Blatant Self-Promotion Today

For those of you who saw R.J.'s Facebook vlog last Friday, you know that I was on it with him, and that's why I didn't do a blog. The Friday before that, R.J. explained that we were busy setting up a display at the local library, advertising our upcoming live presentation this coming Sunday - so neither of us posted on social media and no blog from me. But, I'm back!

The live presentation at the Santini Library in Aurora, IL, is taking place on January 28th from 1:30 to 3 p.m.  RJ and I will talk about our careers at Walt Disney World, in conjunction with photos projected on a big screen. We've done these types of appearances several times, and really enjoy them. We answer questions from the audience after the presentation, and then personally sign any of our books that guests purchase. Great fun!

In today's publishing world, it is definitely incumbent on authors to constantly use any viable method possible to promote their work. Indie publishers often don't have the staff or the budget for such things, and, besides, readers like to hear from the writers themselves. We are happy to oblige.

If you're in the area this weekend, please come join us. It's free, and the venue is beautiful - even the mid-winter weather is cooperating, with sunny skies.

Thanks for enduring this shameless "ad", and come back next week for something of substance.

Back To Work - With Time Off for Renewal

My husband and I reveled in the non-working days we spent between Christmas and New Years. Even though we did have some much needed time off the first week of December, we had come back to face a stressful two weeks of work and obligations.

We love what we do, but even so, we have learned that it's really crucial to reward ourselves with renewal time on a regular basis. Whether that means taking a trip, as we did a month ago, or just spending a week with no agenda, no commitments (other than a relaxing evening with a friend or two), and just enjoying doing fun things together.

This past Tuesday, we returned to our respective work spaces; R.J. to his sunlit studio, his easel and laptop, and me to my cozy little study upstairs, surrounded by so many visual reminders of friends and family, my accomplishments, and my goals - all of it never fails to rekindle my positive spirit, and make me smile. Being self-employed requires one to be self-motivated as well, and being in my study always achieves that.

So, even though we have a full agenda for 2018, R.J. and I have a strong resolve to "give ourselves a break" on a regular timetable. That can mean not working weekends, for example, but it can be as simple as spending a day together doing something just for us.

Tomorrow will be one of those days: it is my birthday, and I can't think of a better time to be with my best friend - my husband.  My suggestions for the day are not scheduled; we'll just enjoy being together, wherever we happen to be.

I guess what I'm try to say is that I highly recommend giving yourself permission to "escape". Whether that involves a planned trip, a relaxing way to celebrate, or just a spur of the moment thing, you won't regret it - and I guarantee you'll be better for it - truly.