We're Taking a U Turn

Hey all,

Today's blog is a kinda serious one.  One of the things I like to do every few months is reevaluate my life, my career and my relationships.  When you've got as many oars in the water as I do, it helps to take stock of where you are and where you want to be headed.

Jonathon and I have been talking a lot about our future and what we want out of life.  As the years have passed those goals have changed somewhat but in most cases our direction has held pretty steady.  Right now we're lucky enough to be living out one of those dreams with his work, and we're enjoying every moment of it.

But what about my job?  As an author I can do what I do anywhere, so that's a plus.  But I find myself distracted from my goals when life gets in the way.  As much as I'd like to I can't spend 40 hours a week writing.  Being a writer ISN'T my only job and even though I don't have employment out of the house--so to speak--the things that take my time are just as necessary as what Jonathon does to pay the bills.

So what does that mean for my writing?

Well, first off, I've learned I need to prioritize.  When I first started in this business I did nothing but write.  Once I was published I had to add promoting to the mix.  Then, as my name got out there, I found there were other publishing needs that took my time.  Editing, artwork, blogs, fan letters, free reads and a dozen other things that would pop up when I least expected it.  Add all that to my daily life stuff and it could be a recipe for disaster if I wasn't as organized as I am.

But still, when I reevaluate, I see the need for change.  In some places I feel as though I'm spinning my wheels--even going backwards.  And though I love what I do, I hate the feeling that I'm wasting time that shouldn't be wasted.  So, as of this writing, I've come to a decision.  One that may effect some of you who enjoy and support my work.

About a year ago I sent a manuscript in to a New York publisher.  They read it.  (the first miracle)  And they liked my style of writing, so much that while they couldn't use the manuscript I'd sent them, they asked for another one.  Unfortunately, that was just as we were moving to Singapore and everything went wonky time-wise for a while.  Things were so crazy and tangled over there, I had no time to do what they asked of me.

Now I'm in a better place.  We've settled down here in Macau and while life still happens, I've got quality time to do what I love most.  Write.  So that's what I'm going to do and target New York as I do it.  I've got an in, which is more than some can ever say, so I'd be stupid not to follow up on it, right?

So, that's what I'm doing.  My online books may slow down a bit, but I'm putting my efforts into finishing up the story targeted for this other publisher.  I don't know how long it will take, but I'm not going to worry about that.  I'm just going to write the best story I can.

Will I stop writing ebooks?  No way.  IMHO, they are the future and the fans I have here are why I CAN take this step and add another avenue of writing.  I've got several pubs I write for and will continue to do so.  I'm just not going to kill myself and write lesser quality work all for the sake of having a book published each and every month.  Not going to happen.

So, this U turn isn't bad, it's just different.  And exciting.  I've jumped back into a world of characters I really love and no matter what happens in the future I know I'm doing what I've told all my fans to do a hundred times...

Follow Your Dreams

Have a great rest of your week and don't forget to check out my latest FREE READS...

Hustle Into Love and the TMDRA FREE READ Blog

And I've updated my website.  Make sure you check out my newest fun contest . Give me your best Perfect First Line for an upcoming FREE READ and win a custom written story just for you.  See all the details here at http://cjengland.com/contests and win, win, win!!!!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams
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