Writing and recovery

Of course, this blog could be titled "recovery from being a writer".

I think I'm finally recovered from the insanity that was RT (Romantic Times Booklovers Convention).  The leftover swag (mine) has been packed away, the stuff from others has been sorted, and my free books await me on my TBR pile.

And my writing brain almost completely shut down.

It's back now, I think. Hopefully. At least the demons that come along with writing (or any painfully creative endeavor I would think) have settled down or at least wondered off and are bugging someone else for a bit. But wow, did they take me for a ride.

RT was my first public signing- just me and about 600 other published authors, and a few thousand readers. Just a bit crazy mind you. I did well, sold out of almost all the books I brought, gave away tons of swag, met some amazing folks.

And my brain still shut down when I came back.

I'm editing book two- The Obsidian Chimera, and starting book three.  Editing can be a delicate time, you're having to go through and be really harsh with those amazing words you threw down on earlier drafts. You are questioning yourself.

Being at any event where you are out there as a Published Writer, also makes you question yourself. Combine the two and you have a maelstrom of woe and self-pity just looking for some brainspace to take over.

So things sorta shut down.

I spent last weekend really working through it, and having some long hard talks with that mess in my head. Turns out, the mess was just helping me try to process this all (so it says) and in the long run will make me a stronger, happier writer. We can rebuild me *cue six million dollar man music here*.

I reminded myself that I love to write. And if being a writer in today's world means all the other stuff that goes with it (aka not just writing in a nice,safe vacuum) then I need to learn how to cope- or stop playing in the writer sandbox.

So this week I'm still editing, but with more faith than before. Still wobbling about, but I think I'll get through this. And come out stronger.

Confessions of a swag whore...

First off, yes, this blog post is a few days late.  Sorry, but on Wednesday I was busy with the Romantic Times Booklovers convention.

I had a crazy idea before I left for the con, that I would be perfectly ready and able to do a blog on Wednesday like I normally do.

As you see, it is now Sunday.

I fought the con and the con won ;).

I had a great time (in recovery seclusion in my hotel room as I type this ;)).  My first signing went really well--talked to lots of amazing folks, and sold the majority of the books I brought (which was a happy shock to me!).

But, why I called you all here today was to talk about my swag addition. Not the "I need to pick up other folks' swag", but the "I need to bring more of my own swag"!

Now, don't get me wrong-- my swag did it's job and got my name and book out there. It also filled up one 45 pound suitcase, and most of a second one.

I know I have a problem. Yet all during the con, when I'd see other really cool swag, I'd be thinking, "OOOOO!  I want to do THAT next year!"

Now granted, RT is in Vegas and I can drive next year- but still.  I don't need more swag!

But....but...there is so much coooooool stuff out there!!  Yeah...I wonder how much I can fit in a rental van?

IWSG: My first SIGNING!! #RT2015

Welcome all, to another round of "what the heck am I doing?" AKA- the Insecure Writers Support Group.  This is the one day a month where writers from across the globe scream out our terrors, fears, and just basic wibbly-wobbly knees.

Want to join us?  Please do!
 http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

Today I am facing down the barrel of my first book signing. Now, technically, I did have one in the office I work in thanks to my supportive boss who set it up. It was AWESOME!  Great set up, captive audience, surrounded by folks who kinda like me, and yummy food. It was a great first signing.

Sadly, it wasn't an accurate example of what it will be like for a "real world" one. (Former bookstore manager here- I've hosted book signings....sad....usually, very sad.). NEXT week, Saturday, May 16th to be exact, I will be in Dallas, Texas with a few hundred other authors at a MASSIVE book signing for Romantic Times Booklovers Convention.

I've been to this convention before, and it's a hoot. Lots of fun and usually a wide variety of excellent panels. Attendees all love books and range from librarians and booksellers, to readers/fans, to published authors of all levels.

But this is my first time as a published author. And I'm going a bit cray-cray. I have enough swag to supply an army-seriously, one giant suitcase is full (and just under allowed check in weight) another is waiting to be found so it can be filled. Probably need to fit some clothes in that one too.  I already mailed a box of swag for an event (200 hundred pieces there) plus sent a huge box to an awesome friend of a friend who lives in Dallas.

It is like I'm setting up elaborate troop movements under the cover of darkness!

Add to this, a lots of stress and freaking out about the entire thing- and an insane urge to practice my friendly yet "no, really, it's okay if you just take some swag and don't even pick up my book let alone buy it" smile. And you have what I'm going through. While working my full time day job. ARRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

So, long story short (too late, I know) I am looking forward to and terrified by my first signing. If any of you live near the Dallas area-come on by and say hi! (I promise to offer you swag :)).