Been talking a lot about joy. Making changes, both on and offline, and living the most joy-filled life I can. (Trying, at least.)
There’s been some dancing in the rain, eating of chocolate, drinking of wine, deleting of emails…
Also, a social media makeover, hugging trees, letting go of lists, listening to AC/DC, saying “NO” to things, and “YES!” to others.
What I’ve noticed very recently is that I’m starting to slip. I’m swamped, drowning, stressed…
So I’m going to revisit my list of things that are important (my health, my family, self care…) and things that are not, then adjust my life and time accordingly. Which means I may or may not be blogging regularly. I have a lot going on. I will not blog when it overwhelms my already-overwhelming life. But I will blog when it brings me joy.
You know what else brings me joy? Writing. I’m currently (happily) working on my novel (due out 2018) and have finished my second collection of flash fiction due out this fall. Cover completed. Formatting now. 🙂
Thank you, gentle readers, for your continued encouragement and support. Whether it’s been on social media, behind the scenes, or on this blog where you’ve read, liked, commented, and created the amazing atmosphere I love here at Lemon Shark.
On the Edge of a Raindrop will be available Fall 2017. 🙂
Thanks, again, to the lovely Rachael Ritchey for designing my cover.
Just thought you casually drop in a book launch… SLY, Brentyn SLY. I’ll be here to help support the launch, very exciting
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Yes, well.. *ahem* Nice day, isn’t it?
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Seriously, thank you for your support and encouragement (and kicks in the arse when needed). 💖
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Love the cover, Sarah ❤
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Thanks, Sue. 🙂💖
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Good luck, and stay focused 😉
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Thank you. 💖 I’m trying. Eyes on the prize and so forth. 😉
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It all sounds good to me. You need to look after yourself first. I don’t push myself to blog. If I’m inspired, I’ll write something. Congratulations on the book, Sarah!
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Thank you, Willie. 🙂 Much appreciated. We do need to look after ourselves first and, too often, I don’t follow that advice. Going to keep on top of that!
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Good luck with your book!
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Thanks so much! 💖
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Excited for the new books and happy for all efforts that lead you to more joy and more smiles. Cheers
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Thank you, JD. 🙂 Here’s to more joy and smiles. Cheers!
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You have been busy. I’m excited for your new book and your other new book! Ha ha. And I’m so glad that you are safeguarding your time, Sarah. There’s only so much, thus it’s precious and needs to be used wisely. Happy Living!
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I am attempting to safeguard my time. I’ve slipped a little and have noticed the difference in the rest of my life. Time is preciousss… *insert Gollum voice here* So, yes, I need to make decisions and use my time wisely. Anyway, thank you! I’m excited to get this collection out there but also to get back to work on my book. 🙂💖
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You come first! And that cover is seriously awesome. Also love the Gollum reference above.
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I have to prioritize to reflect that. Which I was doing but… Old habits die hard. Gollum knows what’s what. 😉 Thanks, Teri. 💖
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You can only do so much, so do what makes you not want to shake your fist at an uncaring universe as you drown your sorrows while yearning for the sweet release of oblivion (because not only is that a smidgeon over the top in the drama department, it really won’t do you much good in the short run). Looking forward to seeing more of the collection.
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That really isn’t a stretch right now. Yup, I can only do so much and I’ve hit my limit, run past it, and am about to fall flat on my face. Something’s got to give. Thanks, Allie. 💖🙂
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Busy times ahead but you’re focused on your goals. Good job, Sarah! And congratulations on your second collection!
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Definitely busy. Trying to regain my focus and footing. 🙂 Thank you!
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I’ve been reading Hinting at Shadows and am loving it!
So, I look forward to your next book! 🙂
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Debbi… 💖 I won’t bore you but it’s been a rough couple weeks. Then I saw this. Your comment actually made me teary. Thank you so much. 😊
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Woot on the upcoming release, and good job doing what you want! 🙂
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Thank you. And thank you! 💖🙂
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I think the cover just perfect but the title even more so – mind you if this one is better than the last I’m not buying it, oh no way, you’re not catching me out with talent like that again – ha! I’m not stupid, I know when I’m beaten (whipped, thrashed, humbled, thesaurused…), I know when I read something that makes me crawl away and whimper for chocolate while I contemplate leaving my hands to medical science – but then again, I have to read it don’t I? Which means buying it. I just have to. I have to know. I have to self-schadenfreude, it’s a thing, isn’t it? Big loves, btw. Did I say that? I’m off blogging just now as book(s) seep out of me so quite appreciate the need for space etc etc… see you on a bookcase somewhere soon
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You just made me so happy. I battled with myself over a word (one tiny word) in the title. Could not be more pleased that you like it. 🙂 (And the cover.)
You are the king of synonyms and shall neva be thesaurused. You flatter me, sir, but I’ll take it. Oh, yes, I will. And gladly, too! Because your novel-writing talent makes me hide under the bed and pelt my family with jelly beans until they leave me alone to have conversations with dust bunnies about becoming one of them.
I don’t know about self-schadenfreude but if self-weltschmerz is a thing, that’s what I’ve got. We’re quite a pair. And big loves right back at ya. I’m thrilled you’ve got books seeping… Hope to be on a bookshelf next to you someday.
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My first comment must have disappeared, Sarah. Not even sure what it said except that I’m glad you are finding joy. And I will certqinly be looking out for those upcoming books. Keep on keeping on. 🐟
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I’ve been noticing that on here. The case of the disappearing comments. I’m going to Nancy Drew that crap. Thank you kindly, Juliet. I am for sure trying to find joy. 🙂 And I so appreciate you looking out for my new books! 💖 Thank you!
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Certqinly? Old Celtic word maybe? So glad you get kicks in the ‘arse’ like we do over on this side of the world. 😀
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I so could have fixed that typo in your comment but it’s too good. Like the Three Stooges or something. 😉 Certqinly.
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😆
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Rock on girl! I love that you’re setting your boundaries and priorities. Maybe I’ll take a page out of your book one day, one day, lol. The cover is gorgeous!!!! When’s the book release scheduled? ❤
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Aw, thanks, Debby. 💖 (You should take a page out of the joy book, lovely lady. You deserve it.) Thank you on the cover! I’m happy with it. Dark and simple. 🙂 It’s due out “fall 2017” which is my way of saying “I’d love to get this out but who the hell knows what life will throw at me”. I’m thinking the release will be early November in celebration of the release of Hinting at Shadows.
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Sounds fab. Sounds like we’ll both have a new book out in November! I emailed you back! ❤ xx
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Got it. And congrats! 🙂 💖
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Obviously great news about the book(s). But, more important is to focus on your priorities. When it comes to blogging, I seemed to virtually disappear for the last few months. On the down side, barely anyone noticed, but on the up side… barely anyone noticed, so it didn’t matter.
You will be missed, but I’m guessing your output will be reduced as opposed to suspended. So the best of all worlds!
And remember we’re all rooting for you!
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Aw, Graeme. You sweetie. Thank you! ❤ 🙂 Yes, fun news on the books. And, yes, I'm still blogging but only when I feel like it and/or am healthy enough and/or have time. Very happy to be getting my feet back on solid ground and focusing on what's important. I am really trying…
(P.S. No one would notice if I disappeared, either. On that note, I noticed you weren't blogging, for what it's worth, but thought there were some things going on IRL, you know? We have lives outside the internet. I feel like people forget that sometimes. Hope you're prioritizing, too.)
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Not often I’m called a sweetie. Plenty of other things, but not that!
As for blogging, I hope you’ve also noticed I’m back, but I’m using it to get back into the routine of writing. Feels like I’ve been too long away from writing at all. And I have set myself some ambitious goals for the next year or so. With that in mind, I am prioritising. There have been some disruptions this year, but they’re all leading to good places, so I can’t (and won’t) complain. On balance, life is good, and I hope your shift in priorities means that it’s getting better for you too.
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Of course I noticed you’re back. It’s not many people I feel comfortable enough with to drop a video in their comments. 😉
Ambitious is good (as long as you keep some of that elusive balance and watch out for yourself). I am so very glad to hear that the disruptions have led somewhere good.
Working on the shit (I mean, shift) and the getting better, as well. Here’s to that! Cheers, “sweetie”.
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How could I forget the video!?!
Glad you’re working on the shit (I know what you mean!). There’s a lot of it about, so here’s hoping it is starting to shift for you and it will lead to good things for you too.
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This is exciting! So glad to see a second book of flash fiction and to hear news of a novel.
Life can be a wild ride at times, and I hope things start to become less overwhelming. But I’m thrilled you have these writing projects in the works. 🙂
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It is exciting (and busy) and, yes, a wild ride. Thanks so much, Ruth. 💖
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Well, lady, you HAVE been busy! Not one book, oh no, but TWO! Love the title, love the cover and can’t wait to read both. With regard to social media and blogging, I have taken a huge step back, and feel much better. I’m keeping the blog ticking but that’s it. It’s enough for me. Enjoy your time out… look how productive it makes you! 😀😙
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Yes. Busy. Bah. 😉 But, yay, that you like the cover and title! I’m happy you’ve taken a step back from online stuff. (It really does make a difference, doesn’t it?) I’m back and trying to catch up but I don’t think it works that way. I think I’ll just move forward, you know? Hope you’re doing well. Hugs! 💖
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I think that’s very wise, Sarah… hit the ground running and don’t look back, keep the forward momentum going. Dont wast any time trying to catch up, its way too precious. 😙😙😙
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Can’t wait to buy both. The cover is great.
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Glad you like the cover (I do like that one, too) and that you’re awaiting the books. Your support means so much. Thank you. 💖
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I do love the cover, Sarah, but I especially adore the title! How interesting, and how precarious. What a great analogy for life. I can’t wait until your book is available and I’m pleased to hear that you are making choices that bring you joy, including writing your novel. Awesome!
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I am SO glad you said that. I was back-and-forth on the title (as I mentioned to Geoff) over one little word so I’m thrilled you like it. Ha! Yes, it is precarious. I had that in the introduction at one point. I think it will be a good analogy for the lives depicted in this collection. Thank you, Norah. 💖 You are always so supportive and encouraging. I appreciate that more than you know. (Life has been bitter as of late but I’m only one dark chocolate ginger away from having it be sweet.) 😉
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I can’t believe you still have chocolate ginger remaining. You are a women of strength! They’d hardly last a day with me. 🙂
I’m sorry life has been bitter. I hope it improves soon. I’m so looking forward to the publication of this next “precarious” book. 🙂
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Sounds like you’re busy and happy! Good luck with your projects. What type of novel are you writing?
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Definitely busy, working on the ‘happy’. 😉 Thank you, Luccia. At this point, the novel is most likely going to be a YA. We’ll see… Hope you’re doing well.
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I love your book cover, Sarah. I hope you are slowing down a bit now and getting some time to enjoy things. 🙂
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Oh, I’m slowing down, alright. 😉 No. I’m not. I’m trying, but life has other ideas… Thanks, Judy.
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Oh, Sarah, I missed this (how did I miss this?) Hope your candle is burning strongly, and congratulations on your upcoming release – I’m sure it will be as beautiful and haunting as the previous one. All the best with writing and life xx
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My candle is burning strongly (at both ends, unfortunately). Working on fixing that, if I can. So appreciate the good thoughts and wishes. Also, thank you for your lovely comment about the book. 💖 (Must catch up on blogs and have bookmarked your Silent Eye series to read.) Hope all is well with you.
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All good here, Sarah, deep in editing world at the moment so not much time for blogs 🙂 Always lovely to see you whenever you’re around. Hope you get to relax a bit soon! x
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