Saturday, May 29, 2010

Overextending ourselves


It's something many of us do--and usually we do it to ourselves. Maybe it's because we're wearing many hats these days. Maybe we don't want to disappoint others. Maybe we just throw ourselves enthusiastically into whatever comes out way.

We're mothers, daughters, wives, volunteers, employees or employers, and to top it all off, some of us become authors.

How in the world do we do it? I don't know. I'm still trying to find the balance. Lately, I've managed to sign myself up for 22+ guest blog posts, five booksgings, and a reader/author weekend. Even planning a family celebration for my first mass market paperback release seems like too much right now.

Yup, I'm beginning to crack. I can feel it. So, how will I get through the coming weeks without imploding, exploding, or drowning in a vat of wine? Hellifiknow...I guess I need to remember to be grateful. I could be feeling the pressure of illness, unemployment or the death of a loved one. Instead I'm digging my way out from under an embarassment of riches.

Strange Neighbors was released a week ago. It came out a week early, and I was just as surprised as everyone else! But again, a much better problem than the opposite! It has been receiving wonderful reviews and that means I have loads of thank you notes to write. Again, probably the best correspondence there is. So why am I complaining? I'm not--not really. I'm probably the luckist woman alive right now. But I'm trying to remind myself (and you, by virtue of this post) to take it a little easier.

Cut back where possible. Treat yourself well. Enjoy the ride, but remember to pace yourself. Breathe. Summer is fast approaching and hopefully that means some of you will be on vacation. I vacation in the winter and treat myself to a week of sunshine during an otherwise cold, dreary time of year. One of the things I love to do on vacation is read.

My book is being hailed as a great summer read. I was interviewed for a NH newspaper article which comes out tomorrow. The reporter read it and decided to recommend it as a great escape. Just pure entertainment and fun. I'm happy I was able to write something like this. You know what? I don't even have time to buy a copy of the newspaper! I asked a friend to save hers for me so I have one for my scrapbook. Meanwhile, I hope it's on-line. At least I can read it when everyone else does!

If you'd like to look for it, here's the link: www.nashuatelegraph.com/

Wishing you a relaxing weekend!

Ash

8 comments:

Wynter said...

Congratulations on the release and the fab reviews!

Nicole Morgan said...

Ugh...couldn't you have posted this about 5 months ago? LOL...just kidding. It's great and helpful advice that I am sure I can learn from. And the book sounds fantastic! Of course I think we already knew that!

Good Luck and may the sales top the charts!!!!!

Jina Bacarr said...

Ashlyn, be sure to post your blogging schedule in an upcoming post (or here in the comments) so we can all follow you!!

Congrats on your release and here's to tons of sales!

Mai said...

*breathe in* *breathe out* You are doing great Ash, Your book is awesome. Working my way through it in between bar-b-que and beach, lol. You are gonna make it =D

Michelle Polaris said...

I know this feeling, Ash. Deep breaths and you'll get through. Great review and congratulations on the release.

Savannah Stuart said...

I feel ya, Ash! As soon as I think I've found a balance, life laughs at me and kicks me in the ass :) Congrats on your release!!

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

Thanks, Everyone!

I'm sorry it took me until the next day to answer your comments. No explanation needed, probably. (Sigh)

Jina, thanks for asking about my blog tour schedule. It's on my website news blog.

http://ashlynchase.blogspot.com

I really appreciate everyone's interest and support!

Ash

Dalton Diaz said...

None of this success surprises me, nor does your blog schedule. You're one of the hardest working authors I know!