Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Finding Refuge in Thank You Cards, Vacations, and Books


Sometimes, during our bleakest withdrawals from social media, author networking, platform building, and most importantly, our passion, writing, we are given these unquestionably epic reminders about our presence and goals within this business.  It’s a cruel world out there, but in here, inside the heads of the performers, authors, writers, and influencers, we escape from the things that bind us to reality by engaging with our mind and getting lost within our imagination.

 
 
I must admit, social media can really drag me down sometimes.  I often feel torn between my time spent on Twitter, Facebook, the numerous blogs I love to read and comment on, and promoting while trying to spend time with friends and family or even enjoy everyday life.  Nonetheless, we all must hop in the band wagon; even if that means dragging our feet sometimes.
 

BUT here’s the kicker, in order to live my life to the fullest and never feel bad about the way I juggle my time, I almost always choose my author work over anything else.  Unless it’s a family event or vacation I’m submerging myself into, I stay focused on what ignites the energy inside of a permanent presence which can only be captured by my art.  I live and breathe through writing.  It penetrates my soul and pierces every single chord strung to an evanescence of my mere existence.  

 
And even though my heart and mind long to hold this talent always, I still have those dog days.  You know them… the days when you had enough with promoting and social media.  You send out countless tweets, host tons of blog tours, hook up with some fantastic reviewers for your release and other books, but still, the sales are not moving the way you long for on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. 

The reviews may be there but the sales and ranking, well, let’s just say we might be lucky if we can afford a fancy new pen and journal to write our boundless tales in.  Or maybe treat a co-worker to the 99 cent menu over at Wendys and if we are really fortuitous, maybe splurge on one single block of some fancy imported Spanish cheese accompanied by a bag of Stacy’s multigrain pita chips. 

And I know what you’re thinking… “Stop whining and get over it!  This is what this industry entails and you knew this once you thrust yourself down the rabbit hole of the unknowing which eventually led you to the knowing.”  Trust me, I tell myself this all of the time.

 
After the workshops for my children’s book author work wrapped up several weeks ago, I was feeling like I was on top of the world.  I can’t even begin to tell you how moving it is to be in a classroom and have students look up to you for mentorship and advice.  I felt proud to be an author; especially the kind who constantly tries to give back to the community by offering free services for those districts who can’t afford to have authors come spend time with them. 

When I received another package in the mail from one of the schools I delivered workshops to, my bleak eyes brightened with an anticipation you can’t even imagine.  I was suddenly lifted out of my dog days of loathing in networking and promoting.  My energy was ignited again as I opened the package and read 15 "Thank You" letters.  Here are just a few:

 

 
 

No matter how many books I sell or don’t sell on Amazon, as long as I am invited into the lives and dreams of these children, then my spirit is rewarded in more ways than I have ever dreamed of.  Whenever I receive an email from a child who I visited and they thank me for my time spent with them, it truly creates a new chord to the violin constantly being strung inside of my heart.  Whenever I feel the dog days of social media coming on, I just have to look into my heart and hear those sounds as they are continuously grow louder and louder with every chord being created.


We will always have them but it is whether we choose to reflect or be saddened by those dog days.   Thankfully, I was sent this awfully inspiring reminder of who I am and what my presence means to these kids and their dreams. 

Many of them wish to be authors and illustrators when they grow up but don’t think it is possible to become a J.K. Rowling or author a Christopher Paolini.  And this is where I step in to tell them, “Don’t ever think this way.  Keep writing, keep those journals and someday, you will become an author.  If you have a story to tell, you will find a way to tell it.  Never give up and just know how uniquely individual each one of you and your writing really are.  And most importantly, find your voice and stay true to it.” 

They also sent me a beautiful brown journal because they know I carry them around with me everywhere, often purchasing them in stores like Barnes and Nobles or Target:
 

Do you ever experience those dog days of social media?  Are there times when you wake up and don’t even want to open the computer because you know how many emails are waiting for you and how much promoting has to be done?  What do you to conquer days like this?
I’m leaving for Cozumel this Saturday and will be gone for a week.  Expect me back here in the blogosphere in three weeks.  I will be reading “Silverhills” by Sandra Cox and “Soul Cutter” by Lexa Cain on the plane and beach.  I've also added "Reborn" by Cherie Reich and "The Backworlds by M. Pax to my TBR list.  I will be looking forward to the upcoming releases of "Into the Fire" by Kelly Hashway, "30 Seconds" by Chrys Fey, and "Soulless" by Crystal Collier. 

I recently read “Moonless” by Crystal Collier and if you haven’t read this book, I highly recommend you do so.  It was thought-provoking and engaging with such an original plot that I couldn’t help but to fall in love with Crystal’s writing.
See you all back here in a few weeks! 

 

46 comments:

  1. *blush* Gina, thank you for the kind, kind words. It sounds like you have an amazing roster of books to read while you're away, and I'm intensely jealous. I go through stages with social media where I love being engaged and when I completely despise it. I'm in a despising stage because all I want to do is sleep and read, but we have to push through this moments, eh? And hearing from readers, or people you've touched... NOTHING better. Way to be.

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    1. Yep, that's me right now... Longing to be thrust into vacation, sleep, food and books:) But those Thank You cards really touched my heart and reminded me why we must push through these dog days.
      Looking forward to reading all of the books I mentioned as well as your upcoming release, Crystal!

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    2. Did you know I tweeted about your post and someone on twitter reblogged it--on a blog about inspiration? That says it all to me. =)

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    3. Wow, Crystal! That is awesome! The power of good writing is infinite in the hands of the universe=)

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  2. Gina, Thank you for sharing your precious gift with these young, impressionable children. Your volunteer work could never be measured in $ amounts. The looks on their face, during one of your school visits & all the sweet letters are priceless. It touches me, to have a daughter that touches so many lives in such a positive way. Love, Mom

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    1. Awe, thank you mom=) You are absolutely right... the feeling I get when I walk away from my author visits and workshops are worth more than any amount of money.
      I love inspiring our youth. Most of them are so talented but have no idea about where to begin. This is why it is imperative for us to be better leaders and mentors for them while providing guidance and hope for their dreams.

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  3. Some days I feel as if I'm bashing my head against the wall. Honest. But then good days come along and make up for it. Those thank you notes had to be awesome to receive.

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    1. Yes, they were M Pax!
      When I feel those moments coming on, like bashing my head against the wall, I shut my computer and phone off and zone out to one of my favorite shows, go for a run or get lost in a book. This way, when I'm ready to give everything a go again, I have a much more relaxed and clear state of mind.
      I have your book on my Kindle and looking forward to a time when I can read it=)

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  4. This seems to be the August IWSG theme. LOL

    Seriously, though, what a great post, Gina! I loved reading about those letters. Heck, that's better than a 5-star review. :)

    IWSG #184 until Alex culls the list again.

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    1. Melissa, I've noticed this reoccurring theme in August for the IWSG! I always love reading everyone's post for the IWSG.
      Letters like the ones above mean more to me than sales and 5 Star reviews. Because honestly, knowing that I've made an impact on another soul... this is absolutely priceless.

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  5. Actually, 'stop whining' was the OPPOSITE of what I was thinking. You're so right in this post in so many ways: it's such a hard road, and yet such a beautiful one. Those thank you notes from the kids say it all :)

    Have a wonderful, much-deserved vacation!!

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    1. Thank you, Liz=) The road has so many ups and downs. As long as we stay true to our hearts, I think the universe will continue to reward us. Even if this doesn't mean bestsellers, cards and letters like the ones above tickle my soul and remind me to keep pushing forward.

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  6. I loved those letters from the kids, Gina!! What joy to read them here, so i can't imagine how it was for you. I am not an author, so I don't have the work you guys have in doing the promotion, etc. It must be exhausting at times. I see you working it out there on Twitter, and wow, you have a lot of followers and those who you follow. I am nowhere near that and I feel overwhelmed at times. And I don't do any of those other social media!

    So what you say sounds far from whining. It's hard. You're doing what you need to do and are following your heart. Corny, but true. So many folks trudge out their lives not doing what captures their imagination, and here you are doing it. And being seen for it. Perhaps it's not transferring into the funds right now, but who knows? you're talented and you have built up a wonderful support around you.

    you're doing fantastic, Gina. Enjoy your time in Cozumel (was there not too long ago on my cruise trip - it was one of the stops) and just enjoy being in the now.

    Hugs
    Paul

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    1. Thank you for all of your kindness toward my ventures and support, Paul. It's nice to connect with people in this industry and develop even better relationships as the days move forward.
      I'm happy to hear you didn't think I sounded too whiny, lol. I must admit; I do get pretty hard on myself at times juggling two brands with promoting, networking, blogging and doing the actual writing. I've learned what matters is most to me right now is developing strong bonds here with people and establishing myself within the school districts. Being an independent author means controlling my business... after all, I do own a children's book brand and I have to do whatever it takes to lead this little stream to bigger waters=)
      Social media is hard but once your ready, Paul, you will be fine, I'm sure. People tend to gravitate toward talent and beautiful writing and you have both!
      I'm looking forward to this vacation and will be unplugging for the entire week! Maybe a couple pictures here and there=)
      Hugs, Gina

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  7. Aww. That's what it's all about--the kids. That's the best part about writing for young readers. A letter from an adult fan is nice, but there's nothing like a young fan!

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    1. So true, Stephanie. I think it's because our children need to be inspired. And when they feel compelled to follow their dreams and heart, it's nice to be a part of that spectrum=)

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  8. You have fun!!!!! It sounds wondrous. Thanks again for the mention.
    Hugs

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    1. Thank you, Sandra! I'm very excited! And will be looking forward to folding my imagination within the pages of your wonderful book=) Hugs

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  9. That's so sweet that they bought you a journal and sent thank you notes. That makes it all worth it, doesn't it? Knowing you made a difference with those kids is better than sales.

    Thanks for mentioning Into the Fire, Gina. :)

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    1. Of course, Kelly:) Can't wait to read it!
      The thank you notes and feelings I recieve whenever I leave a school definitely makes all this work worthwhile:) And I wouldn't trade them for anything.

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  10. This was beautiful to read, Gina. I love the way you inspire the students to read; and the way your inspiration for them pays you back by inspiring you. What a wonderful thing to do on those dog days of self-doubt - read the uplifting letters from myriads of honest admirers. As a teacher, I collected letters from students, parents and colleagues into a book, and whenever I was experiencing days of self-doubt or of not being valued, I would bring them out and reignite my positive feelings about myself. It's a powerful strategy.

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    1. What a fantastic strategy, Nora. I'm sure you are loved and admired by your students but as you said, we all have those moments of self-doubt. I have a collection of thank you cards and letters from the last year and a half. I'm planning on making a scrap book so whenever I do experience those dog days, I have something beautiful to uplift me.

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  11. Enjoy Cozumel.

    Sometimes it's hard for me to get on social media. I try to do it in little spurts throughout the day, like five blogs and comments at a time until I'm done returning comments. I'll also send out 2-3 tweets at a time several times a day. If I try to do it all at once, it won't get done.

    Such awesome letters and a great gift. It feels wonderful to be acknowledged like that and be reminded that we touch people's hearts and minds.

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    1. I sure do feel blessed knowing I've touched the children's hearts and minds. It's an amazing gift, we writers have, which is even more reason for us to keep pushing through until we have reached every possible goal we set for ourselves.
      I, too, do social media in spurts. I try to send out a few tweets every day and read and comment on the blogs I follow. I'm not on Facebook as much as I probably should be but I was never really a big Facebook fan.

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  12. A beautiful post and reminder for us to feed our souls good food. Writing is such a a rewarding experience, but can often get mired in the muck of making a buck. I'd like to say I don't care about the money--truly it isn't why I write--but I just want to fund the adventure, to earn enough of a living from words, to feel valued. Certainly, giving back to children and community is one way to feel valued. Have a great trip!

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    1. I love the way you put this, Charli... "I just want to fund the adventure, to earn enough of a living from words." It would be such a gift if our passions could support us, financially. I think this is also why I find myself getting down in the dumps. The day job can be such a drag sometimes, especially when we would rather spend those hours writing or catching up on social media.

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  13. Everyone seems so tuckered out these days! I can totally relate to all of the social media stuff getting overwhelming at times. I've been in a bit of a brain fog lately so it's actually been a welcome distraction for me these days. I have been enjoying getting to meet new authors but when it's time to get back to writing I'm sure social media will feel like an intrusion. Anyway, I hope you have a great time on your vacation and that you come back feeling recharged!

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    1. Thanks, Quanie! I'm hoping to come back recharged and ready to conquer the new school year come this Fall!
      The one awesome thing about social media is getting to meet really amazing authors and writers. I think this is my favorite part. Places like SheWrites, Goodreads, Google Blogs, and even Twitter have really established some great relationships. I really enjoy getting to know people through their writing which is why blogging is something I don't mind doing, at all. But Twitter can drive me nuts sometimes with all of the group tweets and trying to catch up with everyone! I always feel bad if I can't respond to every tweet but we have to make sacrifices for what works with our timing and schedules.

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  14. I can't tell you how much I LOVED this post. :) Wonderfully and refreshingly motivating. I'm so glad I got linked to your blogged. I can absolutely relate with your woes on social media and marketing. It can get overwhelming. I've really learned to shut it off and be OK shutting it off once in a while. Love the journal and the letters. Have a wonderful time at Cozumel! You're so lucky!! <3

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    1. Thank you, Anna! It's nice to meet you and I'm so happy to get to know and your writing=)
      I've also learned to shut everything off and take my mind off of social media when desperately needed.
      At night, I rarely stay plugged in other than emailing and commenting on other bloggers' sites if I have the energy. This is mostly because I've worked all day and the last thing I want to do is be bombarded with Twitter and Facebook.

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  15. Gina I can only imagine the kind of life you are living and I am so happy you have reached the point where you are.Sounds to me like you are already a successful professional writer, earning actual income (!) from writing, and doing great things in the community. The letter from the kids would just fill my heart with joy for days on end.

    I still commute to an 8-hour job Monday through Friday (tech writing and business writing) and struggle to find enough time to write my own stuff. I have quite a backlog of projects and long for luxurious stretches of time work on them. One of my most luscious fantasies is a 7-day writing retreat. In a mountain cabin. Just me and the birds. Promoting? Emails? I have hardly dipped my big toe in those waters. I do participate in SheWrites and have Facebook and Twitter accounts but really these are just to be in touch with other writers like yourself who give me reason to hope and a community of people who understand the life of a writer. If I ever finish a project and publish I will have fulfilled my wildest dream even if only two people read my work.

    Of course, money would be nice but I find if I allow myself to think about writing for money for one minute I become blocked, stressed out, and limited. So I don't think about money, just writing what I want to write as well as I can write it. Which is why I still have my day job where I write what other people want me to write. The bills still need to be paid. Now that I am no longer homeschooling in addition to working I do feel the time dividend flowing in and just need to use that dividend well. By the way, I am still working on getting a "Blogging for the Heart" post ready. I have three bloggers in mind to tag but I need to check with them first.

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    1. No worries, Carol! Take your time with the "Blogging From the Heart" blog tour.
      Trust me, I completely understand your struggle with time. Like yourself, I work a fulltime job during the week. My schedule leaves me working until evening which is why I can't really do much after work. I usually wake up around 5am so I can get an hour of exercise in and some writing before the day job begins. It's a discipline I've become inclined to fall in love with because over the last few years, I've realized how much I love the stillness and beauty of a quiet world. During the Winter, I cut my workouts down and replace them with writing only because I would rather cozy up to my computer, sip on some pumpkin coffee, pick at my homemade muffins, and write. Now if I could make writing into a fulltime gig, then I could have it al! Exercise, perfect body, bestsellers, and never have to worry about the scheduling of my author visits=)
      Your writing is exquisite, Carol. I really think you are going to provide the world with an impeccable story someday. I'm very thankful to meet writers like yourself who have touched my own inspirations and musings.

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  16. Aww, those kids are so sweet to write to you and they even got you a journal! Journals make the best gift for writers. It's a grand symbol of what we can do. I've had periods when social media is just a chatty bother and it is necessary to tune it out once in a while in order to appreciate it during our non-dog days. Enjoy your vacation and reads, Gina! I'll have to check out Moonless.

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    1. You will love Moonless, Claudine=)
      I love journals! I have so many of them lying around the house. Some are packed up in boxes which I have kept over the last couple of decades. I also always carry one in my purse in case I come up with ideas on the road or at work. The mind of a writer is always unpredictable so we never really know when we are going to stumble upon something great!

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  17. been there... so much work, so little return (sales wise)
    but i also received some awesome thank you letters from my son's class after speaking with them - drawings too - so encouraging!! kids are awesome!! some of them even came to my book release party signing in the middle of the summer!
    they make it all worth it!
    enjoy your reading time! i got to finish a book and a half on my vacay, so relaxing!

    btw, thanks for stopping by my broken branch falls blog tour at m pax's!

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    1. My pleasure, Tara! Kids are awesome, indeed, and make this job worthwhile. If it wasn't for the release writing gives my soul and the incredible gratitude I receive for it, I wouldn't know what to do with myself! The sales may suffer but in the end, it's how we are admired and accepted which matters the most.

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  18. I love teaching writing workshops for that very reason. The kids are so interested and so enthusiastic that I want to go home and write another book. Glad you had such a great experience.

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    1. They really do inspire us to do more, C Lee. I think their innocence and curiosity really provokes our own creativity and perseverance.

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  19. I always have times when I don't want to turn on the computer or open my email, and things have been getting even more hectic than usual because of my upcoming blog tour and the author interviews I am now scheduling for my blog. I pretty much stay on top of social media by planning a month ahead and scheduling status for FB and posts for my blog. That way I don't have to worry for a few weeks about staying active.

    I love the letters the students sent you, and the journal. I want a journal like that! ;)

    And thank you so much for mentioning 30 Seconds! :) Have a fun trip!

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    1. I admire you for scheduling ahead of time. I wish I had the drive to do so. I was never a planner, even with my writing. The only thing I do stay on top of is my school visits. I plan them in advance so I am prepared to deliver really good presentations=)

      The journal is awesome. I've already started writing in it!

      We had such an incredible time on vacation. Now it's back to the workweek and trying to catch up with all of my author work for the Fall.

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  20. I hope you have a great vacation! It's awesome to get letters like that. Those types of things make writing worth it.

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    1. They sure do, Cherie!

      Cozumel was amazing! I will be posting pictures on my next post=) Looking forward to reading your book this Fall!

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  21. I do feel at times social media can get in the way of life, but in the end, it also helps me connect. I like to know how my followers feel about my work and how they feel about their work. It makes life more interesting.

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    1. I completely agree with you, Lady Lilith. Through social media, we are able to meet some amazing people and establish really great connections.

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