Tuesday, November 29, 2011

De-Cluttering

Admittedly, I've had a hard time de-cluttering my brain these days. Don't know what's up but with family and friend issues, holidays, promotion and a host of other things, my work has really suffered. It's driving me nuts!!!

I think things all began when I stepped off the plane after Romanticon. My mom was in the hospital and ended up being there for three weeks and had a major surgery. My sister flew in from Florida and family rushed in and out. It was a harrowing time. Went from major health issues to home renovation and then the holidays. I did manage to finish my first attempt at a self-pubbed book (Whiz Bang) and worked with a group of six other authors at promotion and getting launching the entire series into cyberspace. That's something.

But since then, I've had a hard time concentrating. I've tried soothing music and breathing exercises. I've tried getting all zen-like and channeling my inner Yoda. Seems the only time plots unfold and characters come to life is when I'm sleeping. My feet hit the ground in the morning and I just KNOW today will be a good writing day but then I'll get a call or an email or something new goes awry in the universe and once again, my brain is cluttered. I'm beginning to wonder if this is a cyclical thing. I  am most productive with my writing after the holidays. January through May seem to be my most creative months of the year. Maybe it's because the holidays are over and the weather is beginning it's launch from ass-freezing cold into spring. I just don't know but the way I have it figured, I only have another month of this whole cluttered-brain thing and then it's off to the races. See? Thinking positively here.

In other news: Today is the last day to pick up all seven stories of the Toys4Us series at the low low price of .99. Beginning tomorrow there will be a slight price jump (and nobody likes a price jump). We are also offering a contest to win a new Kindle Fire. I'm hearing SUCH good things about this device and jonesing to get one of my own. So head over to our website and check out all the easy details and you could win BIG! The contest lasts until the end of December so get ready to play!

http://toys4usbooks.wordpress.com/

16 comments:

Molly Daniels said...

LOL...woke up this morning and thought, 'Yikes! Have to look up those other 3 answers by tomorrow!' So now I've got more time, whew!

(I'll probably get my email sent tomorrow, if not tonight, lol!)

Harlie Williams said...

I de-clutter by reading. Yes, reading. It takes my mind off of whatever is going on with me. My hubby cooks, I read.

I swear, if I get another email with bad news, I'll scream. I'm really getting tired of them. :(

Marika

Is it 5pm yet? And yes, the day has just started... LOL!

Regina Carlysle said...

Yessss you have time, Molly! The questions are really easy too.

Regina Carlysle said...

Harlie, I'm the same. Too much bad news lately, too much drama and my brain is just CRAMMED with stuff. Today I'm actually a little depressed. Reading sounds like a really good idea. I have several on my TBR list and I should just get lost for an hour or so. Could really help. This morning I'm trying my 'laundry method'. For some reason doing laundry helps clear my mind although I'm thinking a good cry might help too.

anny cook said...

Why not give yourself permission to enjoy December? Enjoy it with a whole heart. And then face January refreshed. Read. Watch goofy Christmas movies. Listen to Christmas Carols. Light candles. Talk to your friends. Just enjoy. You've worked for it, woman.

Regina Carlysle said...

I keep telling myself that, Anny. Maybe I just need to cut myself some slack here!

whodunitrdr AKA Deanna said...

What about taking a hibernation day? Stock up on your favorite junk foods - ice cream, chips, chocolate, whatever, turn off the phone, don't check your email, put a Do Not Disturb sign on the door and just veg. Take a long bath (and cry if needed), then spend the day in your jammies. Read, watch sappy movies, listen to music, play games, eat junk or comfort food but DO NOT do anything productive. Give yourself permission to just be and not have to do. If you are suddenly struck by inspiration or get a great idea for a new plot or story, maybe have a tape recorder handy so you don't lose it but don't feel pressured to write it all down right then. We all put too much pressure on ourselves during the holidays but we need to stop, take a breath and realize that we are only human and just one person. Good luck and remember that December is only one month long and will eventually end.

Deanna

Regina Carlysle said...

I needed that advice, Deanna. I actually went out today and 'accidentally' left my cell phone behind. Getting stuff accomplished (no matter how mundane) and not having to deal with another crisis was WONDERFUL. I even bought some new scented candles. One is lit and flickering happily right now on my desk and I'm considering a short nap. Avoiding the internet for awhile might be a smart idea too. Don't you just hate being pulled in a gazillion directions? That's how things have been lately and I'm just weary damn it.

Phoenix said...

If you find out how to channel that inner Yoda, please to share! It's completely understandable why you've been out of focus. You amaze me because even with the world spinning like crazy around you, you're still head and shoulders more on top of it than a lot of other people are. :)

Mia Watts said...

Geez. I hate when I do that. Okay, the secret's between us, because I won't explain it to anyone else. LOL.

You're doing great, Reggie. You really are. I agree with Kelly up there.

Karenna Colcroft said...

My brain is always cluttered...some days I can wrestle it under control, but other days I just kind of float around and hope that something ends up being accomplished.

Sherry said...

Regina, my brain isn't cluttered, I'm just really .. not together.

Decluttering.. I have an idea

Relax, take a break, when hubby gets home you both have to change in to comfy clothes, decide together what to have for dinner, and use that index finger to dial.. Have it delivered.. Order a movie, sit next to each other on the couch.. and enjoy each other and the movie.. Snuggle.. Just love each other.. And mostly love yourselves.. YOU and your family deserve it.. Take care sweetie.. I love you

Sherry

Regina Carlysle said...

Jeez, Kelly. I don't know about that. Feels like, more often than not, I'm waaaaay behind. Today was actually much better. Still need to write but ohhhh wellll

Regina Carlysle said...

Mia, my darling. I just love you honey. LOL

Regina Carlysle said...

I hear ya, Karenna!

Regina Carlysle said...

I love you too, Sherry. Hmmm. Date night. We haven't done that in awhile. Have to say we were soooo relaxed when we visited our lake house for a few days not long ago. I can't recall when I was so easy breezy.