 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
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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 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  OMG. The solitary life of a writer can be stressful, lonely and productive. Add in two adult children, a husband forced to work from home and two pets who can't figure out why everyone is home, and it's a chaotic mess.
I like working from home in the quiet where I can get into my own head to listen to the characters. When everyone is home stopping by my office for one reason or another, I love it, but it pulls me out of the story every time. I've taken to editing and doing short creative projects that can be interrupted and restarted without issue. Even when I try to put in my new airPods to go for a walk, I'm joined by at least one person. Don't get me wrong. I love my family. However, when you spend 24/7 with them, it can be exhausting. My son has work for school. He spends a lot of time in his room working on the homework. My husband now is working in his "office" from 8-2 Monday through Friday. That worked okay this week. My daughter is still waiting for the okay to go back to work. Since no one is flying, and she works at the airport, there's no real demand for her. The weather has been the only saving grace. I've been able to get outside to sit on the porch swing, have multiple campfires in our backyard firepit, and have taken some walks with the dog. I've found that to be extremely helpful to relieve stress. I expect that all of us will have amazing gardens and lawns this year. What are you doing to stay sane during this crazy time? What are you reading? Watch for some new coloring pages I created for the Maine Romance Writers Retreat that was supposed to be in May, but got cancelled. I'll be sharing those soon. All the best to you and your family. Michelle  Anyone feeling stressed? Need a break from your daily routine...you've got it. Except if you work in a grocery store, hospital or are a first responder, than thank you for being at work so we can socially distance and kick this global pandemic in the behind.
This is a great time to put the stress to work for you. Clean, organize, purge the closets you haven't dared open in years. Do those projects you've been putting off because you're too busy. It's time. There's plenty of time. I'm surprised at how many people never realized the true length of a day. There are so many hours when your not commuting or doing errands. Now's the time to reach for those goals or set new ones. Parents who are home schooling for the first time, give thanks to teachers and ed techs who work with more than one kid at a time. They are true heroes. There are a ton of resources out there to help, you just have to look and ask. Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program is running a free two month trial where you can read all the books in the KU program for free, unlimited. Just cancel if you decide you can't keep reading at the quarantined pace. Audible is also doing free books while kids are out of school. This is a great way for children to hear books read with intonation and emphasis to make the books interesting. The students love it when the teachers read to them out loud, usually after lunch time. I always loved to read to the classes when I was teaching. If we do what is recommended of us, we will get through this soon. We've had two tests already for the virus in our family...thankfully both were negative, although my daughter had all the symptoms and I would have bet she had it. Things are wonky right now. Be a responsible citizen. Read and color to relax. Remember I have two coloring books and a few free pages to print here on the website. Share with us what you're reading today. Until next time, stay healthy and well. Michelle |
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