I have been thinking a lot about this very same thing. When I was writing my book, my life was very peaceful. There was nothing for me to do except write, go to work, and have a lovely life. But promoting my book has been a different thing, and now I feel stressed more often than I feel peaceful.
I thought that once my book was out, I’d be able to go back to writing and back to feeling peaceful, but my life was disoriented during that time and now I have so many responsibilities beyond just writing (a newsletter, social media accounts, two discord communities).
I actually don’t want to be stressed. I just want to write and have a fun and joyful life. But I also want my writing to be read, and thats the part that is tricky. I still need to create the boundary that says, “this is how far I will go to accomplish that and I will go no further.” Because without that boundary, the things I need to do are endless.
I wanted to ask you how you are doing during our Discord gathering, but the convo went flowing with the group, and I didn't manage to have the chance.
I get what you're saying. For us as creatives, it seems to be an ongoing balance of wanting to just write or draw, and not be fussed with the other sides of things. But as you've said, we do want our work to be shared. Because, goodness is meant to be shared, yes? :D
I once read that our work is 30% creating and the rest of the 70% is for everything else, including marketing! Hope this will lift you up and not discourage you, haha.
That being said, I believe there are seasons for everything. Some are seriously just busier than others. And if it's ok with you, then, it's ok.
Also, might help to take stock of what we need to keep doing. Or stop doing. I find myself having to cull even "small" things such as focusing on only 1 social media account. At a point in time, I even resorted to buying some ready-to-cook groceries to cut my cooking time for the family (and conserve my brain space).
It's so true! And I do think that a lot of artists don't have the patrons they deserve because they aren't willing to do the marketing. And I don't want to make that mistake (even if I would love to do nothing but write!).
But you're right, there are busy seasons, and now that I'm trying to enter a not-so-busy season, I can stand to do some culling. You've inspired me to set a time limit on my promotional activities so that, at a certain time, I can cut myself off and get on with life!
I have been thinking a lot about this very same thing. When I was writing my book, my life was very peaceful. There was nothing for me to do except write, go to work, and have a lovely life. But promoting my book has been a different thing, and now I feel stressed more often than I feel peaceful.
I thought that once my book was out, I’d be able to go back to writing and back to feeling peaceful, but my life was disoriented during that time and now I have so many responsibilities beyond just writing (a newsletter, social media accounts, two discord communities).
I actually don’t want to be stressed. I just want to write and have a fun and joyful life. But I also want my writing to be read, and thats the part that is tricky. I still need to create the boundary that says, “this is how far I will go to accomplish that and I will go no further.” Because without that boundary, the things I need to do are endless.
Dear Elle,
I value your sharing, thanks.
I wanted to ask you how you are doing during our Discord gathering, but the convo went flowing with the group, and I didn't manage to have the chance.
I get what you're saying. For us as creatives, it seems to be an ongoing balance of wanting to just write or draw, and not be fussed with the other sides of things. But as you've said, we do want our work to be shared. Because, goodness is meant to be shared, yes? :D
I once read that our work is 30% creating and the rest of the 70% is for everything else, including marketing! Hope this will lift you up and not discourage you, haha.
That being said, I believe there are seasons for everything. Some are seriously just busier than others. And if it's ok with you, then, it's ok.
Also, might help to take stock of what we need to keep doing. Or stop doing. I find myself having to cull even "small" things such as focusing on only 1 social media account. At a point in time, I even resorted to buying some ready-to-cook groceries to cut my cooking time for the family (and conserve my brain space).
Here's cheering you on for your novel! 💪🏼
❤️
It's so true! And I do think that a lot of artists don't have the patrons they deserve because they aren't willing to do the marketing. And I don't want to make that mistake (even if I would love to do nothing but write!).
But you're right, there are busy seasons, and now that I'm trying to enter a not-so-busy season, I can stand to do some culling. You've inspired me to set a time limit on my promotional activities so that, at a certain time, I can cut myself off and get on with life!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Yeah, for me, putting the word out there it's about being accountable to our work.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write and letting me know this piece has inspired you. ☺️
It has inspired me to continue putting more thoughts in writing, doing my best to include my readers when I share my life experiences.