Wednesday, August 14, 2019

What Writers Do... and Don't Do

By Seekerville Blogger Ruth Logan Herne 

 Last week I asked some very successful authors what they do... and what they don't do. How do they balance their careers and their lives, their families, their homes, their commitments? How often do we hear aspiring authors or newly published authors fret/worry over having so much to do? Fairly regularly, and these established and money-making authors have taken time to advise us. Their common denominator?

SELF-DISCIPLINE.

Now if you cannot handle that, we understand. We get it. No one said it's easy! It is not. But if you're still reading and not faintly or heartily disgusted with me as I tell you that one doesn't become an author: One makes themselves an author by repeated effort, day by day..

Read on, then tell me in the comments where you think  you could improve and what you think you're doing right. With over fifty published books to my credit, and more to come, I can tell you I absolutely copy-catted Margaret Daley, Lenora Worth and Linda Goodnight when I was pre-published because they were:

1. NORMAL 
     By that I mean these women are relatable, they talk like normal people, they never talk down or act pretentious and they really long for others' success. I wanted to be like them in proficiency and attitude. They kept it simple and set a great example!

2. THEY WORKED HARD
     I respect hard work. I am the Mike Rowe of the publishing industry in my mental attitude, I like to see people succeed, but I'm not a big fan of hand-outs because we do better when we have to expend effort and work toward something. Hard work isn't a bane. It's a blessing and we could use more of it.

3.  I LIKED THEIR WORK
     It's hard to emulate, copy or be affected in a good way by work you don't like or admire. I like being able to talk to the race that knows Joseph, the simple people, the everyday Joes of this world. The ones pulling a grocery tote down the streets of Brooklyn or tying up a baby swing in a tree in central Iowa. The ones stopping to pick up their mail at the miniscule post office in a Midwestern town and the ones getting 17 boxes from Amazon a day. I like people and I like to uplift them, and these ladies were accessible with work I liked. #HUGE  I'm going to pick two names from the comments and those two people will be able to pick any book from these authors (kindle edition) and I'll send it right out to you.

From Award-winning, bestselling romantic suspense author Lynette Eason:

I found that I simply had to make a choice. When I wasn't spending time with my family, I had to choose between writing or scrapbooking, writing or television, writing or......fill in the blank. Most of the time I  chose writing. Unless there was something on television that I was just dying to watch, I spent the time writing. Often, I got up earlier than everyone else and wrote. Or, I stayed up an hour or two later than everyone else and wrote. If I was going thru a drive thru line, I never minded if it was long. I'd write on the notes app on my phone or a scrap of paper in my car. I found the word, "no" really was in my vocabulary. I said no to a lot of things. They weren't bad things (like teaching Sunday school! LOL--after all, think of the prep work that goes into teaching!), but they weren't things that would move me forward in my pursuit of publication. I think people just have to find what works for them and do it. :) NOW, after seeing the reward of my perseverance, I could say yes to teaching a Sunday school class. If I felt God leading me to do so. :)

Lynette's newest release is available from AMAZON:




From Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Linda Goodnight

During my day job years especially, I gave up a lot of things, though I prioritized for two things-God and family. Everything else could go by the wayside. I do mean everything--social events, committees, whatever. I quickly learned to say no in a nice way.

For years, I was clueless when people discussed TV, movies, or "stars". I simply didn't see them. That was writing time.  I kept to a strict schedule of writing from 7-9 every night and all day Saturday and most holidays. I didn't even answer the phone. And I squeezed in other writing time
 where I could.(Early on, I promised the Lord that I would not work on Sunday unless it was truly a deadline emergency.)  Now that the day job is a memory, I have more flexibility, but building a career takes discipline, determination, and sacrifice.  Ugh. Not fun, but necessary.

One more thing I put aside at first was reading, and I do NOT recommend this insanity. Writers must read. Reading stretches us, makes us strive to be better.  Iron really does sharpen iron.  And besides reading is wonderful!

Here's one of Linda's wonderful novels linked to our friends at Amazon: 

And here you're going to find a similar track from NYT bestselling author Lenora Worth:
 I have given up lunching with friends, committee work (after years of being on church and organizational and writing committees I suddenly realized that's not my thing.) So I gave it up. Whew! More time to write, less time worrying and fretting about committee work.

I sometimes give up evening tv to go back into my office to edit or work and I've sometimes had to say NO a lot. A really LOT! No, I can't make phone calls for you. No, I can't baby sit since I work at home. No, I can't drop everything to help you today (unless it's an emergency and someone is in real need.)

This might sound selfish but as I told my husband once when he didn't get it-Would you walk off the paint line at GM and come home to help me? No, he would not!

I learned early on before I was published to pretend I was published and to set deadlines. I set aside time to write. A couple of hours here and there, even when I worked full time, trained me to be disciplined every day. Ten pages or at least a thousand words per day. Some days, I'm at six pages and want to stop. I tell myself just four hundred more words and before I know it, I've written fifteen-hundred words!

If you want to write, you will find a way to write. That's what I tell myself every day. I want to write. My house doesn't have to be perfect, my hair doesn't have to be perfect, the dinner doesn't have to be gourmet. But the writing has to come as close to perfect as it can.

Oh, and my one rule--Never ever give up holiday time or weekend time with your family. Work for a while and then live life!! Love to all of you!!! (Thanks, Ruthy!)

Lenora's July Love Inspired Suspense is available here! 



And here are tips from Award-winning author Pepper Basham. Pepper's still raising a family, working and writing, so her words are a real uplift to all of you who are in constant balance mode:

When my kids were young, the only time I had to really write was after the kids went to bed at night because I worked a day job. Even if I only wrote 15 minutes and then passed out for the night from exhaustion, I still chose those 15 minutes. Also, something that I've found INCREDIBLY helpful with a busy schedule (both as a mom of young-ones and now), is to daydream about the story when you can't write about it. For me, that primed my brain for writing when I did have a few minutes here and there.

Now, with kids who are older, I have more writing time, consistently, in the evening. I also, now, have occasional time to write during my lunch break. Daydreaming about the story is still a mainstay, but I'm also extremely thankful to work 4 days a week instead of 5 now, so I have a WHOLE DAY to...,do all the mom-kid appointment stuff, but also spend more time learning about the whole author-marketing stuff, actually READ books, and keep writing. 

I also RARELY watch t.v. Occasionally, I'll need brain-break from writing, so I'll watch a fav movie or join hubs watching the Hallmark channel (yeah, I got him stuck on it), but t.v. is not something I do a lot.  (Learning to say "no" is a good thing too ;-) and knowing WHEN you need to say yes.

A link to one of Pepper's wildly popular novels!



 You know how to find whales in the ocean?

Follow the food.

Same with writing. Follow the successful authors. They may not be the most talkative, or the most hands-on, or the most flamboyant. I've watched a lot of flamboyant authors crash and burn and/or die a slow, drop-in-sales death.

Don't do as some say: Do what others do. Write the books and keep on doing it.

Hey, leave the comments below and we'll chat. I'm farm-crazy right now, but coming inside and chattin' with all y'all is the best break ever!

Multi-published, bestselling and award-winning (Whew!!!) author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of writing great books and growing pumpkins.

What more could anyone ask???? :)

You can find Ruthy on her pumpkin farm in Western New York and on the web at ruthloganherne.com or friend her on facebook or follow her on Twitter (where a lot of folks do not behave nicely. I'm just sayin'....)


And Ruthy's latest mystery is out from Guideposts!!!!!



One person will be drawn to get a hardcover copy of this mystery, but ya gotta tell me you want it....

79 comments:

  1. How can I be the first to comment? Does that still make me responsible for the coffee? For a few years I couldn't find the balance so I had to take a break. But I learned a lot those years of working on writing (writing, editing, promotion) to the detriment of important time with family and friends. I may never be as productive as Ruthy at 5 am but tenacity is up there in importance with talent. Hard work pays off. These authors know what they're talking about. Is it a job or a hobby? So coffee is on and I ordered out for scones.

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    1. I can't wait for the scones and happily grabbing coffee! :)

      And glad you got the cue. First in mans the coffee pot.

      And I love your words about tenacity and talent. So true. My old sales boss used to love the saying "The harder you work, the luckier you get." and I've used that with kids and authors and just about anyone who will listen.

      Hard work pays off.

      Perfect, Deb!

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    2. Ooh I like that saying, Ms. Ruth!

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    3. Debra, thanks for being the early bird and making the coffee!

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    4. Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. ~ Thomas A. Edison

      Talent is only honed through hard work. And if you work hard, you'll be ready when opportunity arises. :)

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    5. Am I too late for scones?
      It's been one of those "no writing" days off due to school supply buying, doctor well visits for kids, voicing for kids for school choir, AND...picking up my daughter's bruised fender-bender car from the mechanic. So...writing will happen...um...later ;-)

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    6. Pepper, never too late! I've been on the farm all day, plus a hair trim I almost missed (EEK!) but remembered to look at the clock just in time...

      I love the Edison quote. Sounds like Mike Rowe. :)

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  2. Making time for what you love to do is important even when it is a sacrifice. Thank you for sharing. I have peach muffins to go with the coffee. I want this book please and thank you. 😂

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    1. I love peach muffins! Thanks (virtually).

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    2. Now I want a non-virtual peach muffin...It would go so nicely with my tea as I settle in to write this afternoon. :)

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    3. I want a peach muffin, too. Hey, sweet cakes, do you have a recipe??? Lucy, how do I make a peach muffin?????

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  3. I am always trying to work on the self-discipline. Now school starts again tomorrow and I need to work it all in. I didn't make the best use of my summer. I loved reading how these authors do it. Please put me in the drawing for the kindle book from the authors. I already have the Guideposts book.

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    1. Sandy, don't beat yourself up. Summer is summer. If you had fun that's the important thing.

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    2. Sometimes taking some time to relax and be present with your family during their downtime is the most important way to spend your summer. With the 'back to school' routines also comes the mindset for everyone that now is the time to be more focused and disciplined with your writing.

      And ask Kathy says, summer is summer...Have fun! :)

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    3. Oh gracious, Sandy! I had plans to finish writing a book this summer.
      NOT HaPPENING!!

      But there were lots of GOOD things that happened besides writing, and sometimes we just have to give ourselves some grace. Summer is tough to get into a schedule. Like Erica said.

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    4. I love you guys.... Pepper, that is a really nice and smart thing to say. It's true. Some seasons lend themselves to writing productivity and some don't.... and sometimes we're just not making it a priority. But I've had times with family illness, job changes, moving people, you guys know what I mean... and we have to minimize things now and then. Not family... but sometimes what I minimize are the things I enjoy and then I reward myself when my little goals get met.

      So we don't beat ourselves up.... But we don't make it a habit, either. And maybe that's the clutch right there... Develop the habit and stick to it as much as possible.

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    5. I will keep up working on the habit. Thanks everyone for encouraging me not to beat myself up!

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  4. Love that farm-girl Ruthy.....and her books! I don't see how you do it all. Please count me in for your Guideposts book.

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    1. Ruthy is a treasure, isn't she? A Big-hearted, Get-It-Done treasure!

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    2. Oh, gosh.... stop it.

      Honestly, all y'all know I love what I do so I'm always mystified when others find it to be work, but aside from that.... which I consider a blessing... the farm is a composite of Dave's dream and a family combo but man, it takes a lot of time so I'm constantly juggling until 10/31.

      And then I'm going to Nashville for research and the Christy Award mini-conference and I'm going to take a few days to 'breathe' and then hit the ground running again.

      But I love being a treasure!

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  5. I've gotten pretty good at saying no to things and people. But the rest of it, like discipline and consistency is as much a work in progress as my current WIP. I'm getting there.

    I don't read e-books much, so please just put me in the drawing for the Guidepost book. :0)

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    1. Samantha, I had a hard time learning to say no without the steaming side-helping of guilt that always came along with it! But, I learned that I wasn't saying no to: Teaching Sunday School, Heading Committees, Becoming the Church Janitor, etc. I was saying YES to writing! That helped a bunch!

      But if I'm going to say yes to writing, I have to actually sit down and do it. You and I can row in that boat together! :)

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    2. YES! No more staring at a blinking cursor or trimming my finger nails with that freed up time. x)

      It also helps to realize when we say no to something, we're keeping that project free for whoever God designed it for. That helped me with the guilt thing--even while I was trimming my nails...

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    3. Samantha, that's a great attitude... and when I'm staring at a blank screen I either get up and do something else IF I've already written a thousand words or more OR...

      I write something absolutely off the cuff that refreshes and recharges my brain. Honestly, if I zip off a "story starter" like I use when I'm working with authors or teens, or I create a book opening from some other genre or just ANYTHING, I make myself think...

      And I will also throw things out to the gals on the loop for Seekerville and say "What do you think?" and when there are fifteen women offering opinions, something ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS gets the ball rolling and I go... ah... yes... if I turn myself around and begin looking at the scene from this direction, the hero gets his goal and the heroine kicks him.

      Perfect!

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    4. Good tips to apply myself--thank you! :0)

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  6. My children are grown and I no longer work full-time, but find that Things Creep In to take the place of active parenting and the old 9 to 5. Earlier this summer I did an exercise, reducing my life to the five things I wanted to do with the rest of my life: writing books, growing tomatoes, my dollhouse hobby, spending time with family and friends, and some travel. And I started saying no to anything that didn't fit into those categories. I don't go to lunch just for the sake of going to lunch, although I will have lunch with a friend if there's ministry involved. And did you see "committee chairmanships" in that list? No, because there aren't any.
    Ruthy is right. I should just get that on a T-shirt. Or a tattoo.
    Being prepared helps, unless you're simply not wired that way. I started writing guest blogs before I got my first contract -- I figured somebody, some time, would want to hear what I had to say. And I took a huge gamble and wrote the sequel to "Westward Hope" before "Westward Hope" was accepted. Guess I knew someone, somewhere would want these stories.
    Hard work, organization, preparation and saying no work for me now.
    Another good tip is breaking things into chunks. I am doing a nonfiction book with my daughter, one of those "Images of America" things, and I've had to add that to my already-jammed fiction schedule. So what I'm doing now is a "chunk" of each project, every day: one topic of research for the third "Western Dreams," a couple of research topics for the history book, a blog for my upcoming PR, a scene or two for my Christmas novella. This works for me now -- but when I've got all the research done for the third book, it will be writing, writing, writing. Discipline depends on what's going on.
    Enter me in the e-book drawing, I don't use my Kindle enough, which is Ironic Because My First Book Is An E-Book. Writers appreciate irony.
    Kathy Bailey
    Kaybee doing a balancing act like the Chinese acrobats on the old Ed Sullivan Show

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    1. I like your strategy. Everything gets to progress that way!

      And super smart writing those guest posts early! Wish I had thought of that!

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    2. I would have never thought of writing guest posts early, Kathy, that's brilliant!

      And we do appreciate irony, don't we? :) It's just part of the whole!

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  7. Hi Ruth:

    Late start today.

    Haven't read the post yet but had a good laugh with just one glance.

    When I spotted the cover of, "Deep Undercover", by Leona, I had just one thought:

    "They're Not Dogs"!

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    1. Hey, my friend, good to see you! And those dogs... oh my stars, I think that one is a Brittany Spaniel, isn't it? ADORABLE! And a Golden Lab.... or maybe the first one is an English Spaniel? A close relative, right?

      But I'm confused because they are dogs and now you have me mystified, Vince!

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    2. Hi Ruth:

      They are not dogs! They are regular policemen in 'deep undercover'! The punchline is like 'deep POV' -- almost impossible to get. :)

      BTW: As I was typing 'Lenora's' name I kept thinking 'El Nora' who is a good friend of the Grammar Queen and I left out the 'r'.

      I don't know the breeds of the dogs but either of my Air Force K9s could have them for lunch...an adorable lunch be that as it may.

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  8. What great advice from these amazing authors I admire!! Ruthy, thanks for sharing their stories. It truly is inspiring (and convicting). :)

    I love your new Guideposts cover!! Another great one!

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    1. Thank you on the cover!!!! I love their work. And these ladies have been my inspiration (I invited Margaret too, but I mistakenly used her old e-mail and by the time it came back to me it was too late to ask her to jump in)... they've set the bar high and they're not only prolific, they're so good. Missy, they convicted me, too!

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  9. I have gotten so much out of the practice of commenting here...but I need the connection to other writers and readers! My husband has been on break (he's a college professor), so the schedule is non-existent. But we're back to our regularly scheduled programming next week, and hopefully, a regular writing time. I'm getting some writing done this week, but not as much as I'd hoped.

    Ruthy, I love your encouragement, and I would love to be entered to win your new Guideposts book.

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    1. Welcome back, Meghan! I love my routines and knowing for the most part what will happen in a day. It helps me be consistent.

      So does the #1k1hr group on Facebook. I love that little community!

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    2. Meghan, it's always a pleasure to see you here! Welcome back!!! And I'm part of that 1K1HR group on facebook, too. It's just an easy way to keep me focused and to chat with other writers and encourage them.

      And I hardly ever make fun of anyone. Hardly. Ever.

      What are you working on right now??? We'd love to hear about it. And we understand the crazy of summer and holiday schedules. We get it!

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  10. Dearest Ruthy,

    You've ALWAYS got the BEST advice and encouragement and you ALWAYS know where to go to find others who have found a way to be successful in their writing careers like you!

    It seems there are times when a former routine is disrupted and it takes a week or so to find the balance again. My 91 year old Momma moved in with me about two weeks ago. I'm adjusting my schedule and trying to find what is going to work for me to get my writing time in! I think it's back to EARLY morning writing! She adores time to visit with me and we have regularly scheduled meals together---something I haven't done since my husband went to be with Jesus two years ago.

    Thanks again for the encouragement. I'd love to win the printed version, but if not I'm sure we'll purchase it. My mother is a phenomenal reader a great fan of Guideposts!

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    1. Blessings on you, Kathryn, for taking such good care of your Momma. Seasons and priorities.

      I hope your writing fills up your cup, and that your fiction writing makes you an even better daughter/caregiver.

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    2. Oh my word, I am so proud of you for taking Momma in and I can appreciate the change in scheduling from here. And how can it be two years, Kate??? But it is.

      I'll put you in for whatever and we like Mommas to be happy!!!!!

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  11. Thanks for posting this, Ruthy. I needed to hear this to remind myself of how thankful I am to have this career. As I always say, “Even on the worst days, this is still the best job.” And meeting people like you is one of the best perks! I mean, Linda Goodnight—who doesn’t love that woman! And Lynette Eason amazes me. Pepper is a sweetheart, too! I’m in great company with all of you and with our wonderful readers! Thanks so much!

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    1. Lenora, isn't the community of Christian authors THE BEST!!! I am so encouraged by being a part of them. I can't imagine being in this alone.

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    2. Amen. I’ve made so many great friends over the years!

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    3. I am in total agreement. We are so blessed by one another and to be able to do what we do. Lenora and Pepper, I'm so glad you've both been here! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. You guys are wonderful.

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  12. Thanks for the pointers. I homeschool my daughter and by the time school is over (what I've set as my writing time) my brain is mush and the family wants me to be present. I'm looking for ways to make my schedule work for me.

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    1. Naomi, I was a homeschool mom for many years, and I appreciate your dilemma. It's a demanding career!

      Is there a way you can incorporate writing time into your homeschool day? Get your daughter on board with it? Even if it's only in 15 minute spurts? I set my kids lessons to accomplish, and while they were working, I would dive into my manuscript for a few minutes here and there.

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    2. Naomi, that's why I went to early morning, before anyone is up. That way there is no mom guilt, no grandmom guilt, no guilt at all. It's a win for me, and if Mama's happy, well, you understand... the trickle down theory!

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    3. Naomi, I was a homeschool mom, too! Until my children graduated and put me out of a job! LOL!

      I found that writing in the morning pumped me up for the rest of the day. My goal back then was 750 words a day. I'd get my students going on their day once my goal was met. Knowing I had already achieved that much before 8:00 am was energizing!

      You'll find your sweet spot!

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  13. Love, love, love this post. Writing is creative and imaginative and beautiful, but it's also a job and a skill and a discipline.

    Ruthy, you are the gold standard when it comes to working hard at everything you do. You work hard, you play hard, you love hard.

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    1. Well, it's good to be the gold standard at something!!!! :) Thank you, sweet Erica. You can see I am actually a skilled copycat!

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    2. Erica, she really is amazing, isn't she? What a blessing!!!!!

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  14. Always love common sense posts.

    Reminds me of Dave Ramsey. If you want to become a millionaire, do what millionaires do. (Not exact quote, but the meaning is the same.)

    It really is about self-discipline.

    All these women are terrific examples.

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    1. I love Dave Ramsey. And Mike Rowe. I love common sense people that don't try and cut corners.

      Just do the work...

      Lather.

      Rinse.

      Repeat.

      :)

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  15. I always want books by authors as good as you, Ruthy. ;-)
    I have been spoiled the last few years because I have been full-time stay-at-home mommy. This fall I am going to teach preschool two days a week, which is two afternoons I won't get my normal writing done during kids' naptime. I am about to have to learn how to balance a new schedule, but I am up for it. And just think NJ of all the kid stories I will have! I agree with Pepper. I am a daydreamed and often fall asleep thinking about the next scene I need to write.

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    1. Amy! That's so cool, actually. I have seen writers actually produce MORE when they have less time because they have to focus more carefully. It's an irony but also makes sense. When we think we have more time, we're not as apt to put the pedal to the metal.

      Less time?

      We re-focus!

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    2. And I'm always thinking of the next scene, too. I think that adds to our production, because my mind is always on "how would Shane react? What would Sage do? How badly did she want that?"

      And it helps because when I finally get a chance to hit the keyboard (YAY!!!), I can feel the emotions of the scene and just need to put words to it.

      Although now and again I actually have something spring in without me even thinking of it.

      People. Dogs. Babies. Out of the blue things that somehow seem like they should have always been there.

      I have no explanation for that.

      Well.

      Wait.

      Maybe the scene was a SNOOZER!!!!!

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  16. I want your book Ruthy! Thanks for the timely and encouraging post. Lee-Ann

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  17. Keep on writing so that I can keep on reading.

    Count me in thanks.

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  18. Please enter me! Would love to read your mystery.

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  19. Mindy, hi! You are absolutely in and thank you for being such a big fan of Christian fiction!!!

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  20. What a wealth of wisdom. I needed this. There are some committees I still need to let go. My writing life, like Pepper's, is balanced around work hours, church, and taking care of elderly parents. However, this let's me know it's possible. I aim to have 50 books one day, especially after reading this..

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    1. Joy! Well, that idea brings joy to me, woman. I had to learn to say no... and to make writing more important than some things and balance with others (parents... kids... grandkids... you know how it is!) And working two jobs... so my writing was going to take the place of one of those jobs and it did. Then it took the place of both.

      #PARTY!!!!

      Stay the course. We've got this.

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  21. Yesterday was crazy busy with therapy and lack of sleep. I did get me knee to bend as far as humanly possible. I am walking with out a limp or any sign of my injury. Now if all the pain will go away. Although this is all research for future books.

    I've been working on editing some of my first books. I discovered the one has a sagging middle. I hope to go back in the archives and read about sagging middles asap. I am celebrating the fact that I could recognize the problem.

    I would love a copy of your newest mystery from Guideposts.

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    1. Wilani, go you!!! First I'm so happy to hear your knee is getting better and second, that you've gone back to edit. Like a soccer player or a football player or a first baseman, we get better with practice. I'm so proud of you!!!!

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  22. Oh Ruthy, I loved this post. It was so good. Hearing your insights, as well as the other authors you shared. I am good at the no-t.v. thing. With teenaged boys (who went back to school today!!!!), I have more time in the evenings. the hardest thing to balance is being available when they want to talk . . . which is, inevitably, in the evenings. I struggle with saying no to them, but there are times, when they're just hanging out, that I let them know I'm getting back to work.

    I"m finding that, when I am rested--physically, emotionally, spiritually--it's much easier to stay self-disciplined. But, I'm also learning to work through the weariness, when it can't be avoided.

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    1. Jeanne, that's half the battle right there. Recognizing yourself, your best times, and then making use of it. I think that's clutch to productivity, and then that firm push to get us working even when things are less than ideal. And I love kids, so I find them hard to resist, too!

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  23. As usual, you've hit the nail on the head, Ruthy. So many great points and some fantastic advice from some of my favorite people. Now how could I argue with them? You gotta want it.

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    1. Amen to that! I've found through experience that successful people aren't afraid to emulate successful people and that birds of a feather really do flock together... so hard workers tend to recognize and respect other hard workers!

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  24. Thanks for this great post, Ruthy!

    It always seems that once I hit a groove and the writing is going strong, then something in my life changes to throw off that groove. So now my goal is to learn to roll with the waves. I'm Jack Aubrey, standing on the quarter deck, one eye on the prize and one eye on the wind. :-)

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    1. Gotta watch the wind and tack your sails accordingly. Life doesn't just hand us turns and twists... it sails them at us, full tilt, like an old-time pinball machine.

      And we learn to bounce.

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  25. I want your mystery! I wanted to get that on the table first thing. �� Love this post. I definitely need to be more disciplined.

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    1. Laughing at both and you're in, LOL! And yes, get more disciplined, woman. You're so talented!!!!

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  26. I love this post so much I may print it out and glue it to the wall by my writing desk. Great advice from some of the best in the business. Thanks, ladies!

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    1. Aren't they wonderful? They've set an example for so many of us and they're true leaders. And nice.

      Dagnabbit, that's a lot to live up to, Laurel!

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  27. Fantastic post, as always, Ruthy! It's a good thing I'm not a writer, because most of the time I lack self-discipline. I can always find something to aid me in my procrastination. Thanks so much to all of you lovely people who share your time and talents and tips! You're amazing!

    I'd love to have my name in the hat for the drawing!

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    1. You are in, Winnie! And I love that you're such a marvelous fan of Christian fiction. It's been so nice to get to know you!

      And we love procrastinating readers because they're usually reading! :)

      But in writing it's like a DEATH KNELL.

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  28. Wonderful post! I've definitely learned to say 'no' to many things in order to work from home. Many things, except my mother. ;)

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