Balance by Felice Stevens

Over the past few weeks I've seen a few of my favorite authors talk about pressure—the pressure to produce, the pressure to keep up, to get noticed, to be visible...you get my point. I've felt that way myself. I've always considered myself lucky in that I'm a "fast writer." I've been known to finish a book in 6 weeks and while it is exhilarating, it's draining as well. In 2015 I published six books-or maybe seven. I've lost count. 2016 saw me regaining my rights back from my publisher and re-releasing four books in addition to all my new ones. So...you get the picture.
But along the way, I found myself drifting from my friends, letting my health slide a bit (no one can convince me that sitting in a chair for hours on end is good for you) and let's not even mention what my apartment looks like....you get the point. 
This year I am making a conscious effort to slow down and take stock in myself and what I want. 
Why do I write? I write because I love to. I write because I have stories that mean something to me.  I want to share them with other people and I can only hope they bring enjoyment. I write books that reflect every day struggles of real people and hope they resonate with readers. People can call my books whatever they wish—fluffy, schmoopy, sweet. It doesn't matter. I love each and every character I've created. To me they are all real, unique people.
I write to sell books and to make people happy so that when they finish the story they know that the couple is in love and has their happily ever after. I'm writing about love after all. And if I'm writing about love, I should feel happy. If I'm not happy, something isn't right.
I'm not writing to make number one and get to the top of the charts, because in the publishing world of today, I defy anyone to tell me what that even means anymore. Every day brings a new challenge and it is an industry in flux. I write the best books I can and send them out in the world, hoping they touch someone's heart.

So while I can still "write fast," I'm not. I'm taking my time now, to take care of myself and reconnect with friends and family. I'm taking the time to learn about the career of being an author.  I still have plenty of books to come, but it's going to have to wait for the right time. I'm trying to find that balance. I might need to take a cooking class, brush up on my mediation skills or catch that exhibit I want to see.
Or, God forbid, clean my apartment.
Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!!