Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Hi again! I haven't posted lately. I haven't been feeling well for about eight weeks. It is extremely frustrating as I have so much I want to try to accomplish, but don't have the energy to do it. It seems I am getting this way more frequently.

In 2003 I had West Nile and was sick for about 4 months. It really wiped me out, and now whenever I pick up a virus, I feel very much the same way as I did when I was sick back then. Adding to the frustration is the fact that doctors can't seem to diagnose why I feel so badly. Currently, I am trying to find out why I have such swollen glands in my neck and what the mysterious lumps are...lymph nodes???? fatty tumors???? All tests so far have returned normal, including a CT scan. I am going to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat physician) on the 19th for one more shot at a determination and treatment to feel better, but I may have to simply accept the fact that it really is a virus that has once again attacked my suppressed immune system and will just have to "run it's course" however long it may take. I don't like this.

I haven't worked on "The Scrapbook" since getting it back from a friend who helped edit it. I was informed by Publish America that they could not offer me a contract on it though based on the sales performance of my previous published book, "Third & Grace". When I asked what volume of sales warrants a consideration for a contract they replied, "We can not give out sales information at this time. We urge you to focus on the promotion of your published work and invite you to resubmit your manuscript in the future for another evaluation." So...I replied, "Hmmmmm...let me make sure I understand you correctly. You are unable to offer a contract on my current book based on the sales performance of my previously published work, but you are also unable to give out any sales information to justify this decision...does this make any sense to you? I just simply want to know how many of my previously published books need to be sold before you will consider offering a contract on another book? Is your decision to publish based on quality of material or sales generated for you by the marketing abilities of the author? I find it extremely difficult to market and write at the same time...have you heard this from other writers? I also work two part-time jobs to bring in some consistent income, as writing is more of an emotional fulfullment than a monetary one. Thank you for your response and please understand that I am not trying to be difficult...I just want to know what is truly expected from you as my publisher...because that is what I considered you to be and didn't plan on going anywhere else. Thank you for any clarification you can offer. Sincerely...." I never heard anything back from them. I guess I'm not surprised...but I'm not really disappointed either. I think this is an opportunity to maybe hook up with a publisher that will better meet my needs. All I need is the energy to pursue one...and right now I don't have any to spare.

Yes, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I'm crabby and my neck aches. Think I'll just go to bed...maybe tomorrow will be better.

Finally Finished (Well Almost)

Hello again. Exciting news! I finally finished my second novel...the first draft that is. It is just so good to have all 20 chapters complete now and in a binder which I will go through page by page and read. I don't know if other writers do it this way, but it works for me. I like to see how the story flows and then I can scribble my changes right on the page as I go.
I am so new at this, but am amazed at how, sometimes, the story seemed to take on a life and direction of its own...apart from what I had originally intended or thought. But when it was finished...I just knew and the joy and explosion of emotions was incredible. I was so thrilled, relieved, and spent! When the last words were written, and the burst of joy experienced, I just sat back in the afterglow of it all.

There were many life happenings that distracted me from being able to write as much as I would have liked to...but those life happenings are what is important...my writing is second to the lives of those I love...always...AKWAYS. My father died. A baby granddaughter was diagnosed with cancer. My god-mother had brain surgery for cancer. And of course even the good things can be a distraction from writing. Another new granddaughter born...and now a new grandson just today! We now have an even dozen grandchildren...together in our blended family...amazing!

But, the hard work on the book is yet to come....EDITING!!!! Before I have anyone else see the manuscript I go through it myself several times and will do so while on vacation the next week or so. I guess it could be easier if I had a lap-top computer...but I don't so...oh well. If one wants to write you do it any way you can.

While on this little trip, I plan to finish gathering material to complete another book I started last year. It is more of an informational book and is a project that I am doing for fun. Would like to incorporate some photos in it...maybe.

I am so happy to hear that my wonderful Aunt from New York City is coming for a visit. She has had an amazing life and has been writing notes for me so I can create a book about her. I am going to try and spend several days with her, at a family gathering, to go over the notes and (hopefully) come up with an idea and story. I would like to get started on it as soon as possible.

I had hoped to work on another children's book after this current novel, but not sure if I will. I try to plan my direction, but many times God creates situations in my life or inspirations that take me a whole other direction. I am always open to His leading. And then there is that little factor of having to generate a certain amount of consistent income to pay bills...the "jobs"...and I have several part-time ones. This allows me the flexibility to still do some writing, but oh how I look forward to the day when I can just write and paint and draw...someday.