Book Delay
Like Fred Flintstone planting his big feet on the ground from the driver’s seat of his stone-wheeled car, my latest book plans have come to a screeching halt. WILMA!!!!
It was all going so well, and writing makes me as happy as applying mascara made Tammy Faye Baker. “La-la-la, life is so good. La-la-la, this is so fun.. La-la-la I love this so . . . YIKES! “What do you mean, God? I’m not in charge of my life??? Come on!”
I love my family and friends, but some of them are sucking the life out of me. It seems I’m needed more now than when I had a toddler, an infant, two dogs, company on the way over, and a fire in the kitchen (it was an accident, and I put it out all by myself).
2024 has started with illnesses, tears, and exhaustion, and that’s just me. On top of that, as many of you can relate, I’m in the sandwich phase of my life, where people older and younger need my help. I’m suddenly the tuna fish smooshed between the bread.
I’ve always loved both older and younger people. The two populations have much in common besides wetting their pants and constantly wanting to tell you (the same) stories. Lately, I’ve been called into duty for old and young, family and friends, with all of them calling me ten times a day requesting assistance, so something had to give. It’s one of those times when you really don’t mind helping them because you love them and know they’d do the same for you if they could, but really, everyone at the same time? I’ve been tempted to say, “Take a number, hon, I’ll be right with ‘ya.
When in doubt, it’s good to seek counsel from the wise, and I’ve found a gem in a literary consultant/advisor/agent/friend who calmed my fears and actually made me see the good in delaying the release of this book. At first, I felt sick, because if I say I’m going to do something, it kills me to let anyone down and go back on my word (does anyone else smell perfectionism?).
I’ll take my time, tend to the people I love, save someone from a burning building, rescue a puppy from an icy lake, return the lion to the zoo, push a wheelchair, choreograph the St. Patrick’s Day parade, feed the troops, (at least this is what I feel like I’ve done when I climb into bed at the end of every day), and then . . . when all is calm, I’ll work on the book and release it when it’s God’s time, not mine.
Placing people I love ahead of things I love can never be a bad move, right?
I’m predicting an early fall book release, but then again, who am I to make that call? Stay tuned, for more inside glimpses of the glamour of writing a book, and thanks for reading.
Leslie Anne, I am so sorry you are going through such a hard time. From taking care of my dear mother and mother-in-law, I know it is exhausting physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You want to collapse, cry, and smother someone all at the same time…like when my dear 95 y.o. MIL during the Great Toilet Paper Crisis of the pandemic waited until she was completely out to call us, I went to 5 stores before I found any, then she announced she didn’t use that brand. I actually said it’s that or the Sears catalog!
I am going to pray you get good sleep and keep your marvelous sense of humor. Both will get you through many a rough day. Hugs.
Thanks Roxanne. I love the Sears catalog response, and you also touched on something that I need to watch – my sleep. It’s so easy to stay awake and think about all the things I need to do, instead of just sleeping. Thanks for the cheer and good advice.
How bold and real you are for sharing this. So many busy and dedicated women (and men) will be able to relate to this and find comfort in knowing it happens to other good people, too. Take a breath. The time will come when it’s right.
Thanks for that. I’m learning that caregiving meltdowns are more common than I thought.
Leslie Anne, I understand your pain, I am right there with you. I agree with Roxanne, try to rest and get plenty of sleep. Also don’t forget to eat. The best advice I have is trust in the One who is in control. He never makes a mistake!
A beautiful reminder. Thanks Pam.
Oh Leslie Anne, I am so sorry life is a very bumpy road right now. Setting aside the thing you love most is such a unselfish sacrifice to care for the people that need you. You are in my prayers…💕
Thanks Jenna. Your chef background reminds me, the hardest part (for me) about putting a big delicious meal on the table is getting everything ready at the same time – balance, planning. That’s like life I guess. It will all come together and be wonderful with good balance.