R.L. Geer-Robbins's Blog, page 8

The beginning of a Mid-Life Crisis…

Friends,

I’ve been struggling. The world has turned topsy-turvy, and I am hanging on by a balloon string of sanity. I think they call it a ‘mid-life crisis.’

Over the last three or four weeks, I have found that society looks at mid-life crises in a couple of ways, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.

No answer is good enough.

No recommendation is worth my time.

Nobody understands.

Of course, because I’m in the middle of a mid-life crisis- I’m not sure if my perception is valid. It might be a little tainted.

Everyone has one- get over yourself.

Mention that you are having a mid-life crisis, and most people will get a chuckle and ask what car you are looking to buy. They will then go on to share stories of other people who have navigated the murky waters of insanity and regale the audience with their friends’ shenanigans.

And I won’t lie—until recently, I would have laughed because the stories were funny: people buying yachts, moving to other countries, and quitting their jobs to own ice cream trucks.

And then come the words I have begun to despise… “Everyone goes through it. Just wait it out.”

Wait? What? Wait it out. Drown in the pool of insecurity and depression until magically; I wash back onto the shore of reality?

That doesn’t sound like a good time. Do you know how much trouble I can get myself into in three years? I have two credit cards with no balance and a high limit. Let me tell you—I’ve already counted up how many first-class tickets to Europe it will buy me.

One. It will buy me one. One one-way ticket.

Just get some medication.

Now, this one, I would have acknowledged that it had some sense of logic to it- except, have you tried to get in to see a shrink lately?

I have. I actually have spent more time searching for the ‘right’ shrink than I have editing my books. And I spend 4-5 hours a day doing that.

But shrinks don’t exist anymore. And why would they? Who wants to spend 8 hours a day listening to a middle-aged woman complaining about gray hair and underarm flab? I wouldn’t.

Not to mention, I’m already medicated. I would hate to see how I would react to a mid-life crisis if the medical field hadn’t already deemed me unfit to navigate the world without a mood stabilizer.

I would end up on the evening news. “Crazy woman loses her mind at Wal-Mart because she can’t find the peanut butter. See what happens next after these commercials.”

What are you complaining about?

Because on paper- my life is the ‘American Dream’ in reality. Minus owning my own home, which I have decided is as likely as being on the first ship to settle on Mars- I have everything going for me.

The world is my oyster. Everything I have set out to do, I’ve accomplished—on paper.

I have traveled the world (technically). I have written three books, and they have sold (a few copies). I have a family that likes each other (for the most part). I help run my husband’s business, and it’s doing well (at least that’s what he tells me). I have friends (never met them, most of them I met on social media). I have a steady job that pays me even though I probably only give it about 25% of my ‘give-a-shit.’

But that’s just it. On paper, my life is wonderful. So, even I question my sanity. What do I have to complain about? Nothing.

So why do I feel like I am standing on a cliff of old age and have accomplished nothing with my life?

Death looms for all of us, and I unapologetically do not fear the day Charon comes to sweep me across the River Styx. To me, it’s the next great adventure. An adventure that right now, in this society, is limited to chores, errands, and the occasional game night.

But he’s not coming anytime soon. I know—I asked the recently acquired imaginary friends in my head. They are no help. All they tell me to do is take up skydiving and shark diving.

So what does one do for the three years that they are looking at the world through water-filled goggles?

I don’t know. Count down? Get Botox? Get a new and possibly bad haircut? Visit nursing homes and start the payment plans early.

I am struggling with these questions. There are no answers. But I can tell you this—with the way interest rates are, a new car is not making the list.

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

The post The beginning of a Mid-Life Crisis… appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

The beginning of a mid-life crisis…

Friends,

I’ve been struggling. The world has turned topsy-turvy, and I am hanging on by a balloon string of sanity.

Over the last three or four weeks, I have found that society looks at mid-life crises in a couple of ways, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.

No answer is good enough.

No recommendation is worth my time.

Nobody understands.

Of course, because I’m in the middle of a mid-life crisis- I’m not sure if my perception is valid. It might be a little tainted.

Everyone has one- get over yourself.

Mention that you are having a mid-life crisis, and most people will get a chuckle and ask what car you are looking to buy. They will then go on to share stories of other people who have navigated the murky waters of insanity and regale the audience with their friends’ shenanigans.

And I won’t lie—until recently, I would have laughed because the stories were funny: people buying yachts, moving to other countries, and quitting their jobs to own ice cream trucks.

And then come the words I have begun to despise… “Everyone goes through it. Just wait it out.”

Wait? What? Wait it out. Drown in the pool of insecurity and depression until magically, in 3 years, I washed back onto the shore of reality?

That doesn’t sound like a good time. Do you know how much trouble I can get myself into in 3 years. I have two credit cards with no balance and a high limit. Let me tell you- I’ve already counted up how many first class tickets to Europe it will buy me.

One. It will buy me one. One one-way ticket.

Just get some medication.

Now, this one, I would have acknowledged that it had some sense of logic to it- except, have you tried to get in to see a shrink lately?

I have. I actually have spent more time searching for the ‘right’ shrink than I have editing my books. And I spend 4-5 hours a day doing that.

But shrinks don’t exist anymore. And why would they? Who wants to spend 8 hours a day listening to a middle-aged woman complaining about gray hair and underarm flab? I wouldn’t.

Not to mention, I’m already medicated. I would hate to see how I would react to a mid-life crisis if the medical field hadn’t already deemed me unfit to navigate the world without a mood stabilizer.

I would end up on the evening news. “Crazy woman loses her mind at Wal-Mart because she can’t find the peanut butter. See what happens next after these commercials.”

What are you complaining about?

Because on paper- my life is the ‘American Dream’ in reality. Minus owning my own home, which I have decided is as likely as being on the first ship to settle on Mars- I have everything going for me.

The world is my oyster. Everything I have set out to do, I’ve accomplished—on paper.

I have traveled the world (technically). I have written three books, and they have sold (a few copies). I have a family that likes each other (for the most part). I help run my husband’s business, and it’s doing well (at least that’s what he tells me). I have friends (never met them, most of them I met on social media). I have a steady job that pays me even though I probably only give it about 25% of my ‘give-a-shit.’

But that’s just it. On paper, my life is wonderful. So, even I question my sanity. What do I have to complain about? Nothing.

So why do I feel like I am standing on a cliff of old age and have accomplished nothing with my life?

Death looms for all of us, and I unapologetically do not fear the day Charon comes to sweep me across the River Styx. To me, it’s the next great adventure. An adventure that right now, in this society, is limited to chores, errands, and the occasional game night.

But he’s not coming anytime soon. I know—I asked the recently acquired imaginary friends in my head. They are no help. All they tell me to do is take up skydiving and shark diving.

So what does one do for the three years that they are looking at the world through water-filled goggles?

I don’t know. Count down? Get Botox? Get a new and possibly bad haircut? Visit nursing homes and start the payment plans early.

I am struggling with these questions. There are no answers. But I can tell you this—with the way interest rates are, a new car is not making the list.

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

The post The beginning of a mid-life crisis… appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Confessions of a Reader…

Friends,

I love reading. I love escaping my life and living through the eyes of another. My favorite stories will always be fantasy, but I do love a historical book now and then.

I even dabble in the mystery- but only if it doesn’t require me to carry a notebook and take detailed notes on who, what, and where.

Lately, I have been in a reading funk. Shhhhhh…. don’t tell anyone. But I haven’t finished a book in months.

Oh, I can tell you the beginning and the end. I could confidently say that I have read at least 65%.

But as far as the whole thing. Nope. Can’t seem to do it. I get to the point where the plot thickens, the good guy becomes bad, the lovers have discovered they love each other, and now they are off to save the world… and I am bored.

The good guys are always going to have a happy ending.

Happily Ever After?

Now, before I get a flood of comments that say a happy ending is what the people want and that the good guy should always win, I agree. That is what the vast majority of people want, and I support them all.

But have you ever noticed that the characters are always in their 20s and 30s? That they are in perfect health with beautiful hair and haunting eyes? That the sex is always over the top? And that their souls connect on a fourth-dimensional plane of existence.

Where are the characters like me? Slightly chubby. No real skill set other than finding the best deal on peanut butter. Where are the women who haven’t had time for a decent haircut in months? Why can’t the middle-aged characters have an adventure?

Shit- can I go to Neverland?

My confession

Books are beginning to depress me because either they prove that I am already past my prime or that I failed to learn the basic traits to be a true warrior. You know, swordplay, dragon riding, stealth to be able to become a world-famous spy or a historian who actually discovers something. And I sure in hell don’t have the knowledge to run my own kingdom.

I could dive back into my historical books- but spoiler alert, everyone dies.

I think this is why I am struggling right now. Books used to provide me with a dream of something better. When I was in my 20s and 30s, I would relate. There was hope that I would be swept off my feet and taken far from the realities of everyday life. That there was the possibility of traveling the world and experiencing life to the fullest.

But in my 40s? According to the books- my life is pretty much over. There’s nowhere to go from here. I will live the rest of my days working a 9-5, and my source of happiness will be when I find a new brand of coffee.

I’m sorry

Now, I don’t mean to depress anyone. Chalk it up to the ranting of a disgruntled federal employee. But I needed to get it off my chest. I need to talk it out so that as I finish the edits to Books 2 and 3- I don’t get sucked into regurgitating the same predictable ending as every other author.

Am I the only one who feels this way? Please, for the love of the gods, tell me I’m not.

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

And on any of your favorite Indie Book Store websites!

Current sales as of today= 171/1500

The post Confessions of a Reader… appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Confessions of a reader.

Friends,

I love reading. I love escaping my life and living through the eyes of another. My favorite stories will always be fantasy, but I do love me a historical book now and then.

I even dabble in the mystery- but only if it doesn’t require me to carry a notebook and take detailed notes on who, what, and where.

Lately, I have been in a reading funk. Shhhhhh…. don’t tell anyone. But I haven’t finished a book in months.

Oh, I can tell you the beginning and the end. I could confidently say that I have read at least 65%.

But as far as the whole thing. Nope. Can’t seem to do it. I get to the point where the plot thickens, the good guy becomes bad, the lovers have discovered they love each other, and now they are off to save the world… and I am bored.

The good guys are always going to have a happy ending.

Now, before I get a flood of comments that say a happy ending is what the people want and that the good guy should always win, I agree. That is what the vast majority of people want, and I support them all.

But have you ever noticed that the characters are always in their 20s and 30s? That they are in perfect health with beautiful hair and haunting eyes? That the sex is always over the top? And that their souls connect on a fourth-dimensional plane of existence.

Where are the characters like me? Slightly chubby. No real skill set other than finding the best deal on peanut butter. Where are the women who haven’t had time for a decent haircut in months? Why can’t the middle-aged characters have an adventure?

Shit- can I go to Neverland?

Books are beginning to depress me because either they prove that I am already past my prime or that I failed to learn the basic traits to be a true warrior. You know, swordplay, dragon riding, stealth to be able to become a world-famous spy or a historian who actually discovers something. And I sure in hell don’t have the knowledge to run my own kingdom.

I could dive back into my historical books- but spoiler alert, everyone dies.

I think this is why I am struggling right now. Books used to provide me with a dream of something better. When I was in my 20s and 30s, I would relate. There was hope that I would be swept off my feet and taken far from the realities of everyday life. That there was the possibility of traveling the world and experiencing life to the fullest.

But in my 40s? According to the books- my life is pretty much over. There’s nowhere to go from here. I will live the rest of my days working a 9-5, and my source of happiness will be when I find a new brand of coffee.

Now, I don’t mean to depress anyone. Chalk it up to the ranting of a disgruntled federal employee. But I needed to get it off my chest. I need to talk it out so that as I finish the edits to Books 2 and 3- I don’t get sucked into regurgitating the same predictable ending as every other author.

Am I the only one who feels this way? Please, for the love of the gods, tell me I’m not.

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

And on any of your favorite Indie Book Store websites!

Current sales as of today= 171/1500

The post Confessions of a reader. appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

My first experience of being ‘live’ on social media.

Friends,

I went on my first ‘live’ last night on the TikyToc.

I had honestly been looking forward to the live event. The host even did this wonderful countdown video prior to its start time. And while I wasn’t 100% sure that this was the ‘space’ for me, I jumped in feet first, determined to insert myself as a player in the world of indie authors.

Because that is what we are supposed to do. Right?

Build a community. Reach out to our intended audience. Gain followers.

This is what I have learned.

Some people are meant to create fabulous videos and catchy’ catchphrases’ and stir the pot as far as controversy is concerned. They can form an admirable and enviable bond with the audience. These creators can say the damnest things, and somehow, their following skyrockets.

And then there are others, like me, that I think are meant just to write.

Sure, I can be funny behind the screen. If given the time, space, and freedom, I can rephrase and add my own flare for the dramatic. I love research, connecting the dots, learning new myths, and along the way- I know that I’m going to fail 100 times and get 1 or 2 wins.

But, put me on the spot. Nope. That’s not my area of expertise. I need to think things through. I don’t understand scarscam all the time. Jokes fly over my head. I am more literal than figurative.

And it honestly bites me in the ass.

I missed the mark. Or my over-thinking is telling me that I missed the mark. Duly noted when the host said, ‘You missed the mark.’ And the funny thing was that I was agreeing with them.

What the f**k.

Interestingly enough, this was something I actually already knew about myself. I learned it in the military. I wasn’t one of the cool kids on the block. I wasn’t a big drinker. I didn’t like to stay out all night dancing until I had blisters and no voice. And I sure in hell didn’t know what to do at BBQs.

Who the hell has that much to say without saying anything?

Here’s the other problem. Come in closer because this is a secret. Even with the intellectuals- I can’t keep up. My passion comes from stories about our past. Not dates, times, and places. That crap doesn’t really excite me. But without those small details- no one takes what you do know seriously.

The thing is- my brain won’t remember what it needs to remember.

I can tell you the story—why something happened, what caused it, and its effects. I can find connections in history that most people can’t see, and I pride myself on that ability.

Will I do another live? I don’t know. I’m sure when I get famous I will look back on these days and laugh. I will stand in front of a crowd (with notes) and remember these embarrassing moments.

Everyone keeps telling me this is what I signed up for. That once I put my art out for public consumption, I was luring the lions in. I just didn’t know that it would turn out to be a pack of hyenas. Hungry hyenas. With enough time on their hand to put Sherlock Holmes to shame with their digging into people’s past. With enough passion to tear down a person’s livelihood or mental health and walk away whistling.

It’s a funny world, this social media thing. People use it to escape reality. To find people across the world to connect with. At least, I think that’s why it was first invented.

Now?

Well, now it puts CNN, FOX News, and BBC to shame with its investigating abilities. It makes The View and Oprah look tame. I’m willing to go as far as to say Congress has a better chance of getting along than people on social media.

At least Congress agrees on a couple of things- budgets are not critical to running a country, and the TikyToc is the devil’s playground.

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

And on any of your favorite Indie Book Store websites!

Current sales as of today= 171/1500

The post My first experience of being ‘live’ on social media. appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

When you get schooled by a 16-year-old on created a website.

Friends,

My son is an inspiring artist. I use the term ‘inspiring’ lightly because he has sold his painting, and in the last four years, I can count the number of days on one hand that he has not been practicing his art.

He is an artist through and through.

For the last year, he has wanted to create a website. And I supported him.

Now, did he listen to me, the mother who has a website and has made ALL the mistakes when creating it?

No

Did he let me help him navigate the murky waters of WordPress?

No

Did he take my advice on how to set up his homepage?

Not a chance in hell.

But I supported him and let him do his thing. I’m just the mama with the debit card. Yesterday, he came to me and said it was time to link my shopping cart to his website so that people could buy his prints.

Which meant I could snoop under the pretext of making sure the links worked.

What did I find? A pretty amazing website. Damn it.

He did a fabulous job for 16. It is clean, easy to navigate, and intriguing in its simplicity. I sent him a message that I linked everything (I was at work, ‘working’), and it was ready to launch.

How did he respond?

Not with the overall glee and happiness that I was expecting. Nope. My kid said that he was going to launch it on Thursday because he wanted to ensure that it worked properly for the consumer. He wanted to make sure all the links worked, that it flowed easily, and that he wanted to take his time to make sure it was perfect.

When I launched my website, I think I pushed publish before the homepage looked good. My husband had to tell me that the link to my book was going to someone else’s Amazon page. You couldn’t even find my blogs.

It was a mess.

But my 16-year-old? He has nothing to worry about.

In a day and age when we complain about the younger generation and their obsession with the internet, I think we need to take a moment to self-reflect. These kids have the skills and knowledge to know what will work with social media and online promotions.

These kids are making movies off of their iPhone 7 that make films from the early 2000s look like B-rated Hallmark specials.

The kid has sold more paintings than I have books.

And I PAY for promotions.

My kid refuses to spend his money on promotions and rather uses his ever-growing bank account funds for college and art supplies. Since my husband and his grandparents buy his art supplies for him- he’s going to be a millionaire before I have $200.00 saved for retirement.

It’s 0515, and I have spent the last two hours taking notes on how he created his pride and joy.

Life is not fair sometimes.

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

And on any of your favorite Indie Book Store websites!

Current sales as of today= 171/1500

The post When you get schooled by a 16-year-old on created a website. appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Can you change your algorithm on social media? Short answer- yes.

Friends,

Running the rat race. Hustling with the hustlers. Keeping up with the Jones.

These are just a few things I struggle with.

And as I floundered with it all, I lost who I was as an author and historian. I am ashamed to admit that I got drawn into the drama of social media. Rarely did I comment, but I was a backstage peeper to what was going on. I made the popcorn and sat back, scrolling for hours, sharing the stories with my husband, and getting angry at people I had never met.

And the algorithm took me into the deeper and darker parts. It was fascinating! I have never seen such hatred, high school drama, and needless accusations in my life.

And where did it lead me? Far, far away from the people who brought joy to my life.

Now I know—controversy sells. The more drama surrounds your name, the higher your sales may be. The data proves it.

Buuuuutttttt…..

Did it bring me joy? Not really. I gained 3 pounds because I was eating so much popcorn.

So, what can you do when you are drawn into a social media world that you don’t want to be a part of or surrounded by people who are not your intended audience?

Take a breath, and know you’re in for a world of work. What I mean is that you can change your algorithms. It’s going to take about a week, and you’ll need to be dedicated to liking, sharing, and commenting on the content creators that you want to see more of. And you’re going to have to ignore the drama.

The easiest way? Click that search box and type in what you want to see. History, pets, books (be careful on this one—be specific about what types), creators that you already enjoy, and see who they are following.

Personally, I have different ‘types’ of content creators that I follow on different platforms.

My Instagram is more directed towards art, DIY, and book readers (not official reviewers).

My Facebook reels are all about Motorcycles, veterans, and funny animal videos. On my ‘official’ authors Facebook page, I have more indie writers and artists.

I recently changed my TikTok to reflect more historical videos and creators. I have found some good recommendations for historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy books.

On X (formerly known as Twitter), I have all the cool historians and museum curators.

Why did I force such drastic changes across all platforms? Because I want to see a wide range of things. If I had allowed all my social media accounts to be focused on one thing, i.e., indie writers, then I would never see what other people are doing. I wouldn’t get the inspiration that I needed to expand my own thought process and curiosity.

I am not saying that you need to follow my plan. It took effort to make sure that I got myself out of my trap.

Now for the real question of the day. How do we, as artists, promote our work on these platforms? You read the room and create different reels, posts, and promotions that are more directed to what you see.

The downside is that it means you will have to be creative with your posts. I know a lot of people say you can post the same thing on each platform, but I haven’t found that to be true—at least in my world—because all my social media have a different algorithm.

On TikTok, I highlight my book as a fantasy because that is the more appropriate genre for the age group on the app. Fast-moving, short videos that don’t require much reading. It needs catchy music and lots of moving parts.

I also found that if you have a TikTok shop, you will get buyers, BUT only if you add in freebies. What I mean is that if you’re selling your book for the same price as Amazon, the buyer is going to want the book signed, with gilded edges, stickers, bookmarks, and character art to come with it.

Facebook / Instagram

On Facebook and Instagram, I tailor it (now) more to who my characters are and the history or ‘visuals’ of them. I tend to do more peaceful music, slower transitions, and longer pauses so that the full effect of the book or art can shine.

I don’t see much ‘purchasing power’ on these platforms. Most people are there for the visual effect, not to buy. But maybe I just haven’t figured it out yet.

Twitter—My ‘ads’ or postings are not the same as those on Facebook because of the sizing difference. Be careful using a Facebook post that is more square than a Twitter post, which is more rectangle. I tend to make them short, sweet, and sassy. I find that elevator pitches and sassy quotes work better here to promote your work. You only have so many words- so you have to make them count.

Twitter

I’m not going to lie—I think a lot of my Amazon buys come from Twitter posts because I can easily link the website to it. And we all know that the ease of Amazon vs. visiting an artist’s website is what brings most of our sales.

There we go. That’s how I changed my algorithm to reflect who I was as a person—a multidimensional person with a wide range of likes and hobbies. I’m not going into website creation because I’ve not figured it out yet. But when I do- you’ll be the first to know.

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

And on any of your favorite Indie Book Store websites!

Current sales as of today= 170/1500

The post Can you change your algorithm on social media? Short answer- yes. appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Just because…

Friends,

Just because sometimes Tuesday needs a little help to get through.

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

And on any of your favorite Indie Book Store websites!

Current sales as of today= 137/1500

The post Just because… appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

A quick check-in…

Friends,

I apologize for the interruption to your previously scheduled programming, but I wanted to go off track for a second.

I needed a break from the camouflage if you know what I mean.

We are in to month three of 2024, and I had a host of ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ that I made back in December. And since we are at the quarter mark, I kinda wanted to check in to see how I’ve been doing.

– Cooking more dinners. Check on failure. Wednesdays are my downfall. I’m so motivated on Monday and Tuesday, but by the time mid-week comes around, the peep in my step has diminished. I blame it on being retired and still having to work.

I know a lot of people who retire from their first job and feel like they still have a lot to give back. They still have energy and want to feel like a productive member of society.

I am not one of those people. I’m tired of driving an hour every day to sit behind a computer and wasting eight hours of my life. I could easily do that at home, comfortably. Imagine staying home and writing, editing, promoting, and engaging. Hell, I might already be a New York Best Seller if I could give my goal the time and effort it needs.

I may even be able to sleep more because I wouldn’t have to do all the above mentioned between working, cooking, and doing chores.

– 365 days of blogs. Now, I have been on point with this. I try to preplan my blogs at least a week out so that I can take an occasional day off from writing, editing, and finding funny memes.

But unfortunately, the world of bloggers is dying a rapid death. Reading a blog is no longer an acceptable means of communication, not in the world of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube.

When I first started my blog years ago, I could usually count on at least 5-10 reads a day. Now? I can count on my mom, husband (when I remind him), and my sister. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel sorry for myself. This is a living diary. One day, historians might look back on these journal entries and will get to see the world from the eyes of the ‘common people.’

But maybe I don’t have to post ‘every day.’

This is hard for me because I don’t want to back out of my self-imposed goal, but at the same time, I’m getting burnt out. As the famous saying goes- ‘Read the Room.’

-Promote my book at least once a day. I have been doing this, and maybe it’s working. Maybe it isn’t. Did you know promoting your art usually comes with a cost? Not emotional. Financially. Book competitions, ads, catchy reels and TikTok videos- those all come with a cost. $25.00 here. $75.00 there. It all adds up after a while.

But you have to promote yourself to get ahead of the game. Slack one day, and another author has taken your place. Millions of readers are in this world, and I have only maybe found 1/100th of them.

What this has all boiled down to is that I have come up with a new goal for 2024.

I need to win the lottery.

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

And on any of your favorite Indie Book Store websites!

Current sales as of today= 130/1500

The post A quick check-in… appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.

Bigger is better…

Friends,

So there I was, standing in a motor pool, learning my new job. In case you didn’t know- a motor pool is where the military keeps all the vehicles.

On this particular day, we were going to learn how to drive the M915’s. For my civilian friends- 18-wheelers. I still remember the instructor telling us to enjoy because we would never see them again.

They were being phased out.

Discontinued.

Obsolete.

But I digress. If you have never driven an 18-wheeler, there is nothing more powerful, enchanting, or scary than getting behind one of the biggest vehicles on the road.

And the slowest.

It was like trying to tell a turtle to run. No matter how hard you stomped on the gas peddle, you were lucky to get to 15mph. Maybe they rigged the engine so we couldn’t go faster- I will never know.

If it were me, I would have. A bunch of exhausted 18 – 20-year-olds behind the wheel of a vehicle that could take out a house – 5 mph would have been too fast for me.

But the instructors had a stomach of steel and a death wish, so they climbed into the passenger seat with a prayer and a pack of lifesavers, hoping for the best.

By the time I completed my first lap, I was in heaven. I was whipping that tractor-trailer around the corners like a boss at a whooping five mph. I begged to take someone else’s spot. I slipped into the driver’s seat, hoping they wouldn’t notice.

They did.

Assholes.

Luckily, I was given another opportunity. Training went quicker than they thought it would, and we had plenty of time to take an extra lap. I was in the driver’s seat before they could say, ‘Load up.’

I will never understand why my fellow trainees would rather gossip or get in a quick nap than take the monster truck on a road trip.

Now, why would I tell this story if the Army was phasing them out?

Because that was a lie. Well, not really a lie- they were.

In the U.S.

Not in Germany…

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

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

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

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

And on any of your favorite Indie Book Store websites!

Current sales as of today= 130/1500

The post Bigger is better… appeared first on R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author.