All posts by NewEngland_Muse

I'm a traditionally and self published author. I write in the genre of children and YA at the moment but working my way up to adults. I'm a sports loving, photo taking gal who loves to sing/dance to my own enjoyment. I love to laugh even at myself. I am also owned by 8 birds and 2 hamsters, and yes they know it. :)
A blog about the topics of writing, Author

Getting back into the swing of writing

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How often do you check your books online to see ratings or read comments? I used to do it regularly, but over time, it became something I did only when I remembered.

When I checked Amazon, I was thrilled to discover that my book, Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure, now has over 100 reviews. Jasper and I are flying higher than ever!

I know it took some time to reach this milestone, but I intend to savor it. There are those who enjoy the book and don’t leave a review for various reasons. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.

Every time something positive happens with my books, it just confirms that this is what I should be doing: writing. It brings joy that is hard to contain, well, for me anyway.

It has been a long journey for me with my writing, but the newness of it when I start a new WIP is still there with me, and may that never change.

The self-imposed deadlines to the actual deadlines, the endless editing, which is one of my least favorite things to do, the going over book covers, and so much more. There is a lot to do when you are an author, no matter how many pages or genres. We birth it and watch it unfold and grow, if you are fortunate.

Not everyone is a success, and not every book gets out for people to read. Just another part of the process.

I am back to updating my blog, working with my social media platforms, and reviewing edits for the second volume of my Squirrel Mafia book. Recently, a fan asked if I had started on volume five of my children’s series, the Jasper, Amazon parrot series. That question caused me to pause to consider my next steps.

But having a fan reach out to ask was such a great feeling. It made my day.

Back in the saddle again, I am ready to go once I decide on what project to work on.

A blog about the topics of writing, Writers helping writers

Quitter’s Day

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At the end of each year, many people worldwide make resolutions. Some writers make a few, while others have a long list.

It varies on how many are successful or quit. I read the other day that there is a thing called Quitter Day, and it falls on the second Friday of January. It is when people have quit their resolutions. I admit I had a small chuckle at that.

But my mind went to my writing. Are there writers that have resolutions when it comes to their writing?

Do they make a long list or a short one? One resolution that always makes my list is to write more.

Over the years, the list has included a variety of goals that have included writing more, enrolling in a writing course, and attending my writer’s group to promote my written works.

I have been successful with a few in the years that have gone by.

Writing gives me joy in a way that is hard to express to someone who does not write. Writers understand, even if they can’t adequately describe it to anyone, including me. That is one reason it is on my list.

Whether you make resolutions or not for life or your writing, I wish you the best of 2025. May it be full of love, joy, and laughter.

A blog about the topics of writing, Working on your writing craft

Procrastination: How Many Authors Struggle with It?

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I often found myself saying I would write a blog post next week. However, when I looked at my website, I realized it had been longer than a week—no, it had been months since my last update. Has it been too long?

Is procrastination beneficial for authors? Are there both pros and cons?

The answer is no when promoting your brand on social media,

You are only as good as your last buzz in our fast-paced environment.

It doesn’t take long for people to move on to other topics or personalities, and I can be just as guilty of doing this. Maintaining an active presence on your platform is essential to being an author.

When I get stuck on a particular project, rather than banging my head against the wall, I shift my focus to another project. Many writers juggle multiple projects at various stages of completion.

I’ve noticed that when I procrastinate on one project and revisit it later, new ideas often emerge to help me overcome the hurdles I faced earlier.

That said, I tend to feel a twinge of guilt when I procrastinate. I feel like I’m not putting enough time into my craft.

While not all procrastination is detrimental, it’s also not always beneficial.

However, as long as I am engaged in some way, I try not to beat myself up too much about it.