Work on my second novel, The Executioner, in my Thelum Series is still
in progress. I made a mind map to help me get a grip on the plot. It definitely
helped me simplify the story.
I’ve also decided to re-brand my Thelum Series. I’ve remade my book
cover. It just speaks to me now, and I feel like it is really important that I
make the covers myself. I tend to change things up, so now I can fix it if
something bothers me, or if I just change my mind. As you can see, I went back
to green, which is what the very first book cover was.
My chronic pain, which I’ve had for just over three years, has recently
been re-diagnosed as Fibromyalgia. I’ve been having more and more symptoms, so
that is why a new diagnosis has been given. I also already suffer from not only
chronic depression, but also Major Depressive Disorder. The one affects the
other, so now I have to work extra hard on my health. My biggest fear is what
it means for my future, and how it will impact who I am, and what it will do to
my writing.
Since December 2017 I have been helping my chef sister start her own
business. She bakes from home now, so I help her out, as well as do a lot of
her marketing. Everything I’ve learnt from trying to promote my own work has
come in handy. I’m putting a lot of my focus on this project, because it has
the potential to become a reliable day job. I know especially now, with all my
medical bills, that I really need to work.
I’ve been really listening to a lot of Joanna Penn’s podcasts to
inspire me. I’ve also been learning a lot about the type of writer I really
want to be. And how I would prefer to market my writing. I’d rather keep
blogging and prove that I’m a real person, than employ all these impersonal
marketing techniques. It just isn’t me.
I feel like I haven’t been part of the writing community for a long
time. I’m so out of touch with everything. Not to mention that I feel so
isolated from it all. I miss being able
to relate to my fellow writers about how frustrating writing can be, but still
so much fun. I just really miss being amongst like-minded creatives. We might
all be writers, but we all are still so different, and that is so refreshing.
Though we all write, our approaches are different.
Making a story map really helps me get a handle on the plot, too. I really couldn't write anything without one now. Makes me wonder how I ever thought I could be a pantser.
ReplyDeleteI love the shade of green in your new cover. It looks fantastic with the trees.
And I love hearing about other authors' processes, too. It's fascinating all the different approaches we take.
Take of yourself!
Thank you M.J. I love hearing how other readers write and plot too. Your posts always inspire me. How you keep writing no matter how stuck you might feel. Thank you for that.
DeleteDon't feel 'away'
ReplyDeleteSending writerly feelings from Tampa town. And hugs and prayers for the aches
Thank you, Mac. That really means a lot.
DeleteLove the new cover! And I'm impressed you are able to make your own. I am hopeless in that regard. That green color is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are having such a rough time. But I hope getting the diagnosis helps in regards to treatment and getting some relief from the pain. Take care and know you are always part of this community! Thinking of you and sending many hugs.
Thank you, Julie. I just practiced and practiced, and did more research on making covers.
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words. It means so much.
It's good to hear from you! I love your new cover. Doing my own is something I would never attempt. Transferring what I see in my head to what actually is on the screen is a talent I lack. Kudos to you! I totally agree about how all of us are so different yet do the same thing. It's a fascinating concept. I'm hoping the new diagnosis gives the doctors new avenues to treat your illnesses. Sending good vibes and keeping you in my prayers. {{Hugs}}
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. I just had to make my own. I kept asking my cover artist to change it and it stressed me out. So I did lots of research and practiced till I got what I wanted.
DeleteThanks, Carol. I can feel the good vibes all the way here in Cape Town:)