The last two and a half weeks I have been a page proof and writing queen. 
I spent a week giving Delayed Justice its last read — what we call the page proof stage. Now that novel is on its way to the printer preparing for its October release date. I’m getting excited and nervous about this book’s release. Just part of the life cycle of a writer.
Then I quickly turned back to finishing my next Guidepost cozy mystery. To hit the deadline, I had to write 25,000 words. That meant snagging every moment I could, include pockets of time at Starbucks with my youngest. He was a trooper…reading Who Was books while I wrote. I turned that book in Monday morning after a marathon writing race Sunday night.
That leads me to the list for supporting the recovering writer:
- Have a writing buddy who just came off deadline? Give her copious amounts of water. Trust me. Her blood has turned to soda, coffee, or tea, and she needs water. Lots of it.
- Encourage her to step outside and rediscover the sunshine. Remind her that it exists. That there is this orange orb in the sky that she can step into the warmth of…all she has to do is go outside.
- Schedule a date night. She’s probably burned the midnight oil and would love a chance to reconnect with the one she loves.
- Then schedule a game night. Note the order: Love then Children. But make lots of time for the kiddos, too.
- Hand her a good novel. One she can fall into without thinking about her book. A different genre and time is helpful. In its pages she’ll rediscover the love of words and story apart from creating it.
- Remind her to take a breath…to walk…to play…and to clean. Her house is going to need it.
And to celebrate, I’m giving away a copy of Imperfect Justice and a surprise book. To enter simply use the form below.
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I like to read, quilt, and watch TV to relax.
Whenever I want to relax, I go to books. To unwind, I’ll normally settle with a light, inspirational romance: Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Becky Wade etc.
I also like to relax by playing instruments. When I’m panicked and stressed, I’ll go to the violin, and when I just need to vent, I’ll go to my baby grand.
I so admire you authors. I love the creations we call books, but there is much laboring along the way and many birth pains.
When I want/need to relax, I read or cook or shop. I participate in exercise classes, which help me relax, and also enjoy a good massage periodically.
To relax, I will usually read a good book or play a good word or memory computer game.
To relax I love to go fishing or to read a good book.
I like to relax by reading, cross-stitching, or swinging. Sometimes I read while I’m swinging, so it’s a two-for-one experience!
I like to relax by sitting in the sun (or anywhere, to be perfectly honest) with a good book and getting lost in it! I also love spending time with my youngest, 2-year-old grandson, Cooper. He reminds me to look for the simple joys in life. It takes so little to delight him and make him laugh. He makes my heart happy.
I loke to relax reading a book, preferably in a quiet place. That is difficult though as I live in a houseful of guys. I also enjoy adult coloring some memory verses.
I like to relax by reading, writing, watching movies and taking nature walks.
This time of year I love to sit outside and read, relax, and listen to the birds sing. Congratulations on meeting your goals!
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I like to relax by reading and by spending time outside in nature. They go together so well!
Well, you certainly deserve to relax. I’m retired, so I get a lot of relaxation in, except when the kids and grandkids come to visit. I enjoy reading a book or doing genealogy/family history.
I like to relax by curling up with a good book 🙂
Reading a good book is how I relax.
My favorite way to relax is by reading.