Finding the Balance

I work very hard at my craft.

Lost Youth: A True Story will be my 5th book released since 2010.

Some folks have mentioned to me that it must be “easy” to spend your “spare time” writing books and making an extra buck.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I spend 6-8 hours per day, Oct-Apr working at my craft. From April-Sept., I juggle book shows with writing. I manage to squeeze in about 2-4 hours of writing per day in the summer months. This is not counting the preparation, researching and interviewing people involved in my true crime books.

I also don’t have the advantage of  thousands of books being distributed automatically, so I do that work myself too. When I hit the hay at night, I’m mentally wiped out.

I get headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and my eyes hurt…every day. It’s not easy sitting in front of a keyboard for hours a day trying to piece together stories; true or fictional. I literally fall into my work and put all of my being into the effort.

Other indie authors know exactly where I’m coming from…it’s a labor of love.

Tougher than everything I’ve described is the fact that some people don’t like me or my work. I write controversial subject matter that is going to rankle some people. The biggest problem I have is being torn; torn between not allowing the criticism to get to me while at the same time feeling it in my soul.

If I’m going to write, I’m going to have to learn to take the hits. Don’t get me wrong, there’s far more good than bad.

When we as writers can learn the secret of balance….we will thrive like nothing we ever imagined.

I am determined to find that balance.

Filed under: Books Tagged: balance, criticism, writing