Well, it’s been an
“interesting” year.
We had an election.
I don’t think anyone on the planet could’ve missed that fact. It felt like the
longest campaign in history, to me. You couldn’t turn on the TV or the radio or
visit Facebook without being inundated. I scrolled past
all of the political posts online without commenting. You see, my Dad was a wise man and he taught me
never to argue religion or politics.
On a more personal
note, I finished my fifth Malone mystery, making the decision to end the series
– at least for now. If everything goes according to plan, Marnie Malone will be released in the next couple of months. I’m
in the process of writing a standalone romantic suspense novel, something I’ve wanted to
do for a very long time. It’s exciting; a new adventure.
And I made another
decision. I’ve posted weekly for well over five years now. I’ve written numerous
posts, mostly about writing, and I’ve featured lots of authors and their books
on my blog. But writing a weekly post takes time and I've decided I need to use that time to work on my new book.
So, starting January
1st, I’ll post a monthly newsletter instead. I’ll let readers know what’s going
on in my life, personally as well as professionally, and I’ll post news about books
I’ve read and enjoyed, new releases by other authors, etc. I’ll update the post
regularly and I’ll encourage comments from writers who have books coming out
and readers who have questions about any facet of writing.
My publisher has extended the 99 cent sale for the books in my Malone mystery series through the end of the year. (See left side of page.) So, if you haven't read one or all of them, here's your chance to catch up before the fifth novel is published.
Happy New Year!
Best of luck with the new writing adventure, Pat. They (the experts) still say we need to blog regularly. Personally I prefer to do it when I have something specific to say and not as a chore. I'd rather spend the time working on books, short stories and articles. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, John!
DeleteI agree with the experts that we need to blog regularly and I will - once a month. :)
I wish I had the time to do it ALL but the reality is I don't.
I've read that blogging is on its way out, so you may be right on target with your plans.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Devorah!
DeleteI hope blogging isn't on its way out but who knows? I do know I'll miss writing a post every week. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Something had to change because I have family responsibilities and I need more time for writing. And, of course, we all need time to promote what we write. There are only so many hours in the day.
I quit writing a blog every week a few years ago. But I kept writing one every month. This year, however, my laptop went kaput and it took two months to get another one. And when I did get back online, I just didn't have the gumption to post another one. But I always end the year with the authors I've read who left us. So, this week I should get that one published. I do have ideas for more blogs so hopefully I will continue in 2017.
ReplyDeletePat,
DeleteNow that your computer situation is resolved, I hope you will go back to doing a monthly blog.
A romantic suspense novel? Hmmm, that should be interesting, can't wait to read it. While you're getting into romantic suspense, I'm trying my hand at writing a cozy mystery series, LOL. Guess we all need a change sometimes. Looking forward to reading Marnie Malone.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Evelyn!
DeleteAs I mentioned on your blog, you and I seem to be thinking along the same lines.
Something else in common - you plan to write the fifth book in your current series before changing paths. I wrote the fifth book in my series before moving on to a standalone. :)
Well, you're really making me think about my own blog. Sometimes it really is difficult to find any extra time. I'll be watching for your Newsletter, and can't wait to read the new book! Or the next one. : )
ReplyDeleteMarja,
DeleteI found myself re-posting old blogs more and more frequently due to a lack of time. Also, the vast majority of comments on my posts were from other authors and I began to feel as if I were "preaching to the choir."
I do enjoy your posts though.
I need to add a Thank You here, too. You've been very generous in letting other authors guest on your blog. I, for one, really appreciate your actions. As to your new book, again, I can't wait. Your characters have endeared themselves to me, and I love trying to solve the mystery puzzles.
DeleteMarja, thank you! You just made my day!!!!!
DeletePat,
ReplyDeleteYour father was indeed a wise man! I don't discuss religion or politics when I blog either. Writing is what we do and that's the key for us. I'll miss your weekly blog. However, my husband has been saying the same thing to me. Namely, that the blogging interferes with time spent writing. And that time is precious. I'll still blog but at some point, I will have to cut back as well.
Jacquie,
DeleteIt's all about priorities, isn't it? We need to decide what's most important to us and use our time accordingly.
Totally agree with you on no one on the planet missing the US election, Patricia, and kudos on not only the upcoming release of book #5, but also the determination and fortitude to write your new romantic suspense as well as make changes re your blog to accommodate those dreams. Happy 2017!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anne!
DeleteHappy 2017 to you too!
Pat, I wish you all success with your new direction in writing. I think your plan to send out a monthly newsletter is a good one--I love reading your blog, but we have to do what we know in our hearts to be best. I look forward to hearing more about your romantic suspense book and I look forward to having you on my blog again when it comes out! Happy New Year to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and your family too, Amy.
DeleteMy WIP will definitely be mystery/suspense with an element of romance. I may have jumped the gun calling it romantic suspense. As I write, I guess I'll find out. LOL