a better owner.

Boy do I feel better now that I got that off my chest!

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. A historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman who must choose between accepting what is written in history books or seeking out the truth behind the tales. Limited edition copies are now available on my website

Amazon:

The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Barnes and Noble:

Target:

The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

The post Yes, Johnny. Snakes do bite. appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

(Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on May 09, 2024 11:11

Online persona vs. in-person events.

5 minutes

Friends,

I have learned that running a small business is never-ending. There is always something else to do. Like, talk to people. Face to face.

Who was the asshole that said this would be fun?

I remember the day that I wrote ‘The End’ to book 1. At least, I think I remember it. The past year and a half has been a little fuzzy. Has it only been a year and a half? Seems like it has been so much longer.

How am I not an instant success?

When I typed those magical words, I assumed success would fall into my lap.

I assumed that I would have an instant following. Magically. Within hours of it hitting the virtual bookshelves of Amazon.

What I didn’t imagine was the behind-the-scenes stress that would come. No one tells you about this crappy part. For today, I am steering away from the drama of social media creation. The endless cycle of new and innovative content that tickles the heartstrings of potential readers.

There is more to selling yourself

Nope- today I’m talking about the in-person promotions.

I am talking about hitting the pavement (or the keyboard) and reaching out to potential bookstores, libraries, and author events. I’m talking about researching other small businesses that are similar to yours, small specialty stores that might carry your book on commission.

You might have to visit them in person. They are usually too busy running their own small business to answer random cold calls via email or Facebook Messenger.

I know I come across as confident, funny, and mentally sane through the screen of your phone or computer. But in reality- I’m not. It’s a slippery slope that I have come to accept.

Online persona vs. in-person persona.

After 20-plus years in the military and still working for the federal government, it seems I can come across as ‘gruff,’ ‘unapproachable,’ and sometimes even a little ‘mean.’ I know- I’m just as shocked as you are.

Get them with a smile!

I have come to realize that simply creating content online is not enough. It is also essential to engage with potential readers in person. Which requires setting up tables, putting on a friendly smile, and captivating buyers with intriguing discussions. In-person. Oh, the horrors!

And don’t forget to offer extra ‘gifts’ along with your masterpiece. Wrapping your books in pretty tissue paper usually helps, too. Everyone loves opening a present.

In other words, you have to bribe people to take a chance on your art.

I’m not complaining. It makes sense. On paper.

Much harder to do than to write about. Now, in my defense, I’ve had some practice. I take my books to my husband’s reptile shows. Ironically, I usually sell out. Not everyone who goes to a reptile show is actually in the market for a reptile.

Who would have thought?

It’s going to cost.

Now, friends, what I’m about to tell you might come as a shocker. It did to me. There is going to be extra costs. You can’t just buy a crap load of your books and think your good to go. Nope.

You need a theme table, bookmarks, keychains, character art, and possibly even a costume to lure the unexpected shopper into the circle of trust.

Now, I would have thought this over the top. I would have argued that my books should sell themselves. But then I remembered all those times I visited local farmers’ markets, Christmas shows, and fall festivals. I always expected a well-defined booth, a great deal, and extra goodies.

And walked away thinking I actually supported the vendor.

I feel bad about that now. I didn’t know how much money they were losing because I demanded an extra 10% off the wholesale price of their art.

Prepping is stressful

My hubby has a show in two weeks that I’m prepping for. In a little over a month, I have an in-person ‘authors meet’ at the Bellingham Barnes and Noble. I am also working with a local indie bookstore to have an ‘author signing.’

All this requires a shit ton of my books, goodies, banners, flyers, table decorations, and an outfit that says ‘professional but whimsy.’

I’m stressed. Can it be done? Of course, it can. I have to do it. My readers are out there waiting for their next favorite author.

How to get ready

Take it from someone who has no idea what they’re doing when it comes to in-person events. Start prepping three months in advance. It will help with the painful part of swiping your credit card. If you spread the cost out over sixty days, it doesn’t seem so bad.

Preplan your table setup. Go online and find your favorite author. See how their tables are set up. You might not be able to afford the floor-to-ceiling banners that shimmer in the glow of fluorescent lights, but you can get some cool table ones for pretty cheap.

Have plenty of books on hand—at least 30. Bare minimum. If you don’t sell them all, that’s okay. It’s just stock for future events or for the non-existent TikTok and Website sales.

And have a bowl full of candy. Everyone loves a free bar of chocolate.

Conclusion

Make a checklist for in-person events. I learned these things are quite helpful. Think it through. Channel your best version of yourself and wear it as a mask of confidence and self-assurance.

And pray. A lot. To whatever god is listening.

You’re going to need all the help you can get.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. A historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman who must choose between accepting what is written in history books or seeking out the truth behind the tales. Limited edition copies are now available on my website

Amazon:

The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Barnes and Noble:

Target:

The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

The post Online persona vs. in-person events. appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

(Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on May 07, 2024 05:25

My takeaways from visiting a college campus…

6 minutes

Friends,

It’s been a week of surprises. A week of firsts. A week of blog material.

I took Wednesday off to accompany my son on a ‘class field trip.’ Now, he is in college in the Running Start Program, and this ‘field trip’ was a mandatory assignment for the class. The teacher did have a van to shuttle people the 35 miles to Western Washington University, but my kid wasn’t comfortable with spending an hour with four adult females in a van.

I don’t blame him. With society the way it is today and social media arguing that men are more dangerous than wild bears- it was just easier to keep him away from a potentially bad experience.

And this way I got a day off and a couple of hours to hang out with my kid.

We arrived early, as we are known to do, and got to walk the college campus and explore before his class started. Beautiful campus. Lots of kids. Great library.

A few things I learned in my three hoursCash is bad

Cash is no longer a viable currency. It’s dirty, a direct reflection of the corruption of American society. Used only by the insanely rich to show off their endless wealth.

Shit. I didn’t know that. I thought the wealthy had a Black card with no limit. Apparently, the creased $20.00 at the bottom of my purse proves that I’m on the path to a whole new world of the rich and famous.

I’ve been wearing my jeans wrong

The appropriate length of pants is now mid-calf. We do live in the PNW, where rain is a staple weather and puddles are used as mirrors, but I didn’t know we had to transition into a new fashion. I thought we were still wearing rainboots and sweatshirts, a comfortable look that I very much enjoy.

I only bring this up because with the ‘high water’ has come a revival of colorful socks. I’m not upset by this. I have always been drawn to outrageous socks. They were a way to exert my independence when I wore a military uniform. As long as I didn’t have to take off my boots, please know I was wearing mismatched socks of all different colors and pictures.

This brings us to the shoes. Sandles with socks! Even when wearing flip-flops. It seems counterproductive to me, but who am I to argue with fashion?

Real coffee out. Dirty Chi’s in

15 different flavors of Dirty Chi’s to be exact. I honestly thought Chi was a flavor. A drink all to itself. I was wrong. Along with the wrong jean length, apparently, I don’t know how to drink my coffee.

I asked for a medium-drip coffee with room for cream and sugar.

They looked at me like I was an executioner. Posed to lop off the head of their viewpoint of the world through the rose color lens of true intellects.

I ended up ordering the Dirty Chi. And then she asked me how many shots of expresso I wanted in it. Three or Four? Dear god, friend, even for me, that is a lot. But I was panicking. I already attempted to hand her cash and was cowering under her disapproving glare, so I said four.

Two days later, I’m still paying for that moment of indecision.

It gets better… there’s a courtyard.Vampires

While my son was touring with his classmates, I wandered down to the courtyard to engage in my favorite pastime- people-watching. Posed with a notebook, my mother’s favorite pen she doesn’t know I stole, and plenty of time… I found a bench and observed.

My favorite group was the clan of vampires. Dressed in all black and with enough silver to take down a pack of werewolves, they headed to class as a small army of death. The military would have been proud. They stayed in step, their feet never more than a few inches off the ground as they floated across the college campus.

It was impressive. I kind of wanted to follow.

The Dance Team

The amazing dance team came in a close second to the vampires. Now this team had energy. A LOT of energy. Here’s the kicker… they were not a normal dance team.

Nope. They didn’t believe in choreographing their movements. That would stifle their individuality. Instead, it was a group of like-minded people who allowed the music to talk to them, and their bodies would follow.

Particularly entertaining while they played Eminem’s ‘Superman’ song. Everything from gymnastics to interpretive dance to yoga made this team something to watch.

Actually, I had no idea who to watch. It was a kaleidoscope of movement and random grunts and cries. I walked away when vertigo threatened me with a nasty headache, and my stomach got queasy. It might have been the four shots of espresso, but better safe than sorry.

And finally, the unnamed group

I almost hesitated to mention them because I didn’t know who they were. But they had a table, and I spent some time watching, so I would be dishonest if I ignored their moment in the limelight of college campus life.

They were serving hot cocoa and celery to anyone who would sign their petition. What was the petition for? I don’t know for sure. I never got close enough. They were next to the dance team, and I was afraid I would get in the way.

But from what I understand, it had something to do with the cost of college. Or maybe the lack of representation? Or maybe it had to do with bathrooms. I don’t really know, I couldn’t read their banner because the wind kept blowing it. But there was a music symbol! I did see that. Or it was a happy face.

I might have forgotten to mention it, but they had hot cocoa and celery. Seems like an odd combination, but perhaps that’s the whole idea. To break free from conventional thinking and embrace new possibilities?

Obviously, they managed to catch my attention.

Conclusion of the day

The experience left a lasting impression on my child and me, sparking discussions about college campus life and its pros and cons. As he prepares to enter the world of higher education, we contemplate what experiences he hopes to have, his understanding of meaningful conversations, and the potential financial advantages of attending a four-year.

We headed to Olive Garden to discuss the pros and cons of Socialism, whether there ever could be a time it would work, and how it has failed repeatedly.

Great way to end a day with my kid.

I wonder if we will go back. If we do, I want to find the vampire club. I have questions.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. A historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman who must choose between accepting what is written in history books or seeking out the truth behind the tales. Limited edition copies are now available on my website

Amazon:

The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Barnes and Noble:

Target:

The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

The post My takeaways from visiting a college campus… appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on May 03, 2024 09:07

The Myth and The Monster is back on the shelves.

5 minutes

Friends,

The Myth and The Monster is back on the shelves.

If you didn’t know, I had removed all my books from the shelves to rework and edit them. Not that they were ‘bad’ per se.

They just weren’t good.

Up to standard.

LOTS of editing issues.

I still remember the day The Writer and The Librarian was published. Oh boy, was I excited! I was on top of the world. All those people who made four or five edits to their books weren’t on my level.

I was a New York Best Seller without even trying.

Dear god that reality check was painful. Devastating. Heartbreaking. I almost gave up.

Two or three times. Okay, more like 15.

Quitting is easy.

Did I mention The Myth and The Monster was back on the shelves?

It is…, but it came with some heartbreak.

Did you know that there comes a point in an author’s life where they don’t have to give a crap? They can easily wash their hands of their art and walk away. If I stopped promoting- no one would ever know that I published a half-assed book. I even had the option to pull the books, and no one would ever be able to find them.

And then I could go back to spending my nights watching Netflix, eating ice cream, and worrying about what dream vacation I wanted to go on but never could afford.

I could claim that I was prioritizing my husband’s business. Take a more active role in my son’s college preparations. Spend more quality time with my family. I could finally have the time to focus on my fitness goals and dedicate myself to running and working out.

Why not? There would be nothing else to do

Failure is frowned on

On the other hand, there would be that pesky voice in my head reminding me that I had given up. I think I would have lost a part of myself.

I still remember the day my husband and I were talking, and he said, ‘I’m worried that you’re just going to give up when the road gets hard.’

He wasn’t being mean. But it made me pause. Was my track record that I easily gave up? Was this what I was known for?

Sitting here thinking about it. Yes.

I have failed a lot in my lifetime. Mostly because I have always found a ‘workaround’ when life wasn’t going my way. I never strived to be the best because I’d convinced myself that I didn’t need to be. Middle of the road was fine. Technically, I was doing what I said I was going to do, but I was always half-assed.

I never felt truly satisfied with anything.

I needed to change

That’s why I pulled my books. My family was not too pleased with me. I was questioned about my decision A LOT. They all thought I was quitting. No one believed me when I said that I would republish.

That hurt a little.

Rewriting The Writer and The Librarian took longer than I thought, mostly because it was really bad. The story was good, but I couldn’t find the tale behind the mistakes.

Rewriting The Myth and The Monster took ten times longer. My research was good. Not great. The editing was okay. Not good.

The stories of Medusa and Danae had been forgotten over time. That’s why I wrote this book—to bring their tales back into the light. They were retold and reimagined so many times that their true identities were lost in the chaos.

Some of the chapters were filled with excessive detail, and the story read more like a technical manual than a novel. In other parts, I rushed through crucial moments, and important conversations disappeared into gaps in the plot.

Am I done now?

I’m glad you asked. No. I’m revising book three because if The Myth and The Monster demanded perfection, then the tale of Agnes Sampson and the Witch of Endor must surpass it.

Mostly because they actually existed—real people whose lives have become myths.

My mom mentioned that she believes my blog posts are focused on my failures rather than my accomplishments.

However, I respectfully disagree with her assessment.

As I sit here recapping the last three months, I do so with a sense of pride. I didn’t just half-ass it. There was an issue, and instead of saying, ‘I’ll do better on the next one,’ I made the hard decision.

I took the hit on the chin and went back into the ring for another five rounds.

If you think this is about my failures, you should see what I’m going to discuss next.

The dreaded TikTok app. Content creators vs. creative writers. How the social media app has forced authors away from their passion for the written word and made them into mini-divas and video producers.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. A historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman who must choose between accepting what is written in history books or seeking out the truth behind the tales. Limited edition copies are now available on my website (Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Target: The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

Barnes and Noble: The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

The post The Myth and The Monster is back on the shelves. appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on April 30, 2024 11:37

Indie author burnout is real. But it’s not the end of the world.

Friends,

Indie author burnout is real. Social media burnout is real. Promotional burnout is real.

Writer’s block is real.

Let me set the stage on why I am even touching on this subject.

I want you to imagine your favorite TV show back in the day. Star Wars to Friends– 22 – 42 episodes a year. Today, an hour-long episode is only 44 minutes and 16 minutes of commercials.

Now, I want you to imagine the behind-the-scenes crews that built those 44 minutes of suspense: set designers, customer designers, writers, producers, production designers, gaffers, editors, lighting specialists, editors, directors, contract specialists, promotional specialists, the cast, just to name a few.

Usually, no less than 80 people.

If the show was a success, there were t-shirts, posters, toys, and in some cases even a cult was formed around the fictional characters.

All ran by people who were NOT the actors.

Traditional Published Authors

Now, I want you to think about your favorite authors that you have found. I’m talking about the ones that are big-name writers that are employed by one of the big 5 publishing companies.

Behind one person and their art are editors, publishers, marketing managers, contract teams, cover designers, project editors, copyeditors, typesetters, designers, production controllers, demand planners, eBook creators, foreign language editors, voice actors (if there is an audiobook), etc…

The list of team members is impressive. All those backstage managers are for one person.

Indie Authors

Now, I want to highlight indie authors. Artists who do it alone.

There is one person.

Tada.

The author is the single point of failure or success. They search for, hire, pay for, and contract for all the people mentioned above. Or they do it themselves and hope for the best.

They manage their own social media, follow trends, and figure out what the hottest ‘new sound’ is and what the newest video layout is getting the most views. They also keep an eye on SEO trends and rework promotional ads on Facebook, Amazon, and Google.

100% of the cost comes out of their own pockets.

On top of writing. And working.

Is one better than the other?

This is not to say that Indie Authors have it harder than traditional authors. They’re just two different beasts. Traditional authors who ‘make it’ have other obligations that Indie Authors strive for- book signings, book conventions, travel, special editions, and signing thousands of pre-orders to be sent out.

It sounds like heaven to me. But it also sounds like potential burnout if the author is still writing.

Indie authors have eliminated the middleman and decided to navigate the murky waters themselves. They produce something that is, in their mind, pure and untainted by others, and they hold total control.

This means that if they fail, they own the failure. If they succeed, it is solely dependent on their hard work.

I already know this… why are you telling me again?

Because we haven’t talked about burnout in a while. It’s a real thing. A moment in your writing career where you wonder if it is worth it. Was that goal or dream achievable? What are you sacrificing to watch trends, write, edit, and create your masterpiece if no one wants to talk about it?

I have to admit I am experiencing burnout. I let a moment of success define my expectations, and that was a wrong move.

For 2.3 seconds, my books flew off the shelves on the TikTok app. The problem was that they weren’t ready to fly. I still had work to do on them, and I wasn’t financially equipped to keep my shelves stocked. Which meant I had to cut back on sales for a month.

I spent four weeks prepping and restocking bits by bits, sacrificing spending money in the hopes of making money.

When I was ready, I reopened my shop only to find out that four weeks of stress had put me at the bottom of the barrel. My shelves were stocked, and special editions were prepped, but now I had lost all traction.

No sales came in. Heartbreak, let me tell you.

Now what?

As with all small businesses, I had to pause and consider where I wanted to be and how to get there. This meant I needed to do hours and hours of research on subjects I still have no idea how to explain.

SEO? What the hell are they? I don’t know. But they are very critical in the world of search engine rankings. Hiring a company to do it for you is upwards of $2,000.00 a month. I found an online software program, but it’s $30.00 a month, and I have to do all the work and research.

The problem with success is that when we get to the top of the mountain, we don’t want to share how it happened.

I’m not complaining. It’s an excellent business practice. If big businesses shared all their secrets, they wouldn’t be big businesses.

But that doesn’t help with Indie author burnout.

Now that I have burst your bubble- what’s the answer?

Find your own voice. Here’s the deal with this one: It’s difficult because you want to promote yourself to the masses, depending on the genre you write in. But just like writers, everyone has different layers.

I love my tattoos, my dark personality, and my obsession with myths and death. I also love riding Harleys, discussing history, going to tea with my mother, reading romance and sci-fi, playing video games, and watching movies about warfare and gangs. I love debating religion and politics with friends, visiting breweries, and staying at home.

See how none of those things ‘match up.’ I have 17 different people living in one body.

This means that if logic doesn’t fail me, readers are the same way. The type of person you are targeting doesn’t exist… you shouldn’t brand yourself for just one type.

BE YOU.

Show the real you. You might write horror or romance, but you spend your evenings playing pickleball. Who knows? The moral of the story is to keep your voice. If you try to win the rat race by trying to be a traditional author with 80 backstage managers, you will lose your joy of creating.

Traditional authors have someone who creates their ‘online’ personality. They are bound to a left and right limit. This means, from my research, they can’t step into other areas.

Don’t do that. That’s just my opinion. Because I recently decided to stay true to myself and dig myself out of my self-imposed burnout, I have found new books, talented creators, and new genres that I would have never dug into.

In turn, they are taking a chance on my books because they are getting to know the person behind the cover.

In all my horrendous glory.

Conclusion

Acknowledge when you are burned out. Take a breather. Refocus your attention to things you can control. Reengage your support channel, whether it is on social media or with your friends and family. Eat a pint of ice cream while drinking your morning coffee.

This applies to all aspects of our lives. Not just writing and promotions.

Remember who you were the day you decided to pick up the pen or open your computer to write your story—THAT PERSON. Who were they? Why did they start writing? Why did they NEED to tell their story?

Now that you have reminded yourself….. take that same energy and tell the world. That is what will sell your books. And if your books are properly edited. I learned my lesson on that one, hehe.

Anyway, this is just my two cents from an unknown Indie Author who is trying to make it big. Take it with a grain of salt. It may or may not work for you, but this is my journey and they way I am combating Indie author burnout.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. It’s a historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman faced with a decision: accept what is written in the history books or find out for herself the truth behind the stories. Limited edition copies are now available on my website (Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Target: The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

Barnes and Noble: The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

The post Indie author burnout is real. But it’s not the end of the world. appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on April 24, 2024 10:15

Why a Historian? Hell, why mythology?

4 minutes

Friends,

People often ask me why I dedicate my time to studying mythology and folklore instead of pursuing more lucrative endeavors. They question why I chose a career as a Historian.

Because I do, too. Anyone who thinks Historians are ‘bringing in the money’ is sadly mistaken. We make starving artists look like they rolling in the cash.

Really. At least artists have the opportunity to make cool videos and social media posts that could lead to potential sales.

What am I going to do? Make a video of me staring at an old book while cross-referencing it with other old books. Maybe show you the thousand Post-it notes of random dates that I forget why I wrote them down.

Second, Historians are a hub of professionals that is harder to break into than trying to have tea with the Pope on Easter. I honestly have a better chance of making the New York Best Seller list before I am 44 than I do becoming a ‘respected and well-known’ Historian.

So, in light of all the challenges that I faced, I decided to narrow my field of research to the interconnection of mythology between cultures and times. It may seem like a wide range of information, but really, it is.

I should have gone with something easier. Like World War II or the history of the Silk Road. It would have been more manageable.

But here I am—too old and too tired to change my ways. Besides, mythology makes me feel young. There is nothing like learning about the Baobhan Sith and pretending that I am a beautiful fairy folk in the Scottish Highlands. Now, there is the pesky issue that they spend their time hunting down mortals, seducing them, and ultimately killing them.

But who am I to argue about feeding preferences?

There is also the issue of finding someone who will listen to your hours of research, cross-referencing religion and cultures, and finding the link between regions.

It doesn’t make for good conversation starters over a glass of rum if you know what I mean. People tend to get offended or worse- bored.

That’s why I wrote my books. Along with some other reasons. Think about it. Mythology doesn’t usually just magically appear because of someone’s active imagination. One day, Vampires didn’t exist, and the next day, they did? With a whole complex world of origins, dietary preferences, and specific ways to die.

Seems unlikely.

There was a person or people behind the tale. Something happened to create the concept, and that’s what I research. Who was the original? What is the truth behind the myth?

And how is there a vampire in Scotland, but you can also find them in Japan, Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, and even the U.S.? It’s not like there were cell phones back in B.C.E. or the 15th century, where writers were texting their buddies across the world with their new ideas for the next great novel.

So, they must have existed in some shape or form. Right?

Honestly, there are a lot of creativity licenses that I can take when writing my books. And I do. I also have to tailor the myths to the general population and balance the story to what is ‘socially acceptable.’ Stray too close to the sun of truth, and people tend to get offended.

Especially when it comes to comparing mythology to the religious movement.

You can lose friends that way.

And yet I dived head first into this world. Now, granted, I can’t call myself an expert. That would require traveling. And right now, my bank account says that the furthest I’m going is to the local grocery store to buy off-brand cheese and cereal.

Such is life as a starving Historian.

But I have enough knowledge and creativity to construct a world that tickles the reader’s imagination into believing that it was a different place a long time ago. And I’m not talking about running water and instant coffee.

I’m talking about a world when the unexplainable was believable. Where myths and legends roamed freely, out in the open, and interacted with the world.

That’s why I study mythology. To have something more to believe in.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. It’s a historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman faced with a decision: accept what is written in the history books or find out for herself the truth behind the stories. Limited edition copies are now available on my website (Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Target: The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

Barnes and Noble: The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

The post Why a Historian? Hell, why mythology? appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on April 19, 2024 06:00

Why a history major? Hell, why mythology?

Friends,

I was asked why I spend my time researching mythology and folklore rather than using my time looking into things that might actually bring in the money.

First, I laughed. Anyone who thinks Historians are ‘bringing in the money’ is sadly mistaken. We make starving artists look like they rolling in the cash.

Really. At least artists have the opportunity to make cool videos and social media posts that could lead to potential sales.

What am I going to do? Make a video of me staring at an old book while cross-referencing it with other old books. Maybe show you the thousand Post-it notes of random dates that I forget why I wrote them down.

Second, Historians are a hub of professionals that is harder to break into than trying to have tea with the Pope on Easter. I honestly have a better chance of making the New York Best Seller list before I am 44 than I do becoming a ‘respected and well-known’ Historian.

So, in light of all the challenges that I faced, I decided to narrow my field of research to the interconnection of mythology between cultures and times. It may seem like a wide range of information, but really, it is.

I should have gone with something easier. Like World War II or the history of the Silk Road. It would have been more manageable.

But here I am—too old and too tired to change my ways. Besides, mythology makes me feel young. There is nothing like learning about the Baobhan Sith and pretending that I am a beautiful fairy folk in the Scottish Highlands. Now, there is the pesky issue that they spend their time hunting down mortals, seducing them, and ultimately killing them.

But who am I to argue about feeding preferences?

There is also the issue of finding someone who will listen to your hours of research, cross-referencing religion and cultures, and finding the link between regions.

It doesn’t make for good conversation starters over a glass of rum if you know what I mean. People tend to get offended or worse- bored.

That’s why I wrote my books. Along with some other reasons. Think about it. Mythology doesn’t usually just magically appear because of someone’s active imagination. One day, Vampires didn’t exist, and the next day, they did? With a whole complex world of origins, dietary preferences, and specific ways to die.

Seems unlikely.

There was a person or people behind the tale. Something happened to create the concept, and that’s what I research. Who was the original? What is the truth behind the myth?

And how is there a vampire in Scotland, but you can also find them in Japan, Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, and even the U.S.? It’s not like there were cell phones back in B.C.E. or the 15th century, where writers were texting their buddies across the world with their new ideas for the next great novel.

So, they must have existed in some shape or form. Right?

Honestly, there are a lot of creativity licenses that I can take when writing my books. And I do. I also have to tailor the myths to the general population and balance the story to what is ‘socially acceptable.’ Stray too close to the sun of truth, and people tend to get offended.

Especially when it comes to comparing mythology to the religious movement.

You can lose friends that way.

And yet I dived head first into this world. Now, granted, I can’t call myself an expert. That would require traveling. And right now, my bank account says that the furthest I’m going is to the local grocery store to buy off-brand cheese and cereal.

Such is life as a starving Historian.

But I have enough knowledge and creativity to construct a world that tickles the reader’s imagination into believing that it was a different place a long time ago. And I’m not talking about running water and instant coffee.

I’m talking about a world when the unexplainable was believable. Where myths and legends roamed freely, out in the open, and interacted with the world.

That’s why I study mythology. To have something more to believe in.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. It’s a historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman faced with a decision: accept what is written in the history books or find out for herself the truth behind the stories. Limited edition copies are now available on my website (Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Target: The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

Barnes and Noble: The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

The post Why a history major? Hell, why mythology? appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on April 19, 2024 06:00

Small steps to refresh the local economy

5 minutes

Friends,

I am a creature of habit. Every morning, I wake up at the same hour and go through the same routine of getting ready, down to the minute. Although I do switch up my tasks during my designated ‘computer’ time, it always cycles between checking social media, working on my website, and promoting myself.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

When I get to work, it’s the same thing: I get my water, go potty, log on, and, first thing first, check out what’s going on in the world.

I’m not one of those people who only watch one news channel. I flip through them all so that I can get a broad sense of what is going on in the world. After 30 minutes- I shut it off and move on.

But lately, the news has been bothering me.

It’s easy to sit in my cushy chair and judge from the comfort of my office. For the most part, ‘big-ticket’ items don’t affect the common person.

Until lately.

The dreaded politicians and the economy

Now, I never dive into the deep pool of politics- I have my own personal feelings about ALL of our elective officials here in the U.S. Some good. Some indifferent. Most of it is not all that great. But I understand that I am not privy to the information they are and can not in good conscience make a statement one way or another.

But what I can comment on is the economics and historical impacts of making decisions. Why? Because I’m a historian who spent years researching, reading, and documenting past decisions that led to the fall of some great density. Rome. England. American political groups. War.

The one thing everyone has in common is decisions that affect the economy. That’s when a civilization will fall. In my humble opinion, we are retracing the missteps of our forefathers, regardless of where our ancestors came from.

It wasn’t just one thing

COVID was devastating, not just because of the actual illness but because of policies and procedures implanted based on emotions, fears, and skepticism. No one trusted anyone. Everyone was an expert on a disease that no one knew anything about. Corners were cut. Analysis was skipped for rash decisions.

If a commander on a battlefield would have reacted the way that we did- a few battles may have been won, but the war would have been a decisive loss.

We are seeing the fallback of losing the war. The rash determinations, emplaced for a ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling, have trickled down to the fall of the U.S. economy.

Don’t go to work. Stay home. Order your groceries. Don’t go outside. I’m not going into the medical necessity of wearing a mask—that argument has been beaten until the bones are shattered and turned into paste.

What I’m talking about is the loss of jobs and an increase in prices. What did we all think was going to happen when we closed small businesses? When cashiers, construction workers, federal employees, and trade workers were laid off to protect the world from what is now considered ‘the flu?’

Did you expect us to bounce back right away? Did you think everything would return to normal as soon as the highways reopened?

No.

We handed big businesses the trophy

We have given large corporations such as Amazon, eBay, and Wayfair a monopoly in the online retail world while also feeding into the idea that people are dangerous.

We’ve been advised to distance ourselves from social interactions, leading to an increase in mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, as well as a decrease in educational progress.

Now politicians are trying to backpedal. They are trying to fix the problem by blaming one another for joint decisions that made them ‘look good.’ I don’t blame one party or another. They all had an equal hand in creating the monster we see now.

Will the U.S. survive this new economy? I’m not sure. Rome was an influence on the construction of the U.S. By far, it is one of the most impressive examples of an empire rising with the times, but it fell to internal corruption, division among the people, and outside invasion. Sound familiar?

What can we do?

You probably asking- ‘What can we do about it?’ Well, there is the normal argument that we can all vote. Not just in the Preseidnetal election- but for our state representatives- you know, the ones that hold the real power.

But I can already hear the argument- ‘That’s not going to do anything.’ ‘I don’t have time.’ And the list goes on and on.

It’s important to support both small and large businesses, as they are the backbone of job creation. However, our current mindset is hesitant to go out in public and interact with others. We have been taught to be wary of everyone, as if all humans are inherently malicious.

It’s easier to order online than deal with lines, traffic, and lack of parking spaces.

Here’s what you need to understand: In order to make an impact and boost the economy, we need to be active participants in the market. Take a risk and venture out into the world. If people don’t visit stores, employers won’t have a reason to hire new staff, and businesses won’t thrive. Museums will shut down. Artists may actually starve.

If you don’t have the money to buy useless items, that’s fine. Still, go. Write a review. Encourage other people to visit.

While you are at it- feel free to buy a copy of my book.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. It’s a historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman faced with a decision: accept what is written in the history books or find out for herself the truth behind the stories. Limited edition copies are now available on my website (Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Target: The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

Barnes and Noble: The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

The post Small steps to refresh the local economy appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on April 17, 2024 05:26

Want to fix the economy? Then you’re going to need to go into the economy…

Friends,

I am a ritual kind of girl. I wake up every morning at roughly the same time and follow the same pattern of getting ready—down to the minute. I will switch up what I work on during my ‘computer’ time, but it always alternates between social media, my website, and promotions.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

When I get to work, it’s the same thing: I get my water, go potty, log on, and, first thing first, check out what’s going on in the world.

I’m not one of those people who only watch one news channel. I flip through them all so that I can get a broad sense of what is going on in the world. After 30 minutes- I shut it off and move on.

But lately, the news has been bothering me.

It’s easy to sit in my cushy chair and judge from the comfort of my office. For the most part, ‘big-ticket’ items don’t affect the common person.

Until lately.

Now, I never dive into the deep pool of politics- I have my own personal feelings about ALL of our elective officials here in the U.S. Some good. Some indifferent. Most of it is not all that great. But I understand that I am not privy to the information they are and can not in good conscience make a statement one way or another.

But what I can comment on is the economics and historical impacts of making decisions. Why? Because I’m a historian who spent years researching, reading, and documenting past decisions that led to the fall of some great density. Rome. England. American political groups. War.

The one thing everyone has in common is decisions that affect the economy. That’s when a civilization will fall. In my humble opinion, we are retracing the missteps of our forefathers, regardless of where our ancestors came from.

COVID was devastating, not just because of the actual illness but because of policies and procedures implanted based on emotions, fears, and skepticism. No one trusted anyone. Everyone was an expert on a disease that no one knew anything about. Corners were cut. Analysis was skipped for rash decisions.

If a commander on a battlefield would have reacted the way that we did- a few battles may have been won, but the war would have been a decisive loss.

We are seeing the fallback of losing the war. The rash determinations, emplaced for a ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling, have trickled down to the fall of the U.S. economy.

Don’t go to work. Stay home. Order your groceries. Don’t go outside. I’m not going into the medical necessity of wearing a mask—that argument has been beaten until the bones are shattered and turned into paste.

What I’m talking about is the loss of jobs and increase in prices. What did we all think was going to happen when we closed small businesses? When cashiers, construction workers, federal employees, and trade workers were laid off to protect the world from what is now considered ‘the flu?’

Did you think that we would be able to rebound immediately? That the world would go back to normal once the freeways were opened up again.

No.

We handed big businesses like Amazon, eBay, Wayfair, and online retail the world on a silver platter and told everyone that people are dangerous. We were told to alienate ourselves from social interactions and now are dealing with an influx of depression, anxiety, and lack of education.

Now politicians are trying to backpedal. They are trying to fix the problem by blaming one another for joint decisions that made them ‘look good.’ I don’t blame one party or another. They all had an equal hand in creating the monster we see now.

Will the U.S. survive this new economy? I’m not sure. Rome was an influence on the construction of the U.S. By far, it is one of the most impressive examples of an empire rising with the times, but it fell to internal corruption, division among the people, and outside invasion. Sound familiar?

You probably asking- ‘What can we do about it?’ Well, there is the normal argument that we can all vote. Not just in the Preseidnetal election- but for our state representatives- you know, the ones that hold the real power.

But I can already hear the argument- ‘That’s not going to do anything.’ ‘I don’t have time.’ And the list goes on and on.

We can support small businesses or what is even considered ‘big businesses’- because that’s what creates jobs. But we are so ingrained in our thought process now that it’s not good to go out in public. We distrust every single human being in the world because we are told that everyone is evil.

It’s easier to order online than deal with lines, traffic, and lack of parking spaces.

But here’s the deal: If you want to change the economy and support jobs, go out into the world. Take a chance and go to the stores. Employees will not be hired, and businesses will not flourish if no one walks through the doors. Museums will close. Artists may actually starve.

If you don’t have the money to buy useless items, that’s fine. Still, go. Write a review. Encourage other people to visit.

While you are at it- feel free to buy a copy of my book.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. It’s a historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman faced with a decision: accept what is written in the history books or find out for herself the truth behind the stories. Limited edition copies are now available on my website (Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Target: The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback)

Barnes and Noble: The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

The post Want to fix the economy? Then you’re going to need to go into the economy… appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.