Writing, Like Everything Else In Life, Is All A Balancing Act

This month has been a very busy one for me. Everyday I am glued to the computer trying to get six million things on my to do list done. Of course by four in the morning I look at this same list and see I only have about four items checked off. I know that I will once again find myself behind the computer the very next day where I'm destined to repeat the cycle over and over again. If I didn't love what I'm doing so much there is no way I'd be able to dedicate the hours that are needed to be successful. However, the major milestones that I have reached this month all tells me that I must be doing something right.
Earlier this month my first book was released; Deck The Halls. I also have another short story featured in an erotic anthology that I just found out was released this week. The anthology is called Bondage By The Bay - Tales of BDSM in San Francisco. Edited by M. Christian and published by Renaissance. Like all the other works I had published, I am once again ecstatic that another one of my stories is out there in the world for everyone to read.
Of course with tons to do there really isn't time to sit back and simply bask in my previous accomplishments. I have been extremely busy trying to focus on publicizing my first book. Of course as a new author I had no idea what to do, or how to do it. So after asking the advice of fellow authors I simply jumped head first and decided to learn what I needed to first hand. First I was allowed to promote my new book by posting the first chapter on D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters (http://dreneebagbypresentsfirstchapte...). An opportunity I am still very grateful for. It was my first time posting on another author's blog but as fate would have it it wouldn't be my last.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a guest blogger on well-known author, Lisabet Sarai's Beyond Romance Blog (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com). On August 20th I will be her Guest Blogger. Realizing that I needed to make my own internet presence much more substantial I finally was able to create my own webpage (sptpassions.weebly.com) as well as an e-mail address (shashaunapthomas@yahoo.com) for fans.
Almost as if it were kismet. While making my website I found out that another one of my short stories published in a steamy lesbian werewolf anthology is due to be released next month. Though it is available for pre-order now. The anthology is called Daughters of Artemis. Published by Storm Moon Press and edited by S.L. Armstrong. To say I am beaming with pride every time I look at my new website would be a gross understatement.
I know this is all just the tip of the iceberg. There is still tons more to do when it comes to self promotion, but every time I accomplish one more thing on that long list of mine I feel like I am reaching new milestones that previously seemed so far beyond my reach. Taking stock of where my career is today verses where I was when I started I know I have come a long way. Just as I know that I still have a long way to go.
I once heard a very wise friend say that authors today must wear many hats. They must be their own publicist, accountant, and editor. All on top of being a creative writer. As long as I can continue to balance the many hats an author must wear to be successful I will continue to grow as a writer and a person.