Wednesday, April 1, 2015

IWSG and PATH OF ANGELS pre-order

Today is April Fools day, the first posting day for A-Z Challenge (created by Arlee Bird of Tossing It Out), and is also the first Wednesday of the month and therefore time for Insecure Writers Support Group (founded by Alex J Cavanaugh). Anybody else feeling just slightly overwhelmed?

While I doubt there will be any fooling going on today (at my blog), and I am not participating in the A-Z Challenge. However, I am co-hosting April's IWSG with Suzanne Furness, Tonja Drecker, Toi Thomas, Rachna Chabria, and Fundy Blue. With so much going on today, you can see why our Ninja Captain would need so much assistance with the IWSG sign up list; as well our dear Arlee Bird in managing the Challenge sign up list.

Perhaps you can guess what my insecurity today might be? With everyone I know around the blogs joining in the yearly community events, here I am doing just the opposite: a blog break. I am usually not much of a joiner, and the thought of spending an entire month visiting several blogs a day is just plain intimidating. Over the last couple  years my blogging has cut back drastically. The busier I got at the day job the less time I devote to the activities of becoming a writer: writing, creating a marketable brand, gathering a potential readership, querying what little I have written.

When I became unemployed, I thought I would just dive right back into the writing world. No such luck as I worry constantly over regaining an income, paying my monthly bills, job hunting. And in all this, wondering where writing fits in my life. If I return to employment will I again focus on daily living? If I am able to get approved Disability, will I have the incentive to devote full time to writing and see were that leads?

Many bloggers IWSG for last month involved Time Management as a theme; and I'm pretty sure today will be just as big an issue for those participating in both IWSG and A-Z, plus working, writing, blogging, commenting, marketing, and somehow finding those few precious moments to divide between sleep and family. I am exhausted just thinking about all the activity.

I wish you all good luck in everything you are doing this month. Please scroll down a little more and enjoy a brief excerpt from Patricia Josephine's latest novel MICHAEL: PATH OF ANGELS.

See y'all in a month or so.

* * * *
Today I am also hosting guest author/blogger Patricia Jospehine (aka: Patricia Lynn). As I'll likely not post again in April, I thought it fitting that Patricia's post about the Archangel Michael fall on the first A-Z posting day and fill the letter A.



BLURB:
There is only one path.


Born mortal along with his three brothers, Michael is an Archangel with a specific role: hunt fallen angels and send them back to Hell. He is determined in his mission, never straying from his appointed path, until he meets Lake Divine, and discovers there may be more to his beliefs than blind duty.

But Lake is not who he seems. Offspring of a human and a fallen angel, a Nephilim, Lake must choose his own destiny: give in to the coldness and embrace the dark, or seek the light and rise above the sins of his father.

Two paths lay before them, but only one has the potential to destroy them both.


EXCERPT:
(Bilbo: A sword, especially one having a well-tempered blade.)


Warmth surrounded Michael, filling him with peace. Memories of his past life in Heaven flooded his thoughts. A lump formed, but he forced it down. "What do you want of me, Father?"

"I have a gift to help you on your path."

A bilbo appeared, flames dancing along the blade. Michael took the weapon. The hilt molded to his palm.

"It will listen only to your summon. Use it to strike down your foes."

Michael nodded. The warmth of his Father vanished. His brothers stood before him, waiting. He called his weapon. “We have Fallen to find.”

MICHAEL: PATH OF ANGELS is available for pre-order here.

About the Author:
Patricia Josephine never set out to become a writer. In fact, she never considered it an option during high school and college. She was all about art. On a whim, she wrote down a story bouncing in her head. That was the start of it and she hasn't regretted a moment. She writes young adult under the name Patricia Lynne.

Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow, and an obsession with Doctor Who.

Links:
Twitter    Website    Google+   Wattpad     Goodreads

67 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Congratulations, Patricia!
Thanks again for co-hosting. Yes, with both going on today, I am beyond overwhelmed.
I think when you have a lot of free time but you're really stressed, it's difficult to do anything. You have the time, but your mind is so divided that you can't focus.
I pray your financial issues stabilize so you can focus on writing.

Suzanne Furness said...

Hi Donna, I agree with Alex, being stressed/worried is not conducive to productive writing. I hope things work out for you soon so that you can free you mind a little and start writing again. Like you I am not A-Zing but happy to be helping today as an IWSG co-host!

Very best wishes
Suzanne

Suzanne Furness said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Suzanne Furness said...

Please forgive me deleting the comment. For some reason the same comment posted twice!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

On days when my to-do list is very short, I don't get a lot done. I don't feel motivated. And then I stress because I didn't do anything. I think it becomes a vicious cycle.

Arlee Bird said...

I understand the stress of the employment issues. If my wife didn't have her good job, my retirement check wouldn't do it for us.

But we plod on and each day comes and goes. And all is good when I look back on the hard times.

You can still join us for A to Z if you change your mind. List is open until the 2nd.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

J.Q. Rose said...

Thanks for co-hosting. Love Patricia's book cover. Best wishes Patricia on your new release!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for co-hosting!

I hear you on that income stress. It does take over your thought processes when all you want to do is write. Best of luck!

Mary Aalgaard said...

We only have so much time and energy. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month. I enjoy your writing and take on the world.
Play off the Page

SittieCates said...

Thanks for co-hosting!

I do hope things will take a fruitful turn for you soon. Wish you lots of luck.

Christine Rains said...

I'm doing the Challenge with a group, so I don't have to overly stress it. I'm going to focus more on my writing this month too. Thanks for co-hosting today! :)

And yay for Patricia!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Donna, I take on so many tasks and then I constantly stress over the fact that I may not do justice to them. Like you I too don't join too many community activities; I find them intimidating.

Rachna Chhabria
Co-host IWSG
Rachna's Scriptorium

Diane Burton said...

Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month. I thought when I retired (from that other job) that I'd have plenty of time to write. It's amazing how the more time you have the less you do. With all the stress you're under, I'm amazed you can write at all. Best wishes on the job hunt and the writing.

IWSG #111

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Thanks for co-hosting, Patricia, and congratulations! What a brilliant idea, the theme of time management. I would follow along joyously. My time management skills have fallen by the waste side and I don't know how to get them on the right track. Here's to us both finding the solutions.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I worry about becoming unemployed. Now that I'm in my forties, I'd have to compete for high wage jobs with people who are half my age. There's a lot of uncertainty going on in my government agency right now. I hope it settles down soon so I can ride my job out until I retire in twenty years.

Sarah Ahiers said...

My blogging gets less and less every year. I'm still going pretty strong, but I also suspect it won't last forever.

Enjoy your time off! You've earned it!

Pat Hatt said...

Financial worries sure can suck the life out of writing. Not fun at all.

Computer Tutor said...

A good insecurity lots of people can relate to. Like you, I unexpectedly had the opportunity to devote myself fulltime to writing. The jury's still out on that endeavor.

Are you job hunting or biding your time?

Anonymous said...

I'm doing ALL those things you listed there and yes, it's hectic, but I also love it. I'm quite the multi-tasker and it's work I love doing. I understand how people could be completely overwhelmed by it though, it's a lot!

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Kudos to Patricia!

Donna, take care of you. Thanks for visiting me to let me know. (smile) Prayers for you.

Lisa said...

Thanks for co-hosting today! And I love how it was serendipitous with your hosting a book about an "archangel!" I'm sorry you're stressed about the job. I understand that completely and wish you the best. I hope next month you'll have good news to share with us! Lisa, co-host AtoZ2015, @ lisabuiecollard.com

Lidy said...

Congrats Patricia! And thanks for co-hosting today Donna. I understand how you feel about finding time to fit writing into your life, family and work. Thing is though you're not just writing, you're also trying to build readership and your brand, promoting, marketing, etc. So it's only natural to feel exhausted. But at least with writing, no matter how long you stay away, it's always waiting for you. So I'm sure you'll find your answer.

Chemist Ken said...

I think all writers are worried about time these days. Seems like we're being asked to do more in less time. Don't worry, you'll find your sweet spot as far as blogging and writing go.

Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG!

dolorah said...

Alex: thanks for the support, and for allowing me to co-host today.

Suzanne: co-hosting is a blast, lol. And sometimes blogger thinks a comment is so important it repeats it.

Diane: yes, exactly!

Lee: nice to have that second income. Have a good month.

JQ: Thanks for stopping by.

Debra: thanks

Mary: sweet of you

Sittie: I’m sure it will soon

Christine: good luck with the writing and group work.

Rachna: I used to be so much more involved; sometimes I miss it.

Diane: perhaps we both just need to be too busy to get anything done.

Joylene: yep, time just gets away. Good luck this month.

Michael: I’ll keep my fingers crossed you last the next twenty years, lol.

Sarah: a shame nothing lasts forever: time does.

Pat: nope, not fun at all

Jacqui: job hunting; at least until I win the Lotto

Megan: lots of luck to you

Hi Dixie

Lisa: I hope for good news as well

Lidy: the writing is always in my head; just need to translate it to a word document.

Ken: ah, that sweet spot is so elusive

Anonymous said...

Thanks for having me and Michael.

I had a while where I was jobless. It led to a lot of writing, but a lot of stress about enough money to pay the bills. It was not a fun time, despite all the writing.

Sharon Himsl said...

Enjoy your blog break! I hope financial matters get squared away soon. Worry can be death to writing and creativity. But stay optimistic...things will work out eventually.

ELAdams said...

Thanks for co-hosting and enjoy the blogging break! :)

Denise Covey said...

Hi my friend!

I hope April means you get your writing mojo on again, but if not, don't worry, it's coming!

Patricia's book sounds intriguing. Don't mind an angel story now and then!

See you around the ridges, Partner!

Denise :-)

Al Diaz said...

I totally understand about feeling overwhelmed by the A to Z. It happened to me during my first year participating. I thought I wouldn't do it again, but this year I kinda/sorta did it. Not flying solo, just contributing with other's theme. I really hope your financial troubles improve. I know how it feels to worry about too much free time, even if devoted to what you like the most. Dragon Hugs!

Juneta key said...

Wow, I identify with you. I have been unemployed and looking for a year now. My current WIP also has a part for the Archangel Michael. How awesome is that? Really enjoyed your post. Best of luck with writing, job hunting and life in general. Best Wishes Always,
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

Kai Strand, Author said...

I'm completely intimidated by A to Z Challenge too. I'm so glad to know I'm not alone in this. Thanks for hosting. Enjoy your blog break.

Congrats Patricia!

Samantha Bryant said...

Whew! It has been a whirlwind today (I tried to multitask and make my posting AtoZ and IWSG all rolled into one). May your break serve you well!

Toi Thomas said...

Great post Donna. I think you've shown some nice time/management skills today.
You posted for the IWSG, encouraged the A-Zers, and featured an author on top of taking on co-hosting. Kudos to you. Writing will find its place when the time is right. Thanks for sharing with us all today.

Sandra Hoover said...

Thanks for hosting today! I am continuously working on my time management issues. I never feel like I get "enough" accomplished. Good luck with everything. I wish you the best.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Hi Patricia,

I didn't recognize you as "Delorah" on my blog today! Thanks so much for visiting and commenting.

I'm sorry to hear about your disability, and can relate so much to a lot of what you're going through, especially feeling overwhelmed and worrying about money.

All I can say has been said a million times before, but this too shall pass, and you've got this. I can tell from your writing that you're an exceptional person. I'm in your corner.

Unknown said...

Thanks for co-hosting! It's hard to focus with all the activities associated with being a writer. Adding financial stress on top of that has to be overwhelming. I hope it improves soon and you can rediscover your focus.

dolorah said...

Patricia: it was nice to host you today. Good luck with the launch.

Sharon: thanks for the encouragement.

Emma: thanks, I will

Denise: I’ll be cheering you on for completing your April goals, Partner.

Al: Thanks for the Dragon Hugs, I need them. Good luck with the challenge this year.

Juneta: Best wishes to you also. Your IWSG post touched a place in my heart.

Kai: nope, not alone at all.

Samantha: that sounds overwhelmingly busy.

Toi: you all inspire me. Thanks for co-hosting too.

Sandra: I think all writers struggle with time management.

JH: Thanks for the encouraging thoughts and comments. Sorry about the mix-up with the login.

dolorah said...

Michael: thank you; I am sure it will all work out.

Nick Wilford said...

Bilbo is a good word for a sword.

A-Z is a lot - I think I'll crash and burn, but hopefully when it's over! I hope you get things worked out with where writing should be in your life. You sound at a transition and it's time to decide what is most important.

J.L. Campbell said...

Hi, Donna,
Thanks for co-hosting. I can well imagine how tough it must be to try and concentrate on writing when taking care of yourself and your business is a much bigger priority.
Hope things settle down for you soon.

Unknown said...

A break sounds nice. I'm actually participating in IWSG, of course, the A to Z Challenge, and Camp NaNoWriMo trying to finish a novel this month. So, yeah, overwhelmed comes to mind, lol. But slow and steady wins the race so I'm plugging along. I hope everything works out with your work and writing. I was a freelance writer for a time. I didn't make a whole lot but it was some helpful income. It's awesome if you can work full-time as a writer. I know that is my dream. Good luck! :)

Corinne O said...

Thanks for hosting IWSG this month, and I hope that you're able to get your work and financial situation settled very soon.

It's hard enough keeping up with all the things we want to do as writers with day jobs and other responsibilities. Letting expectations pile on to that can make you crazy. Good for you for paring back. It's impossible to concentrate when you're worried.

Sending my best for smooth sailing soon.

I just bought Michael for my kindle tonight! Congrats to Patty!

Donna McDine said...

Thanks for co-hosting IWSG! I too struggle with the balance of it all. When I went back to work full-time outside of the house I thought it would be a snap to come home and write. But nope, the distractions of the family and household responsibilities nag at me when I arrive home. I must put my writing first. Now to follow through on that!

Cathy Kennedy said...

I blog nearly every day, so doing the A2Z challenge is really no sweat, except for trying to come up with something new & creative. I'm lacking in this department quite a bit, but I still have a blast and as long as I don't allow stress to muscle in then I have lots of fun. :D Blogging takes away enormous amounts of time. In the beginning I remember letting it consume most of my day. After I awhile, I decided to pull myself away mid-morning (and I keep weekends free) to tend to other important things known as life. Time management is essential in all aspects, especially when it comes to the digital world. It's too easy to get sucked in and difficult to get freed.

Unknown said...

Thanks for hosting this month! And don't feel bad about not doing the challenge. I was really on the fence about it until the day before. Fingers crossed that I last. And congrats, Patrica! Best of luck with your release.

A Beer for the Shower said...

I know the feeling. If only there was more time in the day. Like you, we just can't do A to Z, and while we're happy to cheer people on from the sidelines, there's no way we can read every single person's blog every single day. I'd just never get anything done. I hope the participants understand that and don't hold it against us (that's our insecurity!) so good call on the break. Enjoy it!

Chrys Fey said...

Oh, but I wish I could be taking a break. You're lucky. Enjoy it!

Julie Flanders said...

Congrats to Patricia!

I was on a near blogging and writing break for the past several months, my heart just wasn't in any of it. I think we all need that sometimes. Take care and I hope you enjoy your break.

Cathy said...

HI Donna, You know, writing really isn't that important. If you need to earn a living, do that instead. Earning a living will also enable you to live a higher quality life. I know that at IWSG we're supposed to encourage each other to write, get published, or self-publish, but come on. Maybe my values are different from yours, and maybe it was because I had a career as a librarian, which opened my eyes and enabled me to get real about the publishing industry and about writing careers. No need for so much angst about "not writing" when other things really should have a higher priority in your life.

dolorah said...

Nick: I liked Bilbo for a sword too.

Joy; thanks, I'm sure they will

Lanise: I wish you luck in accomplishing all your goals this month.

Corrine: cool on the Michael purchase. I think it will be great.

Donna M: wishing you courage and fortitude to put the writing first - at least sometimes :)

Cathy: yes, new and creative is a hard commodity for me to come up with too.

Quanie: you already started April off with a successful bang :)

Beers: with two such talented writers I would have thought you had time for EVERYTHING, lol. Borrow some clones from Alex and hope the wives don't confiscate them for household chores :)

Chrys: I'll rest for both of us, lol.

Julie: take care of yourself too.

Cathy: thanks. It is difficult to admit to not writing in here.

David P. King said...

How was I not following your blog until now? I thought I was. Now I am.

I didn't think I was going to make it to the A to Z with what I've got going on. Thankfully someone was willing to go in on it with me. :)

Congrats on your book, Patricia!

Gwen Gardner said...

Time is my IWSG issue this month, too. The day job severely cuts into my writing time. But I just write on the weekends and am learning not to stress about how much I'm getting done. I hope you get settled back into writing (((hugs)))

Stephen Tremp said...

It's great to meet Patricia. Best wishes to her and her book Michael.

Mark Koopmans said...

Hey Donna:)

Oh the time management issue... and the Life issue :)

It's enough to drive a writer bonkers... for real :)

I would only suggest - and I'm giving your words to me right back to you... when you feel passionate about a project, the time will find itself :)

Good luck and *best* wishes to more time and less stress!

Sandra Cox said...

I'm not doing A to Z either, but I'm shooting for next year. Thanks for stopping by my blog:)


Patricia, wishing you all the best with Michael.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Just here to say hi and hope your month sorts itself out. Wishing you less stress and more writing.

Best always,
Nila.

Trisha said...

I don't blame you for being stressed over bills and so on. It's bad enough when you are employed, keeping up with bills!

I have struggled myself with blogging lately, trying to get back into the swing of things that I used to enjoy. I think animal rescue has actually taken over most of my life, and blogging hasn't been the same since! But it's possible I was feeling burned out even before I started fostering kitties again.

Anonymous said...

Have a restful blog break. I'm sorry about your rough patch and hope your situation brightens.

Unknown said...

That IS a lot going on this month :) I took a blog break last year during this time and it was a great rest for me but I did feel a bit left out! I understand. But if you need a break, go for it! Thanks for visiting my blog the other day! I appreciate the comment :)

Shannon Lawrence said...

I'm skipping it this year, too, though I've enjoyed it in the past. A conference I'm involved in putting together is always in April, and I've done both in the past. Not this year. I wish you good luck with everything!

Robin said...

I hear ya on the blog break. Recharge the batteries and come back!

Brandon Ax said...

I totally understand this one. Still there is always time, even if you write 300 words a week. As long as we don't completely give up we can still make it.

VR Barkowski said...

Breaks don't mean much if they're dictated rather than choice. Unemployment is a great example. There's too much stress and worry involved to relax, refresh, restart. Worry eats time.

During April, bloggers have a choice, but it's limited: participate in A to Z or go on blog sabbatical. :-)

As someone with zero income and a nearly exhuasted savings, I understand your financial concerns and the toll they take. The $4k slip that landed me in the ER a few weeks back didn't help matters. Fortunately, I don't own a home or a car and therefore have little to lose. Who'd ever have imagined not having anything would be a benefit? Life is strange.

dolorah said...

Thanks for stopping by everyone. Hope you all have a good month. Best wishes for your writing and all other challenges.

Simon Kewin said...

Oh, I'm well used to that overwhelmed feeling! Sometimes you just have to zone out the unimportant stuff. Hard when things like money worries are dominating your thoughts. The very best of luck with it.

Unknown said...

I sure hope good things happen and you leave all your financial worries behind and get to dive back into writing! Wishing Patricia much success on her new book! :)

Michelle Wallace said...

I'm just plodding along at my own pace... I'll get to wherever this writing journey leads... one way or another.
... and I'm trying NOT to stress about it.

I hope things get better for you and that you can get back to your writing.
Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG this month.