It’s Time to Focus!

It’s Time to Focus!

by Jody CalkinsNo Comments
It's Time to Focus! Dear Blog, The other day, I wrote about distractions as well as stress and overwhelm due to self-imposed deadlines (check it out here). Well, today, I have some excellent news and a great tip. I shared my inner monologue on Facebook and Twitter the other day. It went like this: After I posted that, I proceeded to choose my three projects... But then I got to thinking. I've been spreading my writing focus too thin (clearly) and it feels like I'm getting virtually nowhere (no surprise). And in six months, at my current rate, maybe I'll have five new books to release. That's a huge maybe because I keep getting distracted. But the more distracted I get, the more frustrated I become because every time I turn around, I'm barely any farther ahead on one single project than I was a few weeks ago. So, something clearly had to change. Hence my inner monologue. Which is quite common with writers. We get these...
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Distractions, Stress, Oh My!

Distractions, Stress, Oh My!

by Jody CalkinsNo Comments
Distractions, Stress, Oh My! Dear Blog, It’s been a while since I last wrote an article for you. I’ve grappled with not feeling like I have anything to say and feeling too overwhelmed with self-imposed deadlines to want to spend the time to write your articles. I also have three needy pets who add to my stress levels whenever they want to cuddle or get attention. The moaning and grunting gets really annoying. Anyway, I have a plan. To sit down twice a week and just write what comes out. I’m so often distracted by things like needy pets, the ringing phone, the noises the refrigerator makes, the random sounds of our old 1949 home, and just about anything that moves or makes a sound. Or when the cat splashes his paw in the water pail before taking a drink. I guess that means I’m too highly tuned to being distracted that just about anything distracts me. Which leads to another obvious reason - anxiety. What...
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Inside the Life (and Mind) of a Writer

Inside the Life (and Mind) of a Writer

by Jody CalkinsNo Comments
Inside the Life (and Mind) of a Writer I'm learning so much more about formatting today! **That's another way of saying I've been cussing a lot. But don't worry. I won't repeat the words. 😁** I swear, someday I will get this down and it will be a piece of cake every time. Speaking of cake... No, sorry, must stay focused. (baking tip later) What does all this mean for you? I'm preparing to add my books (ALL the books) to other retailers. I want them in libraries. I want them accessible in other countries beyond what Amazon provides. I want them read by as many readers as possible. Did you know my books have been read by readers in at least 11 countries? How cool is that?! I strongly believe in my stories. Many of you don't know this, but I'm the pickiest reader. I don't usually take book recommendations, especially if it's for fiction. I don't stalk the best seller lists for my next big read. I have...
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