I love writing — whether authoring a book like Cottage 12 or blogging personal thoughts. It is a welcome release for me and an activity where I feel purpose. I also have come to understand it as the way I connect with and worship God.
However, it takes a lot of time to write with the intention of it being public. And it pays nothing.
For the past six years, I have invested a ton of time in writing. I literally have folders (both traditional and on my computer) full of writing notes on faith topics that I’ve never published anywhere. Articles, blogs, devotionals, book ideas, Cottage 12 follow-ups, etc., you name it. I’ve humbly received a lot of encouraging words and feedback on this writing — from regular folks to publishing industry veterans — and I am thankful. Enough people have believed in me and supported me to keep going and if you are reading this and know you are one of those people — thank you!
I just can no longer take the time required to openly blog on a regular basis or work on new book manuscripts for awhile.
Life circumstances do not allow me to spend the time that kind of writing requires without receiving income. I’ve been faithful and written what has been placed on my heart time and time again, but it has taken a huge toll on me personally, professionally and most significant, financially.
Cottage 12 is out there ready for retail distribution, bulk sales, indie outlets or whatever, and if it is going to ever produce income or reach a large audience, well, then it is going to be something supernatural I suppose. It is completely out of my hands. I did what I felt I was supposed to do and have to let it go to be whatever it is going to be in time. Maybe it was just for the 50-100 or so messages or various feedbacks I’ve received concerning its positive affect on people and even some changed lives in the process. And maybe that’s enough.
Blogging is an extension of building a “writer’s brand” that agents tell you is a must and it’s why I’ve been regularly posting. But, again, it requires so much time for little or no income if you want to do more than just post quick, unedited and random thoughts (that’s what Twitter is for). I have to focus on being more productive and efficient with my “work” time. Writing will still be a part of my “leisure” and “connection” time, but it is competing with a lot of other things.
As a single parent, time is precious. I’ve given everything to my son (age 9) and have continually focused on his needs above my own when he is with me. I’ve got 10 more years of doing so before releasing him to college and the start of young adulthood. It’s not going to get any easier and it means time budgeting is even more important. Especially when doing it alone.
So, bottom line, focused writing has to be cut out of the equation for awhile. I need to let it go unless it is part of bringing in tangible and current income, not just hoping for the future.
BiggStreams has dried up (at least for the near future).
The handful of folks who have regularly checked in, thanks again. It probably means you are a Facebook friend or a Twitter pal and I’ll continue with the brief “status updates,” random thoughts, other minutiae and always enjoy seeing yours. More lengthy life updates or updates to storylines and “characters” from Cottage 12 will continue to be posted when applicable at www.Cottage12Blog.com.
