How do I do it all?
Full Steam Ahead! Heading down the tracks with my 7th novel
Woohoo! Or should I say Choo! Choo! Trouble on the Tracks is chugging right along. I’m in what is typically called the muddy middle, that center of the book when our reluctant sleuth tries to figure out who did it while trying—usually unsuccessfully—to stay out of danger. I’m on “track” to finish in March, and then it’s off to my editors. All aboard!
Fine. I can hear you groaning. I’m done with the train puns. For now…
At the same time I’m writing this book, I’m writing a fantasy, ghostwriting a thriller, editing a series that’s been translated from Korean, and prepping for this weekend’s Travel and Adventure Show. I also launched a new umbrella company, am fulfilling my Kickstarter (which could be a full-time job on its own), attending multiple courses and educational webinars, and trying to consistently email three separate newsletter lists all while traveling to see family and planning an epic birthdays trip for my husband and me.
It’s a LOT.
I’m often asked how I do it and if I sleep. The answers are by taking each project one step at a time and yes, I do.
The best thing I do for myself is write my words first thing in the morning. I get up at 5, spend a couple of hours meditating and journaling, and somewhere between 7 and 8 I set a timer and write.
If I don’t set that time, I don’t write my mysteries. I don’t write my fantasy. I don’t write any words for my own creative outlets. So I do it first thing. Some people call that eating the frog. But the thing is, this isn’t something I have to force myself to do. I LOVE writing. I LOVE creating. More often than not, I’m grinning while I type. Telling these stories brings me so much joy and I can’t imagine a better way to start my day.
I can’t do it every morning, of course. This Saturday I need to be at the convention center by 9am to finish setting up my booth. I’m speaking at 11:15, so that morning’s going to be all about preparing and getting my head in the game.
Will I write Sunday? I’m sure going to try!
So that’s my writing time. What about the rest? How do I keep from losing my mind?
HB90. That’s a 90-day planning method created by author Sarra Cannon. With her method, we set goals, create projects that help reach those goals, and then break those down into tasks. The biggest part of this system is figuring out in advance what your dream life actually looks like and how much time you actually have.
I took her course in December 2024 and it changed my life. No exaggeration.
You can learn more at heartbreathings.com. I’m not affiliated - I just love her and what she does for authors.
Another way I stay on course is limiting my exposure to trolls. I deleted the platform formerly known as Twitter last year. I’d resisted because I’d been on it since 2007 and I literally won an Emmy and met my husband because of it. But I couldn’t stomach being in that environment or supporting the person who bought it.
I also severely limit my time on Facebook. I now don’t check in until after 1 in the afternoon, and that’s mainly for the useful groups and to connect with my friends. I ruthlessly curate my feed and gave up rage-scrolling and commenting. Let me tell you, it’s freed up HOURS of my life. Hours I now spend playing with words and creating meaningful connections with readers.
Which brings me to my new umbrella company, Pollinate Ink, and my Pollinators. My goal is to nurture, adore, and spoil my readers. Earlier this week I gave them first listen of a short story audiobook. I’ve got more in mind (like sending an excerpt of Trouble on the Tracks very soon!), but my idea is to create a space where I can say thank you on a regular basis and get to know the people who read my stuff. If you’d like to join (it’s free!) our budding community, sign up here!
If you’re in the Chicago area, please come see me at the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show this weekend! I’m The Local Tourist in booth 1807, right next to the Destination Theater. I’ll have oodles of candy and almost all my books!
I better get back to it. My task list is waiting!
Happy reading,
Theresa
p.s. Trouble on the Tracks is available for pre-order! You can reserve your copy through my store.
