Robin Mahle's Blog, page 3
June 10, 2014
What I've Learned in the First Six Months
December 20, 2013 was the last day of my old life. The last day I went to work for someone else, working in a field I had been a part of for twenty years. I was free to dedicate 100% of my time to writing. That's the dream, right? I had published two novels while working a full time job and of course, raising my kids and now it was time to take my writing career to the next level. How lucky was I? Since then, I've published a third novel, Beyond the Clearing, and am now editing my fourth,
What I've Learned in the First Six Months
December 20, 2013 was the last day of my old life. The last day I went to work for someone else, working in a field I had been a part of for twenty years.
I was free to dedicate 100% of my time to writing. That’s the dream, right? I had published two novels while working a full time job and of course, raising my kids and now it was time to take my writing career to the next level. How lucky was I?
Since then, I’ve published a third novel and am now editing my fourth. What I’ve discovered is that I have never worked so hard in my life! I thought that juggling writing, an office job and family was hard. Well, it is, but the truth is, I always had that stable income to depend on. Writing was a passion that I squeezed in when I had the time.
Of course, this new life of mine would not have been possible if I didn’t have such a wonderfully supportive husband. He carries the burden now, believing in me that someday I’ll earn as much through my writing as I did working in my old career, maybe even more.
My first step was time management; setting up a writing schedule. I had grand plans of working out in the mornings after getting the kids off to school, then writing until they got home, where I would dedicate my afternoons to helping them with their homework and doing fun things together. Funny thing was, that didn’t actually leave that much time to write. A few hours, at best. Not good.
With writing as my only source of income, the pressure was on. I still had to contribute to the family till. I couldn’t let my husband bear the entire burden. So, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I needed to work harder than I ever had before to build on the momentum I’d created through the release of my first two books. That writing schedule just wouldn’t do.
So, now it’s summer. The kids are home from school and I haven’t worked out, (virtually at all) in about six months. Not the end of the world, right? The problem is, I have found myself spending up to ten hours or more a day on my writing. That’s great. That’s dedication! But, it has come, I believe, at the expense of my family. The kids wonder when all the fun stuff will begin.
Balance. That is what life is supposed to be about. I’ve lost that balance, as many who take on the behemoth task of achieving self-employed success, probably have as well. I have been in such a hurry to build my new and much loved writing career that I have begun to lose sight of why I chose this life to begin with.
My mantra for the next six months: Success will come, don’t rush it. Spend time with the kids before they’re too old and don’t want to spend time with me. Remember to take care of my body as well as my mind. Continue to work hard, but be careful not to burn out. Always remember why you love writing.
These are my goals for the future. I don’t need fame or even fortune. I just need people to enjoy my stories and to earn a decent living. We all want to do what makes us happy. I’m one of the lucky ones and I intend to remember that!
I was free to dedicate 100% of my time to writing. That’s the dream, right? I had published two novels while working a full time job and of course, raising my kids and now it was time to take my writing career to the next level. How lucky was I?
Since then, I’ve published a third novel and am now editing my fourth. What I’ve discovered is that I have never worked so hard in my life! I thought that juggling writing, an office job and family was hard. Well, it is, but the truth is, I always had that stable income to depend on. Writing was a passion that I squeezed in when I had the time.
Of course, this new life of mine would not have been possible if I didn’t have such a wonderfully supportive husband. He carries the burden now, believing in me that someday I’ll earn as much through my writing as I did working in my old career, maybe even more.
My first step was time management; setting up a writing schedule. I had grand plans of working out in the mornings after getting the kids off to school, then writing until they got home, where I would dedicate my afternoons to helping them with their homework and doing fun things together. Funny thing was, that didn’t actually leave that much time to write. A few hours, at best. Not good.
With writing as my only source of income, the pressure was on. I still had to contribute to the family till. I couldn’t let my husband bear the entire burden. So, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I needed to work harder than I ever had before to build on the momentum I’d created through the release of my first two books. That writing schedule just wouldn’t do.
So, now it’s summer. The kids are home from school and I haven’t worked out, (virtually at all) in about six months. Not the end of the world, right? The problem is, I have found myself spending up to ten hours or more a day on my writing. That’s great. That’s dedication! But, it has come, I believe, at the expense of my family. The kids wonder when all the fun stuff will begin.
Balance. That is what life is supposed to be about. I’ve lost that balance, as many who take on the behemoth task of achieving self-employed success, probably have as well. I have been in such a hurry to build my new and much loved writing career that I have begun to lose sight of why I chose this life to begin with.
My mantra for the next six months: Success will come, don’t rush it. Spend time with the kids before they’re too old and don’t want to spend time with me. Remember to take care of my body as well as my mind. Continue to work hard, but be careful not to burn out. Always remember why you love writing.
These are my goals for the future. I don’t need fame or even fortune. I just need people to enjoy my stories and to earn a decent living. We all want to do what makes us happy. I’m one of the lucky ones and I intend to remember that!
March 20, 2014
What Will He Find? - Beyond the Clearing Excerpt!
With one week to go, I thought I'd post a little snippet from my upcoming release! Look for it on Amazon on 3/26!
BEYOND THE CLEARING
Tony grabbed his rifle from the locked storage cabinet. He had a bad feeling and didn’t know what to expect and so it was better to be prepared. These parts were known to be home to black bears and mountain lions. This concerned Tony greatly if Mrs. Sylva had decided to go for a late-night stroll or pre-dawn walk. Mountain lions primarily hunted during those hours. But, it was the bears that posed a much bigger threat, especially if Mrs. Sylva encountered a mother with cubs.
He brought the beefy little machine to life and rolled out towards the wilderness. It didn’t take long for him to reach the outskirts of the compound and he continued on, searching for anything that might suggest someone had recently traversed the area outside the known trails.
Perhaps she’d gotten lost. It was a logical assumption, especially if one did not have the sun to guide them in any way. Tony highly doubted that Mrs. Sylva traveled with a compass. Most of the people that came to this place were city-dwellers in search of spiritual guidance; a magic healing power that could help free them of their past transgressions, or release their tortured souls from the confines of daily suburban life.
Tony had reached a point where his vehicle could no longer be of use. The narrowed trails would have to be taken by foot through this part of the mountainous woods. The winds last night might have taken whatever clues were left, with the exception of a few boot prints he had spotted at the bottom where his ATV remained. It was a shot in the dark, but it was as good a place as any to start looking for Mrs. Sylva. Fortunately, the rains came in sparse last night and parts of the area hadn’t been touched at all. He felt fortunate even to find any prints. Best to see where they led. This area was on the “do not enter” part of the resort, due to the rough terrain. So, finding prints at the base might mean someone who didn’t want to be found just might come up through this restricted area.
Although the skies were clear now and the sun shone brightly on this early morning, these backwoods, where the brush was thick and the trees were high, allowed for little light to seep in. The large pines and boulder outcrops nearly blocked out the sun.
He held his rifle in his right hand and made his way through the trees and rocks. The ground revealed more footprints and he followed them until reaching an unusually flat piece of ground, a clearing, where the prints ended. He had worked for the resort for the past two years and couldn’t ever recall seeing this place before. Many of these parts were off limits to the guests. But as a man who needed to know his surroundings well, this former Marine left nothing to chance and continued on with caution.
BEYOND THE CLEARING
Tony grabbed his rifle from the locked storage cabinet. He had a bad feeling and didn’t know what to expect and so it was better to be prepared. These parts were known to be home to black bears and mountain lions. This concerned Tony greatly if Mrs. Sylva had decided to go for a late-night stroll or pre-dawn walk. Mountain lions primarily hunted during those hours. But, it was the bears that posed a much bigger threat, especially if Mrs. Sylva encountered a mother with cubs.
He brought the beefy little machine to life and rolled out towards the wilderness. It didn’t take long for him to reach the outskirts of the compound and he continued on, searching for anything that might suggest someone had recently traversed the area outside the known trails.
Perhaps she’d gotten lost. It was a logical assumption, especially if one did not have the sun to guide them in any way. Tony highly doubted that Mrs. Sylva traveled with a compass. Most of the people that came to this place were city-dwellers in search of spiritual guidance; a magic healing power that could help free them of their past transgressions, or release their tortured souls from the confines of daily suburban life.
Tony had reached a point where his vehicle could no longer be of use. The narrowed trails would have to be taken by foot through this part of the mountainous woods. The winds last night might have taken whatever clues were left, with the exception of a few boot prints he had spotted at the bottom where his ATV remained. It was a shot in the dark, but it was as good a place as any to start looking for Mrs. Sylva. Fortunately, the rains came in sparse last night and parts of the area hadn’t been touched at all. He felt fortunate even to find any prints. Best to see where they led. This area was on the “do not enter” part of the resort, due to the rough terrain. So, finding prints at the base might mean someone who didn’t want to be found just might come up through this restricted area.
Although the skies were clear now and the sun shone brightly on this early morning, these backwoods, where the brush was thick and the trees were high, allowed for little light to seep in. The large pines and boulder outcrops nearly blocked out the sun.
He held his rifle in his right hand and made his way through the trees and rocks. The ground revealed more footprints and he followed them until reaching an unusually flat piece of ground, a clearing, where the prints ended. He had worked for the resort for the past two years and couldn’t ever recall seeing this place before. Many of these parts were off limits to the guests. But as a man who needed to know his surroundings well, this former Marine left nothing to chance and continued on with caution.
March 19, 2014
What Will He Find? - Beyond the Clearing Excerpt!
It's getting close now! To kick off the March 26th book launch for Beyond the Clearing, I thought I'd post an excerpt to whet your appetite. I hope you enjoy it! BEYOND THE CLEARING Tony grabbed his rifle from the locked storage cabinet. He had a bad feeling and didn’t know what to expect and so it was better to be prepared. These parts were known to be home to black bears and mountain lions. This concerned Tony greatly if Mrs. Sylva had decided to go for a late-night stroll or pre-dawn walk.
February 26, 2014
Beyond the Clearing
The cover for
Beyond the Clearing
is finally here!
My latest suspense/thriller is set to be released in late March and I'm excited to bring you a glimpse of what's to come.
Be sure to check out the Goodreads Giveaways starting March 5th where I will be giving away 6 signed print editions!
In the meantime, please add Beyond the Clearing , to your To-Read list!
My latest suspense/thriller is set to be released in late March and I'm excited to bring you a glimpse of what's to come.
Be sure to check out the Goodreads Giveaways starting March 5th where I will be giving away 6 signed print editions!
In the meantime, please add Beyond the Clearing , to your To-Read list!
February 21, 2014
Beyond the Clearing - Cover Reveal!
The cover for Beyond the Clearing is finally here! My latest suspense/thriller is set to be released in March and I'm excited to bring you a glimpse of what's to come. Stay tuned for information on the Book Launch Giveaway coming soon via Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to check out Goodreads and sign up to receive a signed print copy starting March 1st! BEYOND THE CLEARING, Coming March, 2014 In memory of a dear friend who had been taken too soon, they decide to honor a wish that was left
February 19, 2014
All the Shiny Things - Upcoming Release 9/27/13!
Well, it's almost here! The sequel to Redwood Violet, All the Shiny Things is due to launch on September 27, 2013. I'm so excited that fans will finally get to find out what happens to Katie and Marshall. Thanks to all who read the first book and I do hope you enjoy this one! Stay tuned for sneak peeks posted on my blog and follow me on facebook and twitter for updates on my Book Launch Blog Tour. If there are any book bloggers out there, contact me if you're interested in being a part of the
All the Shiny Things - A Sneak Peek!
With only one week before the big launch of All the Shiny Things, I thought I'd share just a little snippet of what's to come. Enjoy! THIS WAS THE part that she dreaded the most: opening her apartment door first thing in the morning to get the paper. Would they be there again today; the three or four reporters that lingered outside her quiet building in hopes of getting a statement from the girl who escaped? Their appearance had almost become part of her daily routine. So much had happened since
Would you Choose a Different Path
So I’m back to work on my latest manuscript and I’m really excited to be delving into some new characters after having worked on a series for the past eighteen months. This new novel deals a lot with the decisions we’ve made in our lives and whether or not we’d wished we’d chosen a different path. That got me thinking, not just about this novel, but about the choices I’ve made in my own life. Could I have chosen a different path? They say hind sight is 20/20, but if I had made different choices
October 22, 2013
Would You Choose a Different Path?
So I’m back to work on my latest manuscript and I’m really excited to be delving into some new characters after having worked on a series for the past eighteen months.
This new novel deals a lot with the decisions we’ve made in our lives and whether or not we’d wished we’d chosen a different path. That got me thinking, not just about this novel, but about the choices I’ve made in my own life. Could I have chosen a different path? They say hind sight is 20/20, but if I had made different choices when I was at a cross-road, to which there have been many, would I still have ended up right here, exactly where I’m at today? Fate, destiny… that sort of thing, you know? If we ultimately end up in the same place, does that mean our paths are predetermined? Mind-boggling, I know!
It’s funny because I have never really thought about it until now. I’m not the type of person to look back. I never have been. Sometimes I think that can be a good thing, but it can also be a hindrance. If I had examined some of my past decisions, would I be better suited to handle certain situations in my life now? We are supposed to learn from our mistakes, aren’t we? But what if a mistake was only defined by the end result? Oh boy, I could go on until my head explodes!
So as I ponder these deep, soul-searching questions, I am compelled to dig even deeper into the main characters in my new thriller. They will have a past and a future that could easily be altered by something they don’t yet understand. And quite frankly, neither do I. Not yet anyway.
This is why I love writing. I get to explore ideas and turn them into realities, for my characters, at least.
Are there choices you’ve made you wish could be changed? Do you wonder where your life would be if you had?
This new novel deals a lot with the decisions we’ve made in our lives and whether or not we’d wished we’d chosen a different path. That got me thinking, not just about this novel, but about the choices I’ve made in my own life. Could I have chosen a different path? They say hind sight is 20/20, but if I had made different choices when I was at a cross-road, to which there have been many, would I still have ended up right here, exactly where I’m at today? Fate, destiny… that sort of thing, you know? If we ultimately end up in the same place, does that mean our paths are predetermined? Mind-boggling, I know!
It’s funny because I have never really thought about it until now. I’m not the type of person to look back. I never have been. Sometimes I think that can be a good thing, but it can also be a hindrance. If I had examined some of my past decisions, would I be better suited to handle certain situations in my life now? We are supposed to learn from our mistakes, aren’t we? But what if a mistake was only defined by the end result? Oh boy, I could go on until my head explodes!
So as I ponder these deep, soul-searching questions, I am compelled to dig even deeper into the main characters in my new thriller. They will have a past and a future that could easily be altered by something they don’t yet understand. And quite frankly, neither do I. Not yet anyway.
This is why I love writing. I get to explore ideas and turn them into realities, for my characters, at least.
Are there choices you’ve made you wish could be changed? Do you wonder where your life would be if you had?
