S.J. Pajonas's Blog, page 53
March 20, 2020
Life in the Time of Social Distancing
We’re living in interesting times, right?
Due to the spread of COVID-19, we’ve had a lot of time at home recently, more than usual for both my kids and my husband. The kids are schooling-from-home with distance learning provided by our school district. My husband is on conference calls several times a day. Everyone is getting by.
For me, this is not that much of a change except that my house is noisier than it used to be and my carefully crafted schedule is shot to shit. But some things are different. I’m not getting in the car every day for softball, lacrosse, and tennis lessons and practice. No more quick trips to the pharmacy or bank. I won’t be grocery shopping this week. I’m not saying hi to the crossing guards on the corners every morning. Other people are walking Lulu too so it’s not just the two of us anymore.
One thing I love about this isolation is the extra time I have for cooking, baking, and knitting. I’m trying out lots of low-carb and keto recipes (I am not keto but cutting back on carbs), and we’re eating well as a family. I’m almost done with my current knit! I hope to show it off here on the blog next week.
I know this is what we have to do to curb the spread of this disease, so I’m not complaining. I AM worried about what’s to come or what will happen to our lives once this quarantine is over. I’d love to return to “normal” but is that even achievable? I hope so.
In writing, my work has proceeded as best to normal as I can. I finished writing Flyght 6 (titled STOLEN FLYGHT) this week! It was an emotional moment for me, but I didn’t cry like I thought I would. There are too many other emotions wrapped up in my body right now to let ANYTHING out. Lol. I have the proofread version of SILENT FLYGHT ready to go, and I plan to upload that to all the stores today. I’m taking a week off from writing to mull over everything I need to fix in Flyght 6 and make my notes along the way. Then I start revisions there! I hope to have it up for pre-order soon, too.
I hope you all are hanging in! Tell me what you’ve been doing during your social distancing! I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to.
Viber
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March 17, 2020
That Time I Almost Quit
Back in October 2019, I sat my husband down and I told him that I was quitting this author business. I had seen FIRST FLYGHT totally flop, and I knew that I couldn’t sustain this any longer. There comes a breaking point where the money, the energy, and the time all run out, and the business just can’t go on.
I decided right then that it was time to wind-down my author business. The Miso Cozy Mysteries series could be done. I had thought about writing one more book in the series, but hell, Mei had found her calling, so it was as good an exit as any. The Hikoboshi Series needs one more book in it, and I could write that in the fall/autumn 2020. And The Flyght Series was almost done too. I could be totally done with everything by mid-2021!
And that was what I lived with from October to December. I still published Flyght books and posted to my blog and interacted on social media, but inside, I was sure I was done. It was six years without ever making a profit. Six years of ups and downs, unprecedented worldwide events that crushed our businesses. More of my friends have quit than have stuck around. And I was ready to just write as a hobby.
In order to quit, I had to do a few things, though. I shut down all of my PPC ads. No more Amazon Ads. No more Bookbub Ads. I decided to just do one or two paid newsletter ads per month on my permafree books. That was it.
I stopped checking my sales every day. I set a reminder in my calendar to check them on the 1st and 15th of every month, then I closed all the tabs so I wouldn’t be tempted to look. Done. No more fretting over them.
And then I started concentrating on SFR Station and trying to make it a better place for SFR authors to find their readers. And the very act of spending time around more science fiction romance reminded me that it’s my favorite genre. I love SFR! I love writing it and promoting it! I love how diverse it is, how there’s something there for every reader. Don’t like abduction stories? We have space opera instead! Want hot aliens? We have those too! My love for SFR and the readers who read it and the authors who write it grew and grew.
That was when I realized that I shouldn’t quit. I need to focus! I had convinced myself that I sucked at writing SFR and that I would never fit in, when actually I had to find what I loved and write more of it. I loved writing the Nogiku Series, and I love writing the Flyght Series and being in that world. The books are fun and exciting. Exactly what I enjoy reading.
So, in January, I decided I wasn’t quitting. Instead, I’m going to focus.
Next year there will be some big changes to my brand(s).
S. J. Pajonas will be my main focus and I’ll be continuing to write sci-fi romance here. I plan to write at least two more series in the same universe as the Flyght Series! Maybe more. We’ll see.
I will be starting a pen name for my cozy mysteries, and it will not be my main focus. It’ll be more of a side gig. More on that to come. I’ve picked a name and bought the domain name for it. I’ll be getting branding for it too. It’ll be the genre I go to between SFR series to get a little break! I have plans for a trilogy with Kayo from the Miso Cozy Mysteries, but I don’t know when I’ll write them. I’ll give every one of my readers here a chance to follow the new pen name on Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads, etc. when I have it set up. I’ll have a website and basic newsletter for it too, so you will feel free to just follow me there if all you want is cozies and you’re not into SFR.
There are definitely times when it’s the right decision to quit something that’s not working. I’ve quit a lot of things in this business over the years. But there are other times when quitting is not right and taking a new look at the business is a better option.
So, that time I almost quit? Yeah, it was a rough few months for me. But adversity always makes me stronger, much like my heroines. Thanks for reading and being awesome.
Viber
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March 15, 2020
Sunday Update – March 15, 2020
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.
Well, I survived Girl Scout camp last weekend to come home to prep for coronavirus, COVID-19. Yes, we’re socially distancing here. It seems like the right thing to do, so we’re doing it. I got some grocery shopping done on Friday morning and the shelves at Whole Foods were mostly stripped bare by the time I got there at 9am on Friday. I have a delivery coming from Peapod on Monday for the rest of the stuff I couldn’t get.
All in all, I’m not too worried. My kids will hang out at home and go for walks. They start distance learning with school on Wednesday. My husband was already working from home. And of course, I can write and work from home as normal.
Both Tuesday and Thursday this past week, I went to Panera to get work done as fast as I could. Because I worked hard, the ARC for SILENT FLYGHT went out to my readers on Thursday. I’m almost done with Book 6, STOLEN FLYGHT, too. And then I take off two weeks before I start editing that book.
Hopefully you’re staying in and taking care of yourself!
What else happened this week…
I haven’t talked much about this but I’ve been working on losing all the weight I gained while I sitting around with a broken leg. Part of that journey is changing the way I eat, hopefully for good, by going low carb, low sugar, and low calorie. So far I’ve lost more than 5lbs. 5lbs definitely from when I started tracking at the beginning of March, and more before that I’m sure. I still have plenty more to go! One way to cut the calories and carbs is to make things myself, so I whipped up some strawberry chia frozen yogurt yesterday and had some for dessert last night. It was delicious! And only 86 calories and 6g net carbs per serving.
Lulu continues to be a joy. She loves a good nap and laying in the sun outside.
Here’s what I saw at the Whole Foods on Friday morning. I’ve never seen bare shelves there ever. They certainly are making a killing on groceries now.
I also bought this and really enjoyed it. I ordered some more flavors to come tomorrow!
Another thing I did this week was my last class of pottery for the session. I had nine pieces I had to glaze so I got them all done on Thursday. The museum where I take classes is now closed to the end of the month so I won’t be able to pick these up till April.
I celebrated the completion of Book 5 with a nice glass of wine.
And this week I crossed over 60k in Book 6! I’m almost at 70k now. :)
Have a great week everyone! Stay safe and healthy!
Viber
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March 13, 2020
SILENT FLYGHT Is Available For Pre-Order!
Happy Friday everyone! Just wanted to alert you to SILENT FLYGHT which is currently available for pre-order! I’ve had it up for pre-order for a while, but we’re coming up on T minus ONE MONTH until it’s finally in your hands. Don’t forget to pre-order it!
SILENT FLYGHT was the hardest book to write. You know how things always hit rock bottom before they get better? Well, this is the second-to-last book of the series so Vivian sees some real lows in this book. But don’t worry. She has her network to help her get through the hard times. I love to torture my characters, but I also love to bring them back up, stronger than before!
We’re close to the end! And I’m almost done writing Book 6. Just 3 more chapters to write and I can take a break before revisions. Expect Book 6 to be out in June and the pre-order to go live for that at the beginning of April!
In need of cash. Running out of time. A desperate play to protect what’s hers…
Vivian Kawabata has finally reached her breaking point. The plucky starship captain is doing everything she can to ensure her treasured family land isn’t stolen. But she’s shocked to learn they will auction the property in only two weeks, and she doesn’t have enough credits to compete.
Scrambling to forge a revised plan to save her inheritance, Vivian’s convinced the only solution is to add a new benefactor to her sexy stable of suitors. But with a rival sabotaging her business at every turn, she fears even a wealthy man’s help will come too late.
Can Vivian preserve her birthright before it’s snatched away for good?
SILENT FLYGHT is the fifth book in the sultry Flyght Series of sci-fi reverse harem romance. If you like epic space sagas, smoking-hot men, and one shocking twist after another, then you’ll love S. J. Pajonas’s galactic adventure.
Pre-order SILENT FLYGHT on…
Amazon Apple Books Nook Kobo
SILENT FLYGHT will be available on April 17, 2020. Google Play and Direct will be available on release day. I hope you’re enjoying the series already!
Viber
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March 8, 2020
Sunday Update – March 8, 2020
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.
I SURVIVED GIRL SCOUT CAMP WEEKEND! Yes, y’all. I’m back from camping this weekend in the backwoods of New York State. I’m showered and I’ve napped, and now I’m catching up on everything I’ve missed.
Both of my girls are Girl Scouts, and I promised each of them I would take them to the camp weekend when they were in 4th grade. This was my younger child’s turn! Hint, hint… I hate camping of any kind, but I promised, and I tend to keep my promises, so off we went! We had a much better time than when I took my older daughter 3 years ago. The last time, it was 8ºF outside and everyone was too cold to do anything. This time it was warmer, and I was better prepared for the rock hard beds. I actually slept on Saturday night, which is a miracle. We did soap and lip balm making, candle making, archery, low ropes courses, lots of walking, campfire smores, and the kids even put on a talent show. So fun!
I spent the entire week up to Friday worrying about going on this trip. I still did stuff, like drop my kid off for softball practice, tennis, and pottery. But in the back of my mind, I was making lists and getting ready for the weekend.
Now that I’m home, I have lots to do. I’m still writing Flyght 6 (got another 1500 words in at the camp on my Neo) and I’m almost done with my Flyght 5 edits too. Plus, there’s normal life stuff this week. I expect to be busy for at least the next 10 days.
Let’s get to the photos!
I made these candles in the candle making class, and I think I did a pretty good job for never having made them before! Hoping to put them in a candle holder this week and try them out.
There was archery and pen decorating…
The girls all had a great time!
Look at her spotted belly!
Heading out for a walk…
Enjoying the nice weather.
Too hot or too cold.
And I opened this coffee my husband bought for me on a recent trip to Seattle. It was delicious.
Hope you have a great week everyone!
Viber
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March 6, 2020
Free Cozy Mystery Weekend – Promo
I have one last promo for you for the week. I’m off on a camping trip with the Girl Scouts, so this means I need a little something to read on my Kindle between activities. While my girl is trying out archery or candle making, I’ll pick a comfortable spot and read.
Pick up and start a new cozy mystery this weekend too!
Check out these free cozy mysteries!
I hope you find something to read and enjoy!
Viber
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March 3, 2020
Love and Warships – Promo
I saw this promotion and I just had to be a part of it, especially as I transition to writing more science fiction romance than ever! There are tons of great books in this promotion, so be sure to head over and check them all out before the end of the month.
Check out this Love and Warships promo!
I hope you find something to read and enjoy!
Viber
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March 2, 2020
March 2020 Goals
February had an extra day and yet it felt like this month was twice as long as usual. But here comes March and the spring! Yay!
What Happened With February’s Goals?
Continue to write Flyght Book 6. I have made significant progress on this book! I’m now past the 50k mark and I intend to finish this month.
Close out my Move Rings every day on my Apple Watch. Unfortunately, I missed having a perfect Move record in February because of vacation and I DON’T REGRET THAT ONE BIT. It was only two days I didn’t hit my Move record. Not bad.
Start our bathroom remodel! We did not start the bathroom remodel this month due to a wait on permits. We did order our vanity and pick out tile.
Go on vacation. Our vacation was awesome. We had a great time and everyone ate, sat in the sun, and relaxed.
Audiobooks, reading, and knitting. I read a book on my Kindle while on vacation and I listened to a few audiobooks. I did knit a little, but only a little.
Watch at least one Masterclass. I’m halfway through my Space Exploration Masterclass.
Goals For March
Finish Flyght Book 6. If all goes well, I should finish this by the 15th or 20th this month.
Finish editing Flyght Book 5 and get it off to my proofreader and then to my ARC team. This book is almost done! I have been working on one or two chapters a day WHILE also writing Book 6. Then once that is done, I need to Grammarly each chapter and listen. I should be at that task this week. Once that’s done, it’s off to my proofreader!
Close out my Move Rings every day on my Apple Watch. I have a better chance of hitting this goal this month.
Make it through a Girl Scout camping trip. I did this camping trip three years ago and it was a disaster. This time I’m better prepared and I think it will go better. Still, I’m not looking forward to it yet, and I will be happy when it’s done.
Start our bathroom remodel! Maybe this is the month we finally get this project moving.
Audiobooks, reading, and knitting. Continue with audiobooks while walking Lulu, and I’d like to read a book while at GS camp. There’s lots of downtime between activities where I can just choose a corner and read.
Finish my Masterclass. I plan to finish the Space Exploration Masterclass this month.
Have a great March everyone!
Viber
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March 1, 2020
Sunday Update – March 1, 2020
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.
It was quite a busy week around here!
Monday, I spent the whole day cooking at home. I made pasta sauce and tried a new chickpea pasta for dinner. It was pretty good!
I took Lulu to doggy day care both Tuesday and Thursday. On Tuesday, I got work done at Panera. On Thursday, I went to pottery class, and then I went to an event at my kid’s school. Lulu came home both days exhausted and happy!
Wednesday, we had our usual day of tennis and cleaning ladies.
Friday, I went to Whole Foods and stocked up on some things. I’m not too worried about us getting coronavirus, but I think it’s good to have some extras on hand, just in case. I have another grocery delivery coming tomorrow.
Saturday was also busy with lacrosse and a Girl Scouts World Thinking Day event. My husband tweaked his back so I’ve been doing all the Lulu walking this weekend.
In writing news, I passed 50k on Flyght 6! And I’m now one scene away from the very final 4th act. IT’S ALMOST DONE. I just need to push through to the end. Even if I don’t get my word count, if I can just put the bones down, then I can add the extras in revisions. This week I start my final pass of Flyght 5.
What else happened this week?
I made a really tasty low-carb pizza crust for dinner on Saturday. I have been transitioning to a low-carb diet to help combat blood sugar level issues. This one was delicious. I subbed in some whole wheat flour, but I will sub in even less next time. Check out Low Carb Pizza Crust (2g Carbs/Slice!) on The Little Pine.
I worked from Panera on Tuesday. I plan to do the same this Tuesday.
Lulu always knows when the PB jar is open.
We had a nice day this week when Lulu spent her time out in the sun. I have a feeling she’ll be there a lot in the spring. Plus, she’s a funny sleeper, and a good walker.
And here we have my 50k milestone on Book 6 of the Flyght Series! Yay!
Have a great week everyone!
Viber
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February 27, 2020
The Suck of Creative Burnout
You know, at some point in life, everyone experiences a burnout of some kind. Sometimes we get burned out on a favorite food or favorite sport. Sometimes we grow to hate a favorite TV show or just don’t want to read. We get burned out on exercise or a hobby or just about anything! Burnout comes and goes, and usually a good rest and a different distraction is just what’s needed to bring back the magic.
The same thing holds true for creative professionals, and the real suck is that THIS IS OUR JOB. It’s one thing to get burned out by your favorite TV show, and it’s another to get burned out and not produce the thing that pays the bills. There are a lot of books and resources out there that deal with creative burnout for authors, but I’ve never talked about it here with you all.
In 2016, I was dealing with some minor creative burnout after working hard to get the Nogiku Series done and figuring out where I wanted to go with my writing career. Then we got involved in our kitchen remodel and my burnout intensified because my home life was a mess! We were cooking in our basement! Lol. It was nuts. We made it through but I didn’t write for 6 months, and it was hard for me to get back on that horse.
Our kitchen during the remodel
Now, I can feel burnout happening again. Writing is a struggle every day, instead of a joy. I am out of creative ideas and out of the will to come up with them. I have just enough juice to get me through to the end of the Flyght Series, and then I NEED A BREAK.
Most of the time, all we need is a break. In many author circles, we call this “refilling the well.” As a creative professional, we dip the bucket in the well of inspiration and creativity over and over, but if we don’t fill it back up, the well runs dry.
People, I’m down to the last bit of water in the well.
This summer, I will be taking a break. I will not be writing and my only creating will be here on the blog. Instead, I will be reading! And knitting! And taking photos! And relaxing! I will be refreshing the well so I can come back and write again in the fall.
Are you making any plans for a much-needed break soon? Let me know what you’ll be up to!
Viber
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