Laina Turner's Blog, page 20

My Fall WIsh List

The thing that’s awesome about being a lifestyle blogger is we love to write about seasons and holidays. I know that might sound a little sarcastic but I mean it. I enjoy reading posts about what others love about fall or Christmas or summer. I think it’s the voyeuristic trend our society has taken in the last 20 years. I love knowing what others are doing and how they are doing it.

Every year I look forward to October – December because I love fall, I love the holidays, and I love to write about what I love.

That’s a lot of love right there folks!

I’m not a fan of what comes after fall but how can you not love this time of year. Especially if you live in an area of the country where seasons change. Who can resist the beauty of leaves turning? The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin spice lattes? Sweater weather, hot apple cider, and bonfires?

Not this gal that’s for sure.

This year I decided to mix it up a bit and write about what I WANT for fall rather than what I love about fall (of course I already mentioned what I love. I had to get that in somehow.)

There are a few key things that have been on my wishlist for fall that I wanted to share.

I need a new scarf. I used to have a million scarves. Ok, I had about 25 and when I did a minimalist stroll through my closet earlier this year I tossed all but 2. Because I didn’t wear them. When I went to Australis earlier this year with my friend Gina I’ve been coveting her scarf. It was neutral in color and light so good for year ‘round use. 

Now that it’s fall I’ve been thinking more and more about that scarf and decided it’s time to get one of my own. Since I wanted it to be all season I steered away from knitted and fur though this is a pretty kick ass looking scarf. I just don’t think it would go well with my yoga pants.

 

Since I primarily wear black, or some shade of black like grey, I wanted to go with a black scarf but not all black. Even though that was hard for me to stay away from.

I finally came across this one and ordered it. 

Next on my list was a new cardigan. I have 3 black cardigans so I was looking for a grey or a cream. Again something that would go with all my black and maybe spice it up a little. I decided on this one.

I love the texture. It’s a little pricier than what I wanted to spend but I will wear it almost every day so it will pay for itself.

Last year I threw away my everyday boots that I’d worn for the last couple years. They were scuffed to the point they didn’t look good and I needed new ones. I knew if I threw them out I’d have no choice but to buy new instead of wearing threw or out ones another season.

For as long as I can remember I’ve spent most the winter in tall boots. This year I decided to go out of my comfort zone and get these ankle boots. Yeah, I live on the edge. I like the way they look and they seem super comfy.

I’ve wanted a pair of Hunter rainbows for years but I still can’t get past the price. But aren’t they so pretty?

The last thing on my fall list has been on the general list of things I want for the last 2 years. When we moved into our current house we bought this gorgeous table and chairs set. However, after getting shipped 3 tables that were all sent back due to defects we canceled our order.  We’ve been searching for the right table ever since.

We’re having Friendsgiving on November 4th so I have a renewed sense of urgency for a new table. I’ve bought a lot form Hayneedle this year, as I was working on our outdoor space, and I found this table which I love. But I’m still looking.

I recently ordered these items and they haven’t come in yet. So you get to see the pretty stock model instead of me. I know, you’re totally disappointed. 

Well, don’t be!

Happy fall!

 Shop the post.

<br />

The post My Fall WIsh List appeared first on Laina Turner.

Choosing the Right Point of View

Which is the best Point of View to use for your novel?

First I want to say when I say the best point of view (POV) I don’t actually mean there is ONE best point of view overall. Not to read and not to write in.

The best POV is the one that works best for YOU and for your story. POV isn’t one size fits all. It depends on your genre, your style, what you prefer, etc. And during your writing career, you won’t only write in one POV. At least many authors don’t.

1st person POV is writing from your main character’s point of view. Think I/me.  

2nd person POV uses you and can be challenging to use.

3rd person POV uses her/she (or his/he) POV.

The typical POV’s used in fiction writing are 1st and 3rd person. Rarely do people write in second person POV though it has successfully been done. Think Bright Lights, Big City? If you’ve never read it you should.

3rd person POV is more commonly used as it gives the author a bigger range of viewpoints. I like reading and writing in both it just depends on how the story is best told.

I started my career writing in the first person. It made sense for the genre I was writing and I found it easier. Less to keep track of and I was able to put myself in the head of the main character and it worked for me. 

After my first few novels, I realized that I could get a little deeper into the story using 3rd person POV. So I do have a couple books that are in 3rd. I’m trying to use it more as I expand what I write. It gives me more ability to show different sides of characters. 

I came across an article once that said many beginning writers start writing in 1st and graduate to 3rd. Makes complete sense to me. So I guess I’m not alone.

3rd person POV has 2 types. In my ventures into 3rd person, I use the limited POV. 3rd person limited is very much like 1st person with a little more freedom to see what else is happening with other folks. But you’re not continuously head hopping. 

The other 3rd person POV is omniscient. This allows you to head hop and see what all the characters, or main ones anyway, are thinking. I’ve read some books that used 3rd person omniscient that ended up confusing me. I couldn’t keep track of all the characters, therefore, I could get engaged in the story. 

I am currently re-reading a book by Elin Hilderbrand and she uses 3rd person omniscient with such amazing skill I’m inspired to try it.

I’m more engaged with the characters, even the ones I don’t love, and I feel like I am part of whats happening.

Which is the point of that POV and why she’s a best-selling author. Go, Elin!

So how do you determine what POV you should use for your novel?

It really comes down to what you feel comfortable writing and the genre you’re writing in. If you write romance or mystery you could get away with either 1st or 3rd. If you’re writing a multi-general historical romance or a sci-fi book about a dystopian world, you would want to use 3rd. 1st person would limit you too much. The more characters you have the harder it becomes to keep it all in 1st person.

Is there a POV you prefer to write in? How about reading in?

 

The post Choosing the Right Point of View appeared first on Laina Turner.

Why You Need An Author Street Team

As an author having a street team, a tribe, a group of people who love your work is tantamount to your success. For several reasons and not just the obvious.

Having a support system in life is important. You want to surround yourself with people who lift you up and motivate you. Who can provide that swift kick in the pants when you need it.

A group of people (even if it’s a small group) who love your writing and support you as an author is also great for your motivation, your ego, and selling books. 

Nothing beats word of mouth even in today’s world of social media. And with social media recommendations spread farther and faster now than ever before.

Building a street team for your author brand is invaluable. Your street team is folks you can bounce ideas off of about upcoming books and marketing. 

It creates a support system which as an author you desperately need. Writing is a solitary pursuit. But your writing will be much stronger with people who will give you constructive feedback and support you on your writing journey. 

I am so incredibly grateful to have my street team, Laina’s Crusaders. For all the reasons I mentioned above. In fact, I’m in awe every day that I have anyone who cares enough about my writing to be on my street team. It’s what keeps me going on the days I don’t want to write. I also don’t want to disappoint the people who are there for me. While that can be a heavy responsibility it’s the one I need to keep me always moving forward.

Much like your marketing efforts starting your own street team is something you don’t want to wait too long to do. It can be before your book comes out. If you have a rough draft or even an outline, what a great way to get feedback AND make people feel special by being with you right from your start.

But much like any marketing initiative authors often wait for the “right” time to start because they’re scared. Scared to put themselves out there. Thinking no one will want to give their time to provide feedback or tell others about their work.

You are SO WRONG about that. People LOVE to help!

The first step to building your team of awesome people is to just ask. I know it’s hard but whats the worst someone can say? No?

Sticks and stones and all that.

Start with friends and family. You know the people who are already in your support group. If you’re like me and feel more comfortable being criticized by strangers then reach out to people. Ask on social media.

There are so many things you can offer your team. 

Advance copies – because we all like to be the first to get something.

Beta copies – so they can give input before the book is finished that might make the final cut.

Exclusives – background on certain characters, or settings. Cover reveals before it goes out to the public. Sneak previews of what you’re currently writing.

Contests – get your team engaged. The more engaged they are the more they will want to help you.

Facebook group – have a special group for your team and do FB live events or other fun interactive things.

These are just a few of the things you can offer people to create a strong team of supporters.

Making a living as an author is a hard gig. You can’t-do it alone. You shouldn’t do it alone. And you sure as hell don’t want to do it alone.

Reach out. Amazing people are out there!

 

The post Why You Need An Author Street Team appeared first on Laina Turner.

Do You Want to Write or Just Publish?

Do you want to write or publish?

I once looked up the difference between a writer and an author and found several differing statements. I finally came across one I liked and have used since.

You know how you have 5 versions of something and pick the one that fits the thing the way you want? Yeah, that’s what I did.

This statement said writers write and authors publish. I’m not saying I believe it to be true but for the purposes of this post, this definition works nicely.  Some people write for the joy of it (writers). Others enjoy writing but also write for the purpose to make money (authors). 

This thought poses the question (to me anyway) what is more important? The writing or the selling of the writing?

Such deep questions today on the blog, right?

I received the book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life[image error] by Anne Lamott as a gift several years ago and I’ve read it many times since then. It’s one of those books that every time you read it you get another great nugget of information from it.

The short version is the book talks about how she fell in love with writing and how she finally made it as a writer. Then it dives into the ins and outs of writing and being an author. I’ve always felt her personal story inspiring. I love to hear how other people faced struggles and prevailed.

A few weeks ago when I read it for the millionth time one sentence she said really stuck out to me. I remember reading this sentence before but this time it had a bigger impact. Maybe since in the last couple years, I’ve shifted to more of a role hoping other writers that it resonated more with me this time. I actually stopped and thought about it for a while before resuming my reading.

“The problem that comes up over and over again is that these people want to be published. They kind of want to write, but they really want to be published.”

Why is this a problem? Because writing is hard work. If you’re writing for the sole purpose of getting published and making tons of money you will get unmotivated quick. Because it’s usually not a fast process.

I think that’s why they call writing an art. You have to be able to enjoy it for the sheer beauty of the writing and the process. The sense of accomplishment you have when you’re finished. You have to be motivated to write because you LOVE it. That’s what will sustain you when the writing gets tough.

It’s like that with anything. You have to at least somewhat enjoy the journey or when you do get to the destination you still won’t be happy. Life is too short to do something simply for financial gain.

If you’re reading this thinking but I really, really want to get published and make my millions as an author I get it. That’s how I feel. That’s how a lot of us authors feel. But I also love to write. It’s what started me down this path in the first place. When I start to let the process of publishing overshadow the process of writing (and it happens) I know I have to take a step back. Think about the big picture. What’s really important.

And that’s the writing itself. 

So what is it you really want? To write or publish?

 

The post Do You Want to Write or Just Publish? appeared first on Laina Turner.

The 5 Minute Marriage

I recently had my 1st wedding anniversary (2nd marriage). While I am older and wiser this time around marriage still isn’t easy by any means. 

I think it’s actually harder because I am older and wiser.

Ignorance is sometimes bliss.

There’s no big secret to a successful marriage. Since so many end in divorce, you’d think there would be.

Successful marriages are built on strong communication, trust, and respect. All those things we already know. But for me, I feel the biggest key are those things AND quality time. Note I didn’t say quantity time but quality time.

That’s why Matt (my husband) and I have instituted the 5-minute rule. We spend at least 5 minutes a day talking either in person or on text/phone if I’m traveling for work and not home.

I know you’re probably thinking WHAT? 5 minutes? 

You can’t possibly be serious. 

A strong marriage needs more than 5 minutes a day to be, well, strong.

How can you build a strong marriage in 5 minutes? 

How can you only have 5 minutes to spend with each other?

Though if you have kids you probably aren’t asking me that last question. Between work, the kids, traveling for work and pleasure, I kid you not we don’t have much more than 5 minutes a night to spend together. And sometimes its hard to find that amount of time.

It actually started as a joke. Because we had an increasingly difficult time finding a chance to talk about logistics of the day, much less have couples time. We started putting 5 minutes blocks on our calendars, stretching it to 7 if there was something really important to talk about. But then we realized all joking aside, we looked forward to getting at that 5 minutes together. 

It became exciting to know we would have 5 uninterrupted minutes to chat (and again if you have kids you know that’s a huge accomplishment). Neither of us felt guilty telling the kids it was our 5-minute time slot and not to bother us.

What the time constraints have done for us as a couple is force us to be more purposeful with our time. Not that we don’t love to sit on the couch, hang out, and enjoy each others company but when our days are crazy we work as a team and communicate in that time frame. Figure out who has to do what. That means when we do have the chance to spend more time together we don’t have to spend it talking about boring stuff. We can use it for fun.

My point is you may not have hours on end to spend with your significant other. But you can have a strong relationship if you are purposeful with your time.

I hear a lot of my friends (and I’m guilty of this too) complain about relationships (and not just married ones) blaming lack of time on this issue or that issue. I say that’s a cop-out.

We only have a certain amount of time each day. It is OUR choice how we spend it. We can spend it complaining about how we don’t have enough time or we can make the best use out of the time we have.

What’s your choice?

 

The post The 5 Minute Marriage appeared first on Laina Turner.

Master Your To DO List

The dreaded to-do list. The long list that every Monday I promise myself I will work hard, obliterate, and crush my to-do list to get down to ZERO. I promise myself I won’t keep rolling things over from day to day yet I always seem to do exactly that. 

My list gets longer and longer and I feel like I’m never going to catch up. Looking at the list makes me want to pour a glass of wine which at 8 am on a Monday morning is a bad idea.

Until recently.

And it’s not just because I bought this super cute to do list notebook from the Lily Pulitzer store. Though I can’t deny it was a big help in my dedication to the cause. Though I have yet to use it. It’ so pretty it sits on my desk because I don’t want to use it and screw up. I know you’re thinking how did it motivate you if you’re not using it?

Fair question.

Because I want to get my shit together so I can use it. Kind of like losing that last 5 lbs so your favorite jeans aren’t too tight and you can wear them. Seeing them sit around taunting you because you can’t get into them helps you stay away from the chips and wine.

I go through streaks of productivity. Much like anyone else. But I want to get consistent so I’m not always riding the wave of I got this to complete overwhelm. It’s exhausting. 

I’ve read all the books and tips. I know what I need to do to stay on top of things. I’m sure we all do. Its actually doing it that’s the issue. It’s so easy to see that huge list and be like yeah, that’s too much. I’m going to watch Netflix.

I see mastering my todo list as 50% organization and 50% motivation. You can’t have one without the other.

So what have I found to help me stay organized and motivated?

1. Write things down. I prefer the old-fashioned paper and pen thing but I also use trill. I learned long ago that keeping things in my head is a BAD idea. I like to think I will remember but the truth is I won’t. As scary as it can be to put it all down you will feel great satisfaction once you start plowing through it and checking it off. 

2. Tackle what you don’t want to do most, first. I’m the queen of procrastination on things I don’t feel motivated to do. I love my job but there are aspects of blogging and being an author I don’t like. So I tend to let those aspects pile up. Then I get more and more anxious knowing they are looming out there. If I just do it and get it over with my life is a lot better. And usually once done they weren’t so bad in the first place.

3. Set a timer. While in theory, you might think you will force yourself to sit down and not get up from your seat until everything is done that’s not realistic. You’ll get tired, annoyed, and stop. At least I do and I’m going off what I know. I find it easier to work in short bursts. I’ll set my timer for 20-30 minute increments. Bust some things out and then walk around the house, get a drink, do a few jumping jacks (ok not really) and then sit back down for 20-30 minutes.

4. Batch tasking. I find myself much more able to stay on top of things if I group them together. I can’t jump back and forth between writing fiction, making blog images, and writing up notes for clients. It takes different parts of my brain. I used to think I needed to work on all tasks every day. I felt guilty if I didn’t. What I’ve found is if I organize my time and break things up into chunks where I might do all graphics on Monday and social messages Wednesday, I can be a lot more efficient. The only thing I do every day is fiction writing so I don’t get out of touch on my story. But even that sometimes it’s just 15 minutes. So I can touch it and feel connected. Sometimes it’s a full 8 hour day.

5. Don’t multi-task and turn off social media. Social media is such a time suck. Especially for this of us who need to be on it for work purposes. It’s hard to turn it off lest we miss something super important. But all it fades is take the focus away from whatever else you’re working on. Another reason I batch task. When there is one thing in front of you without distractions you’ll be that much more effective.

6. Outsource what you’re not good at. It’s hard to spend money. Especially, when you’re bootstrapping your business. However, if it’s taking you 5 times as long to do a task that someone else could do faster and better you might want to consider it.

Your time IS money!

I’d love to hear how you stay focused on your to-do list!

 

The post Master Your To DO List appeared first on Laina Turner.

Being a Parent isn’t Always Rainbows and Unicorns

I sometimes find it hard to believe that I’ve been a parent for almost 16 years. It seems like yesterday I was only thinking about having kids and now my oldest will be able to drive soon.

Being a parent has its ups and downs as all parents know. My ex-husband and I always joke that we didn’t read the fine print of the contract when we had kids. That the cute little babies would grow up to be a pre-teen and then a teen. The ages most difficult to get through and keep your sanity.

If we had known what we were getting in to….hmmm…..we may have made a different decision.

Just kidding. 

Well not always.

Parenting is HARD.

I actually looked forward to the day when my kids got older. So they’d be more independent. Why didn’t anyone tell me that was a stupid thought. The more independent they become the scarier it gets as a parent. 

They talk back.
They want to be independent.
They make poor decisions from lack of experience.
They think you’re the stupid one and won’t listen.
They roll their eyes.
They think money grows on trees.

It’s a good thing God made them cute or the human race might die out. 

While parenting isn’t easy it’s so rewarding that the not so easy times are quickly forgotten. Until you freak out when you realize you’re raising these human beings from infancy to adult. Where you want them to be productive members of society.

It’s a lot of responsibility being a parent. You do your best and hope that they turn out realizing their full potential. You hope that they go on to be happy adults with families of their own. Enjoying life and all it has to offer.

During the rough times, you have to remember you are the adult, the role model. You need to practice parenting with patience and understanding.

I’ve been telling myself this a lot lately as recent months have been some of the more challenging ones as a parent. Kids have so many more challenges than I did 30 years ago. But then I also feel there is a bigger sense of entitlement and that life should be easy. Maybe not for everyone but I get that sense from my kids sometimes. 

As a parent, I want to make their life easy. I want them to have everything they want but that doesn’t build character. So at what point is enough too much. How many hard knocks will build character as opposed to tearing it down?

How, as a parent, do you find that balance? 

How do you reconcile making them independent knowing they will be out on their own soon enough but wanting to take care of them for as long as you can?

I wish there was an easy answer. If you ahem one please let me know. Until then I’ll keep telling myself that I’m doing my best and that’s all I can do.

That’s all us parents can do!

 

The post Being a Parent isn’t Always Rainbows and Unicorns appeared first on Laina Turner.

5 Tips to Control Spending

Have you ever heard the phrase cash is king? It’s derived from a securities term and used in business. It means you must have the cash flow to make it in business. While it might be a fancy business term it applies to individuals as well.

We all want a positive cash flow. Because if you have it you can buy things and feel secure and that feels awesome. When you don’t have positive cash flow you feel, well, less than awesome. In fact, it downright sucks. Makes you anxious, stressed, unhappy and the list goes on.

It’s no secret that finances are one of the leading causes of divorce. Read the Huff Po article here.

But it’s also the leading cause of stress. According to the American Institute of Stress, it’s #2 

Money can be stressful. Especially if you are in debt and feel out of control which is a growing number of us adults out there. 

Living paycheck to paycheck and only one disaster away from bankruptcy.
Feeling down on yourself for bad money decisions. 
Afraid you’ll never be able to get out of the financial hole you’ve dug yourself.

As with anything else you have to stop living in denial, stop feeling sorry for yourself, and take action.

Do something about your situation to make it better. It’s not easy but will be worth it in the long run.

I’ve been there, done that so thought I would share my tips to help control spending. Obviously, we all have different things that work and don’t work for us. If you want more information about this topic I’d suggest you check out the Making Sense of Cents blog. Michelle has such useful information for those of us wanting to make a better financial life for ourselves.

So what are my tips to control spending if you feel out of control?

1. Stop using cards and use cash. This is the best advice I can give you. You’re familiar with the whole out of sight out of mind phrase, right? It’s so easy to spend a few bucks here and a few there on your debit/credit card and not think twice. But when you’re pulling our cash. That’s a different story altogether. 

2. Give yourself a 24-hour rule before spending on non-necessities. Think about how much you buy you don’t need. I am the queen of buying crap. Because it’s cute or will temporarily make me happy. Then you get it and after the rush of purchasing wears off, you regret it. At least I do. I’ve been working on making myself put it back and wait. I’ve found there is little I want bad enough to go back to the store and get.

3. Go on a spending freeze or frost. Here is a good resource on how that works from that The Busy Budgeter.  Now I will admit I’ve tried this and not always done a good job. I have a problem saying no to the kids sometimes when I should. But I’m trying another soon and vow to get better.

4. Write down your money sending triggers and figure out how to eliminate them. Redirect your thoughts when you’re triggered. Go for a walk, call a friend, take a nap. I’d say relax with a glass of wine but I don’t want to promote more unhealthy habits.

5. Get an accountability partner. I feel this is key for anything that might be a challenge to you. I know it helps me. Whether it’s exercise, weightless, sending, staying on track to my writing goals. All of it.

And my bonus tip. Stop living in denial about your situation. It’s hard to admit you’ve screwed up, made bad decisions, or have spent yourself in a hole. But the only way to start making progress toward the positive is to face it and make a plan to change.

You’ve got this!

 

The post 5 Tips to Control Spending appeared first on Laina Turner.

How to Handle Criticism as an Author

One of the hardest things you have to do as a writer is figuring out how to handle criticism on your writing. It’s the one thing that freaks the writers I know out the most. 

Let’s be honest it freaks everyone out. Who likes criticism?

NO ONE!

I know when I published my first book I was terrified. I was scared to give it to my friend to read before I sent to the editor. And was even more scared when it went to the editor.

I was petrified to let anyone see it. What if they thought it was crap and I should give up my dream?

But I knew that I didn’t have a choice if I wanted to make a go of this. You can’t make a living as an author if you don’t put your books out there for people to see.

 At least when your friend and editor comes back with criticism of your writing it’s constructive and out of love. Still hard to take but easier to swallow. But once you get the guts to publish and you start getting reviews it takes criticism anxiety to whole new level.

 I would see someone had left an Amazon comment on my book and my anxiety would soar. I’d get cold sweats, and want to quit rather than look at what people said. I’d have to pour a glass (or 3) of wine and work up my courage.

It’s scary to have your work out there and having people tell you whether they like it or not.

It’s not any better now that I have more experience except I’ve learned not to look so I rarely do. Not that I don’t welcome feedback I do. It’s invaluable to improving my writing. But unfortunately, there are too many mean people out there who just want to be assholes (excuse my language) and don’t care about being constructive. And no one improves or learns from negativity.

You know the whole, “if you can’t say it nice then don’t say it at all thing.” More people should adhere to that and not just people who leave book reviews.

When you get that bad piece of feedback, whether spiteful or well intended, you have a few options.

You can:

A – Go cry in a corner.

B – Drink a bottle of wine to forget.

C – Eat a cheesecake or a bag of Kit Kats. Oreos will work too in a pinch.

D – You can look at it objectively. Take whatever is valuable from it (if there’s is anything), file it away for future use, and move on.

E – any combination of A – D.

I usually pick E. I think it’s the healthiest though I’m not sure my boot camp instructor would agree. She’s not a fan of eating feelings. But you have to get that sadness, that anxiety, that anger out and THEN be willing and open to taking the feedback.

What is a waste of time?

1. Wondering why people are such assholes. You will never figure that one out.

2. Quitting. Hey not everyone is going to like you. You don’t like everyone else, do you?

3. Having a pity party more than a few hours. Yes, take time to wallow but then pick yourself back up and get on with it. Life isn’t rainbows and unicorns all the time. Being an author even less.

The best way to get better at your craft and shut up the negative Nancy’s is to KEEP WRITING! The more you write the better you’ll get. Don’t let anyone deter you from your dream.

Besides as bad as a negative comment can hurt. The positive ones make it all worth it. 

Thank you to the people who love us authors. People who are willing to say nice things and boost us up.

 

The post How to Handle Criticism as an Author appeared first on Laina Turner.

The Glamorous Life of an Author

Being an author is the best job in the world. Private jets and chauffeured limos. People waiting on my every whim. Everywhere you go fans want your autograph. They are lining up in droves to wait for your next release. You can’t even go out for Starbucks without people mobbing you.

Hence the sunglasses and hat.

BEST. JOB. EVER.

There are so many perks to being an author that it was hard to narrow them down for this little blog post. Luckily, I could in-between spa treatments and champagne tasting.

In all seriousness, though being an indie author isn’t all that glamorous.

Unless you’re Stephen King.

If you’re Laina Turner. Not so much.

But being an author is still the BEST. JOB. EVER. And totally glamorous in my eyes.

Why?

Here are the top 6 reasons why I have a glamorous life as an author and blogger.

1. Yoga pants are my dress code. I have at least 20 pairs of black yoga pants. And no two are alike. Ok, maybe I do have 3 pairs of the exact same pants but the other 17 are different. I swear.

2. I can consider playing on social media “working.” My kids don’t think I have a “real” job. It supports the myth that money grows on trees in their eyes. I’m sure they also still believe in unicorns. But then again who doesn’t.

3. I can be completely narcissistic under the guise of “I must take a selfie to promote myself.” Which is awesome when I’m with my kids since they’re completely embarrassed yelling “mom, not mother selfie” which is much more embarrassing (for them) then the actual selfie taking.

4. I can take naps. I’ve always said naps got wasted on kids. They don’t appreciate them and don’t realize how wonderful it is to be able to take one. In fact, I prefer a nap over sleeping at night. Which can be a problem.

5. I get to make shit up all day. I live my life in my own fantasy land. It’s awesome. If I don’t like something I can hit delete and make it different. POWER!

And finally…

6. My daughter thinks I’m famous (she’s 11 so it won’t last forever). Do I perpetuate this myth? Sure as hell I do. Listen, if even if you don’t have kids, you were one at one time and there comes a point where most kids hate their parents. She might as well thank I’m famous and awesome for a few years before she turns into a teen and hates my guts. It’s only fair.

When you get to do what you love every day, like I do, it’s glamorous. Hard work without all the fan perks but glamorous the same.

You know beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that. It’s all about perspective.

I am a big believer in the power of positive thinking, mind over matter, putting good out in the universe and getting back. Which is why I do think of my writing career as glamorous because if I think it, it will be.

Right?

What is glamorous is I get to meet people from all over who read my books, and like them. I’ve met many amazing authors, I get to go to conferences where I meet new people and see new places.

I get to do what I love. That makes anything I must do that I don’t like (and there is plenty) worth it.

That’s all for now. My private plane is idling by to take me to Belize! 

 

The post The Glamorous Life of an Author appeared first on Laina Turner.