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Hello readers! I'm glad you stopped by. Here's the continuation of our saga. Our plans are progressing forward. I missed my first deadline of getting the house on the market by mid-May. However, it will go on the market this week with showings next weekend, June 11-14. The whole thing has been stressful, but I finally learned something first hand that I've been hearing for years. Your time is valuable. If it's not your specialty or field, let someone else do the job.
I can do everything has always been my mindset and most times I can given the time and enough energy. This time I needed help and it was recommended by my realtor, my sister and others. I hired the best cleaning lady to go through my house top to bottom. It took her more than 8 hours, but man, my house has never looked better. I also learned some new cleaning hacks. Bonus. My realtor thought it was necessary to have a professional come cut our lawn. Since we sold our lawn care items, it was for the best. Also, the pictures would look awesome. The man was sooooo thorough. He must have gone over the grass three or four times, even after the initial cut. There was the blowout of old caked grass, the extra trimming around the edges and more work than we've ever done before. So, I'm sitting i the garage with the dog, trying to keep cool and get things done. The most amazing thing happened...our 23 foot Thor Gemini RV arrived earlier than expected, which has been the transition so much easier. We are sleeping in it now and sorting through all of the things we wanted to keep in the RV, but now realize we can't. As far as writing is concerned, I'm almost at the finish line for my middle grade book. I've reached my word goal, now I have to wrap up the story. It's been so much fun to write. I can't wait for all of you to read it. I also have published a Llama Drama planner and a Maine themed guest book for bed and breakfasts and Air BnBs. I love creating these specialized books that can really help people. I'll even be adding a new page to this website dedicated to the publication of these books. I hope you'll check them out on Amazon. You can write to me at authormichellelibby@gmail.com, or visit me on FB at Author Michelle Libby.
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It's spring in Maine, although it's only 28 degrees as I write this. The days are getting warmer and the sun is shining brighter with more intensity. We don't have anymore snow in our yard and the green stalks of spring flowers have poked through the ground. It brings joy to my heart. I'm still not going very far from home. I've eaten out once with one of my organizations and I go to the store. That leaves me a lot of time for writing, editing, exercising and managing the project of packing up our house. We are planning to move once our house goes on the market and sells. For now we will spend the summer at our family camp in Downeast Maine, then my husband and I will hit the road to see some of our country. We're pretty fired up about it. If you know of any place we should not miss, let me know, I'll add it to our list of places to see and things to do. I have published a few low-content, but super helpful books. One is a blood pressure tracker and the other is an RV Motorhome Maintenance Logbook. They can both be found on Amazon. Between creating those, I have also been writing Book 2 in my pirate series. I'm having so much fun. I can't wait to share these books with all of you. I will also have re-releases of older books coming out this summer. And, a new release as well. Thanks for being with me on this journey.  I'm still here. Even though I hadn't updated the website since December, I've been hunkered down in Maine. I have lots of projects on my to-do list and I'm slowly working though those and working at my other jobs. You all haven't been far from my mind. And, then the month would be over. January - gone. February - gone. Now it's March and don't look away, because that will be over soon, too.
I'm having a book sale on books I have in stock. The shipping is free and the books will be signed. Reach out to me by email or I think you might be able to purchase them on this site in the near future. I'm accepting Paypal and Venmo. If you buy more than one book, there might even be a discount. There are so many exciting things coming up for us in 2021. I'm looking forward to the adventures and challenges. March is a hard month. Most people don't have a day off from work or school. Some colleges have spring break, but if they're learning remotely, what does that even matter. Also, where are they going to go? This makes it even more important that we get outside and do something in our own hometowns. Go for a walk, try snowshoeing or just stand in the sun and feel the warmth on your face, then run back inside because it's freezing out there. I'm hoping that March will be more like last year with the warm weather arriving early. We were able to clean the yard and garden early. Nothing better to do during a pandemic than grown your own produce and burn all of the fallen branches from the winter. We love to have a campfire and burn stuff. Please take care of yourselves. We've been dealing with a crazy world for a year and it doesn't look like things are going to get better anytime soon. So, keep your head up and keep reaching for the stars with everything you're trying to accomplish.  Happy December - It's the run up to the holidays. I'm still in South Carolina with my parents, sister and brother-in-law, plus 4 dogs, 2 cats and my niece and her boyfriend, who live in the house as well.
My Mom's surgery went well, but she still needs help so I have been tasked with staying longer. The rest of my family few home separately and are all quarantining, while getting everything decked for Christmas. Since I won't be home until mid-December, Christmas is going to come very fast. It's good that I'm an early shopper and most of my gift buying is complete. Thank heavens for Dropbox, so I have access to all of my writing stories, things to edit and write. I've been able to work remotely - God Bless technology. Have you seen all of the Black Friday deals - Geez. I could become a renowned celebrity author for $19.95, if I just follow this person's plan for all the success I could want. It is possible that if I do the class, I could learn something. Perhaps, I would pick up something of use - if I actually did the program and not let it languish on my desktop. The programs don't work if you don't do them. It's the same way with writing. November was NaNoRiMo, when authors strive to write 50,000 words in one month. If you don't write every day you will lose drive and momentum. That's what we all need - momentum, especially this season. I love the excitement of the holidays. The twinkling lights, the hustle and bustle, the snow at home... This year I am actually a little sad to see Thanksgiving over. It means were on the downward slide to Christmas - it's a waterslide and we're hauling butt. It's going to be over before we know it. Then comes January and February - dark, lonely months. Up North it's cold and bleak. It's going to be a tough winter season. If you can get outside comfortably and gain momentum with healthy habits, exercise, writing, dancing, knitting - whatever makes you happy and healthy. Sitting in the darkness with the Christmas tree lights shining in the room, breathing deeply, thinking or not thinking about anything. Take a deep breath. It's time to get ready. It's time to prepare. It's time to get motivated for next year. I think we're all done with this one. Merry Christmas and may you get lots of reading materials this holiday. You can write to me at michelle@authormichellelibby.com, or visit me on FB at Author Michelle Libby. All the best, Michelle Happy Thanksgiving to those who live in the US. This year Thanksgiving is going to have a different flavor. There will still be turkey and stuffing, but also Zoom calls and fewer people around most tables.
I feel like I've broken all of the rules by heading to South Carolina to visit with my family, who moved here a year ago. It's not entirely just a Thanksgiving visit. My mom is having surgery on her hip the Monday before Thanksgiving and my dad needs help since he's in a wheelchair full time. Call in Michelle from Maine. My adult kids and I came down at the beginning of the week and now we're chilling, walking and playing with the dogs. While learning everything we need to do to keep things running at this house. So while everyone in power is saying, "Stay Home!" We are not following those requests for what I think is a good reason. Breaking rules isn't always a good idea, but sometimes, it works. For me, traveling to SC works. For some writers, breaking the rules, works. Combine two genres and boom, new type of book. I'm not much of a rule breaker. I like knowing what I can and can not do, when it comes to writing. That has to be the journalist in me, reporting the facts. November is National Novel Writers Month. There are so many people pushing their time and energy to finish 50,000 words in the month of November. I even know of a few who have reached that goal already. I always start off with the greatest of intentions, but life seems to crowd in and the motivation wains. I'm still making progress, but officially, I won't make the 50K this month, however I have finished a ton of short stories and other projects. So that's a win. Have a great Thanksgiving no matter what it looks like. Get outside if you can and eat your fill. Oh, one more thing...I'm doing America's Turkey Trot with my sister on Thanksgiving Day. I'm excited to do a 5K with her, since I never had the ability before. Send up a little prayer that I survive. She's much faster than I am. Watch for pictures on my Facebook Page. Happy Thanksgiving. Write to me at michelle@authormichellelibby.com, or visit me on FB at Author Michelle Libby.  I have loved the time with the Coronavirus vacation. It has been so difficult for so many people. They didn't know what to do with the free time. Children were home and we weren't allowed to roam the streets because everything was closed. Trips to Walmart were a production with masks, gloves and handsanitizer, but I don't have to tell you any of this...you lived it.
For me, the last, almost, six months have been amazing. I've been working on projects one at at time or sometimes many all at once. Getting things crossed off my to-do list like a boss. I wrote a book in February and another in May. I've edited a few projects that I'm now working on self-publishing. I know I'm rare. For me, writing and editing and creating new projects was my cure to the COVID blues. I had my family with me most of the time and I was so happy to announce that I had projects completed. What can you do to move yourself forward? I suggest you write a list and put everything on it. Once that is done, prioritize your list by what seems exciting and what are you willing to work on. Now, block out time and get to work. Set a time for 30 minutes and focus for that whole time. Sit in front of your computer until the timer goes off. When the timer goes off, run around for a little while (no longer than 30 minutes), throw laundry in, do some dishes or let the dog out. These are all chores I use as procrastination. When the 30 minute "rest" is over, sit back down, set the timer and get back to work. Do this as many times as you can and you will see your list decreasing in size over the days and weeks. October is now dubbed "Plantober" in honor of NaNoWriMo, which is National Novel Writing Month in November. To "win" NaNo, you have to plan in October. If you're not an author, use October to plan all of the great projects you can get done in November. Get the tools together, stock up on paint brushes. I hope to write my second pirate novel in November. I have it planned out, now I need to block out my writing time and get ready for November first. I hope this was helpful and enlightening. Let's rock the next two months. Write to me at michelle@authormichellelibby.com, or visit me on FB at Author Michelle Libby.  I love September. Back to school. Soccer games. Falling leaves. It’s like New Years, but warmer and less depressing. My favorite commercial has always been the Staples one from 1996, posted above. “They’re going back.”
If only. This year has been so wonky. It would only make sense that my students wouldn’t be going back to school this semester. My son is a senior in college and his school made the decision back in June to do online classes this fall. It was sad for him, he really wanted to hang out with his roommate and friends. Being a senior, this was the final year for him to do that. It is also a big time to network in his field. How’s he supposed to get a job in his field if he never meets anyone from that field? It goes back to the old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” I’m trying not to be a helicopter mom, but I’m really good at it. He tells me that I’m the nosiest mom of all of his college friends. Hmmm. I asked him why, and he told me it was because I’d say something and everyone would start telling me stuff. “That’s being a journalist,” I told him. “People just tell me stuff.” My daughter decided to go back to school this year, too. Her classes are all online. Since she travels for work, it made more sense for her. She’s learning that she needs short six to eight week classes to be successful. Three or four month classes are too long to hold her attention. I love being a fly on the wall, watching how they figure things out for themselves. I’m trying to get a lot done this month, too. I have a plan, it’s written down and I’ve started on it. Kidnapped, one of my first books, will be the first one released in Audiobook form sometime this month or the beginning of October. I have two coloring books that will be released in the next two months and I’ve working on having another novel edited and cover done before getting it out to you guys. As I’ve said, September is very motivating for me. Although this year looks completely different and I’m not an empty-nester and my house is as active as ever, things are getting done. The only saving grace is that I live with a bunch of night owls and I am an early riser, compared to them. Audiobooks can be produced in the early hours while everyone is still sleeping. Watch for many more. I hope your September is productive, happy and healthy. Also, I'm working on a newsletter. If you'd like to be on my list, please fill out the form below. Michelle  Have you read any good books this summer? We're supposed to be social-distancing and the best way to do that is with a book in a secluded place. My place of choice is in Maine at our family camp. My ideal day is to take the boat out and find a place to read while floating. This day, we pulled into a private beach. (See the picture.)
I've decided to try to become a plotter. In writing there are two types of people...pantzers and plotters. Pantzers write by the seat of their pants, while plotters plot out what is going to happen in their novels. I'm hoping that it won't take the fun out of discovering the story, but I do hope that it will help me write faster to bring more books to my readers. I'm reading "Save the Cat Writes a Novel" and "Romancing the Beats." Both were recommended to me and so far the cat book as I've been calling it, is really helpful and interesting to read. I've been stacking up written books that now need to be edited. I don't know what's worse, having them sitting on my computer or getting them ready to go out into the world. I love getting the new covers for the books, but the editing process and marketing is tedious. This coming from a former newspaper editor. :) The is a reader conference coming in October that I plan to be it, Coronavirus willing. It's called Fall In Love With New England. I think it's the third year its been held. It will be my first time attending and I'm looking forward to it. From what I hear, it's a hoot. Costumes and giveaways. I've already purchased charms to give out (each author has their own.) The organizers are being very cautious and planning events to keep everyone safe. If you're interested, check them out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fallinlovenewengland/ (I am no longer attending this event due to the risk.) Summer is a great time of year, when you're safe and healthy...so be both. Until next month - Happy Summer. Michelle  Is it summer yet? It feels like summer some of the time. In Maine it's been cooler than usual, we didn't even swim over the Fourth of July, which is unheard of. The COVID coma we've all be in is starting to lessen in some areas. Maine, not so much. The economy is hurting and we are unable to welcome tourists to our great state. I've already become accustomed to seeing people in masks. If someone doesn't have a mask on, I want to stop them and ask where they're from and why they aren't wearing a mask. You know, take a poll.
The negative attitudes and hate against police hits way too close to home. I feel terrible for the officers who are being killed and injured by people who never learned manners and civil ways to handle their disagreements. One bad officer does not make all officers bad. As far as writing goes, I'm working on two coloring books, finished a middle grade pirate novel, which I'm super excited about, and have started to finish another novel that's been languishing on my computer. So the big question is when will all of these masterpieces be released? Good question. There are a few more steps that must be done before they can be published. While I was in South Carolina last month visiting my parents, I did publish a super short novel called Summer Camp on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. It's only $.99 so take a peek. I'll put a link on the available book page. Stay safe and enjoy your summer.  Thank goodness for editing. I've been editing all of my projects that have been languishing on my computer in need of attention. Writing new words hasn't been as easy as concentration is hard to find. I want to write, but I'm not finding the motivation to sit down to create something new.
The weather is beautiful here in Maine. I know a lot of other people are dealing with loads of rain and flooding, I'm sorry for that. The pandemic has caused many to reach the breaking point. People are protesting, losing their jobs, their business and their sanity. We've tried to help out by getting take out whenever possible, but we're also trying to be responsible and stay home as much as possible. I've noticed a huge increase in the number of cars on the roads in my town. People are itching to get out. I've continued to walk. My longest so far is a 5-miler. I felt so accomplished. Since then I've done a bunch of 5Ks. These were things I couldn't do a year ago, so progress. I can't imagine what life will look like when things start to open up again. Imagine social distancing at Disney World, for example. How do you stand in line, six feet apart from the family in front of you? And touching all of the handrails...It's something to think about. Writing will continue for me. I'm trying a new Konban board, thanks for Sarra Cannon. So far so good. Stay safe and happy. PS - The Maine Romance Writers Coloring Book is on the coloring page on this website. Print and share, color, color, color. Michelle |
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