Mish and Mash and Michael Di Gesu

First, the Business Things.
My apologies for this being so long. Not my intent; it just happened.

With all that goes into publishing two books in less than a year, my normally somewhat-organized self got lost. In her place was a crazy-acting woman who didn't know up from down most of the time.

I've had very little writing time, and my goal is to reclaim it.

As the A to Z neared its end, I made a list of everything I needed to do - both in real life and in writing life - to re-organize myself and get my life back together. If I told you how long the list was, you probably wouldn't believe me. I knew I didn't need to actually DO everything on the list to be back on track, but I did have to knock a whole lot of it down before I could regain control.

So I've worked for two weeks and I'm down to 19 items. A couple of those are long term, a couple are ongoing, and a couple involve multiple steps. God willing, by next Monday I will have a list I can manage.

In order to gain more writing time, I had to make a difficult decision to limit my blogging and other social media time. I will still be here. And there. But I'm only going to be visible for a fraction of the time I've been spending out and about chatting with everyone.

I know the writers among you understand. It's easy to be swept away by the bright shiny things we're exposed to every day. I crave more writing time, and I've already sacrificed elsewhere to get what I've had. I'll still be blogging on the same days. I'll still visit your blogs. I'll still comment on the Facebook things I see. I won't be scrolling as much. It may take me more than a few days to get to your blogs. But I will get there.

Together, we'll see how it shakes out. And I'm charging all of you with kicking my butt if you spot me socializing too much :) I expect I'll need your help to keep me on track. Especially at first.

Moving along...In March or April I made myself a note that said Mention Award on May 4. And another note, in a different notebook, that said Do Award Thing. I have no idea who presented what award(s)? to me. For that, I sincerely apologize. Also for not doing whatever it is I was supposed to do to accept. But congratulations to you on your awards.

Moving along again...Have any of you noticed that you never see my name on any Rafflecopter sign ups? Or wondered why I didn't use Rafflecopter on any of my giveaways? It's because Rafflecopter doesn't like me. Not me personally, because I understand there are others it doesn't like. But it won't let me do anything, and on the few occasions it does allow me to think it may work, nothing shows up. So, I just wanted to let you know I'm not trying to be ugly or indifferent or whatever. I just sigh when I see The Big R and move on. And I wanted to share that.

And now to the FUN STUFF!
Your reward for sticking with this tome.


I signed up for

You can read about it via the link. 

I'm supposed visit a blog and say three good things about the blog and/or the blogger. She emailed me the other day and said the blog I'm supposed to visit is Michael Di Gesu. I was so smiling! It doesn't get any easier than that.


  • Michael is an angel. See, that's one thing already.
  • He magically concocts the most amazing book introductions EVER! That's two.
  • And he shares some of the awesome photographs he takes. Three!


Michael's caring for others comes through loud and clear on his blog. If you haven't visited him yet, what are you waiting for?


Finally, on this Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember those who have given their lives. Thank you.



All photos, except Michael's, via morguefile.com.



Comments

To the last item, Amen.
Caring is the exact same word I used to describe Michael last Friday, and yes, it comes through loud and clear on his blog.
I'm not crazy about Rafflecopter because it makes the page load even slower.
I'm gearing down a bit in June and even more in July, more to read and do other things than write (unless something strikes me) so I understand the need to pull back from social media.
Michael IS a sweetheart! And I understand all about pulling back. Good luck with your list; I hope you find all the time you need :)

Rula Sinara said…
Happy Memorial Day! That's a beautiful photo.

As to cutting back, I totally understand. I'm in awe at how much you've done this year!
Michael Di Gesu said…
I am so touched! Thank you , Carol!

I pulled back last year snd this year did come back... For me , I had the NEED to emmerse myself and help as many as I could in our community. That is why I chose that particular theme for the A-Z.

I also enjoy wrting intros so much.

Thank you so much for this lovely threes up!

All the best with your writing adventures.... I'll be starting one myself too....

Let me know when you have finished your next creation, Carol. I'd love to write your intro!

Happy Memorial Day... And many loving thoughts for the many men and woman in the military.
mshatch said…
Michael is the best. I had the pleasure of meeting him in person when I was in Florida last year and he is just as nice in person as you'd think.
Unknown said…
Great person to highlight. And yes, I think we all have considered reducing the time investment online. On one hand it can be such an affirming experience with fellow writers, on the other hand, boy can it suck the time!
Unknown said…
I totally understand your reasons for cutting back. I haven't been around much for the same reason. My life is hectic and when I have to add social media to the mix, the important things, like writing, is left behind. Hope you get a lot of writing done because your novels are great!
Misha Gerrick said…
I do understand your need for some writing time. At the moment, I'm stealing editing time whenever I can.

Best of luck and enjoy it!
Carol Kilgore said…
Thanks to all of you for understanding. I really am not going to vanish, but you will definitely see less of me.

Michael - My pleasure. You're an awesome blogger and friend. I'll be sure to let you know - I'd love you to write an intro! Thanks :)

mshatch - I'm not at all surprised.

Julie - Exactly. That's why it made the decision so hard.

Clarissa - Thank you! My real life is hectic, too.
Mark Means said…
Time is a valuable commodity...especially when you're short on it! I hope you get caught up soon and things don't get too hectic for you.

Michael is a great guy and fantastic blogger, for sure!

Have a great Memorial Day.
Michael is a great guy and he writes THE most amazing intros!
We're only halfway through the year, yet you've already been so productive, it's amazing! Limiting your blogging/social media time, is the practical thing to do in order to move forward!

Writer In Transit

We always limit our blogging and social media time, otherwise we wouldn't get anything done. I think readers understand this pretty well. Quality over quantity - in blogging, social media, AND in writing!
Stina said…
This is a great time of the year to pull back on blogging. Most people do because it's summer time and the kids are home.
Carol Kilgore said…
Mark - I marked two items off the list today, and hope to mark off 4-5 tomorrow. I WILL get there!

Michelle - I was in a deep, dark hole. But I'm clawing my way out. I can't wait to have time to write and read :)

A Beer for the Shower - You're SO smart! I finally got it!

Stina - Cool. Maybe no one will miss me :)
Unknown said…
Do your writing, Carol! That's getting your priorities straight.
Helena said…
And on top of your list and your crazy busy life, you took time out to help me with my book blurb. See, this is the problem, Carol--you're too nice and helpful and way too good at writing.

Having self-published The Compass Master, I know just what you mean about having too much to do. Even though I'm no longer a newbie at it, I'm dreading the prospect of self-publishing two more books (at least one this year, but I hope both). You're so productive and social, I can't imagine how you do it all. So of COURSE you have to pull back and take care of you. I mean, you're so good and current you're asking someone like me for advice on Rafflecopter? Seriously, I have never even heard of Rafflecopter.

And thank you for mentioning Memorial Day. Every year at this time (and other times) I visit my Dad's grave at Fort Logan. It really means something to me.

Take care, Carol my dear.
Micheal sounds like a great guy.....
Consider yourself officially dratted again. ANOTHER writer, with talent oozing through the screen at me. Humph.
And do what you need to do to get your life on track. You will be welcome whenever, and where-ever you appear. (Unless you continue to put reading temptation in my way.)
Tammy Theriault said…
michael is pretty cool! blogging takes up some time, no worries, i only do once a week now!
DWei said…
Really surprised we don't have Memorial day in Canada. I guess we kind of combined it with Remembrance Day.
Tara Tyler said…
i am with you on everything!
from cutting back on blogging, late with awards, enjoying michaels blog & remembering our troops!

have a great week!
Brinda said…
I am with you on reorganizing my time to be more efficient. Go, Carol.

Michael is terrific. I agree!
Laura Eno said…
Really! :) Who wouldn't like to get Michael as an assignment? Piece of cake!

I know exactly what you mean and I've come to the same conclusions regarding time spent blogging and FB vs writing! I won't be around as much either - or should I say, I'll be there but always fashionably late. Here's to successful writing!
Carol Kilgore said…
Jan - And it's past time I did so!

Helena - I enjoy helping other writers when I can. Plenty have helped me along the way.

Jo-Anne - He really is.

EC - Hahaha! I need to get back to my WIP so I can REALLY tempt you :)

Tammy - I wish I could figure out how to go once a week. Maybe one day.
Emily R. King said…
Rafflecopter doesn't like me either, and I have a hard time keeping track of awards too.

Good for you for taking the time to write. Enjoy it!
With all you've been doing this past year, maybe you should retire to the hammock with a frosty adult beverage in hand, (umbrella and pineapple spears optional) and simply watch the world go by for a while. I don't blame you for cutting back on the social media stuff.
Happy Memorial Day! Yay! For Michael!

As to cutting back, I totally understand.

Nas
Michael Di Gesu said…
Thanks EVERYONE...


Your kind words really make me blush!

Carol, thanks again for my little tribute. You are so kind. I appreciate it even more because of your time restraints....
Carol Kilgore said…
DWei - Our Memorial Day started following our Civil War back in the 1800s and just grew out of that.

Tara - You, too!

Brinda and Laura - Totally agree about Michael - I lucked out! And next week it's totally into the writing groove, with short timeouts for blog/fb/twitter.

Laura - Love your "fashionably late" and this is your warning that I may steal it :)





Carol Kilgore said…
Emily - Bad Rafflecopter! I intend to enjoy writing and reading very much.

Susan - I'm taking my time crossing off items on my list, so I'm not getting in a big rush.

Nas - I'm glad. I hoped everyone would.

Michael - You deserve these accolades and more. You really are a great guy. I'm already enjoying using my time more wisely.
yay to Michael!
And yes, I totally understand the need to cut back. I've been cutting back lately and my writing has benefitted.
VR Barkowski said…
Michael *is* an angel and a talented one at that. And yes, his intros are without equal. You're right, Carol, you did have an easy job of it! Well-deserved congratulations to Michael.

I completely understand the need to carve out time, not only to write but to live your life. Otherwise what's the point of it all? It's tough to pull back at first, but it gets easier.

FYI: I can't make Rafflecopter work either. The best I can do is put a link on my page. As for posting a widget or entering a contest? Not a chance.

Wishing you the best!
VR Barkowski
Carol Kilgore said…
Lynda - I'm hoping my writing will benefit, too.

VR - One of my goals for the year was to reclaim my personal life, and that's happening slowly. But much more quickly since A-Z wrapped. Every once in a while I still feel a little twinge of guilt when I stop working when I stop to make dinner. But the twinge soon passes, and Live In Handyman is much happier. So it's a WIN! And today I played hooky and went shopping :)
M Pax said…
I sometimes have trouble getting posts with rafflecopter on it to load. I moved giveaways to a separate tab on my site if I decide to use it.

I sometimes wish I could blog less. As an indie you know that other stuff can get in our ways sometimes. Which has been the case for me so far this week. Siiigh.
J.L. Campbell said…
Hey, Carol,

I know what you're talking about with the lists.

Wordpress hates me the way Rafflecopter hates you. :)

Yup, Michael is a sweetheart.
Christine Rains said…
I've been limiting my networking time too. Unfortunately my son has been limiting my writing time by not taking naps!

Michael is a fantastic guy. :)
Carol Kilgore said…
Mary - Yes, I surely know about indie stuff. I'm learning to keep my eyes focused on the goal :)

Joy - As of today, I'm down to ten items. There are a few of us here Rafflecopter doesn't like.

Christine - LOL! Kids do grow up.
Bonnee Crawford said…
Any writer can definitely understand the need for more writing time over time for socialising. Best of luck to you and culling the number of things on that list to make life more manageable!
randi lee said…
First off, thank you SO much for participating in 3 Ups! I appreciate it, and I'm sure Michael does as well. You're so right about him, as well. He is an angel and those Ups peg him perfectly! And I agree with Alex, amen to your last comment. A-TO-THE-MEN!
Carol Kilgore said…
Randi Lee - I was totally thrilled to get to do something awesome for Michael :)

.