I Like to Think....

 How many times do we say or hear someone else say of death and the afterlife, "I like to think..." followed by an imagining of heaven and what it will be like? I like to think those who loved me and went ahead of me will greet me. I like to think all the pets I've had will eagerly greet me. I like to think there is a place to which my spirit will go to live on in peace and joy. Sure, it's a matter of faith and choice to believe. To some it might seem like fantasy thinking. Well, so what? If it proves, in the end, to be nothing more than fantasy but gives me a sense of peace about my leaving this life, then why not embrace it? Because, let's be honest, what awaits us is not a question we can answer from this side of things.

My recently published novel, Almost Heaven, explores this question--what if heaven is for each of us what we like to think it is. This book began, as do all (I believe), with a question of 'What if?' That question was followed by, 'Why not?' I soon realized it is also a therapeutic work for myself. I've shied away from embracing the notion of death and dying and wondering if there's anyone or anything out there awaiting me. I like to think there is. And that belief has given me some measure of peace with the reality that I will stand at that threshold between this life and the next. I've never been good with the unknown. I like control. And knowing what comes next gives me a measure of control, I suppose.

Annie Crawford has had few but impactful experiences of death. She has had a sketchy education around the concept of an afterlife. She hasn't given much thought to the concept until she is hit by a garbage truck and finds herself in front of a cottage in a small town in a serene setting and finding people she has loved that she can only describe as Almost Heaven. But it's not yet time for her to stay and move beyond that threshold. Besides, she meets someone who gives her news that turns her world upside down. She has to go back to confront the lie about her life.

Her experience changes Annie and causes her to re-evaluate her life and choices. One thing is certain--she's coming back to a very different life than the fast-paced, unfulfilling one she had created. Now it's time to live the life she truly wants. And, when it's time for her to cross that threshold and stay, she can imagine with peace and joy what that next life will hold.

It was a challenge for me to classify this book. I settled on Inspirational Women's Fiction/Fantasy with a romance sub-plot. (Of course there is. There has to be a romance.) Almost Heaven is not a religious look at the concept of heaven, but it is a spiritual view of life and the hereafter, very much a matter of choosing what to believe. Perhaps it's my own effort to take some control over what comes next. I'm a person of faith, but have never been one to blindly follow without a million questions. Almost Heaven could well be my own effort to answer them. I hope Almost Heaven is entertaining, thought-provoking, and comforting for you.

Now available at Amazon in
ebook and paperback.
(Coming soon in Large Print edition)

Ever Wonder What's on the Other Side?

 Have you ever wondered what's on the other side of this life? Does heaven exist? Perhaps you fear nothing exists. Annie Crawford hasn't given it all that much thought until she's hit by a garbage truck and wakes up in a strange place that's so perfectly the life she has imagined. The problem is, she can't stay there. And how does she explain--without sounding crazy--what she saw when she comes back to this life? She visits a place that's a lot like heaven--almost. Some things are bound to change, because her near-death experience has changed Annie.

~ COMING SOON ~

LET'S TALK ABOUT IMPOSTER SYNDROME

 

 

It’s easy for writers—in fact, someone in any profession—to fall into imposter syndrome. The feelings of being a fraud, the self-doubt, the uncertainty can be debilitating. And it can come out of the blue—that belief that despite evidence otherwise, you don’t know what you’re doing. This thinking is typically followed by the fear that you’ll be found out for the fraud you are. Shame and fear cover you like a shroud and color your thoughts and belief about yourself and your ability to function. One reaction is to hide, become invisible, and to quit—to withdraw from the very thing that has, up until now, given you life and purpose.

Somewhere along the way, we creatives adopt the notion that we have to be perfect all the time, that our work has to be above error and reproach. We can create a false sense of self that sets us up for a fall. Then something happens to burst that bubble, and we can fall hard and begin to question everything we’ve done. Once that negative thinking worms its way into our brain, it becomes like a flesh-eating bacteria that feeds on self-confidence and self-knowledge. It discounts the positive feedback you receive from others. You’re sure they’re lying just to make you feel better. Surely they see through your façade.

What can you do to turn this around before it cripples you completely? I can only address this as a writer and editor. I can honestly say I’ve never had writer’s block. But I’ve danced with the devil of self-doubt many times. Most recently, I wrote and published a book I’m quite proud of. But I rushed it through the editing and proofing process and didn’t employ the right assistance to ensure it was ready for human consumption. Kind of like the time my mother made nut rolls, but left out the baking soda. They tasted okay, but something was definitely wrong. I was horrified when I began to find errors in the published manuscript. Being independently published, I have the control to fix and republish, and I did so immediately. But my sense of professionalism took a hit.

I spent days wallowing in doubt in my abilities as an editor/proofreader and self-publisher. How could I have let a manuscript go to print with errors like that? A real professional would never have allowed that to happen. Who do I think I am calling myself an editor or proofreader? I should repay every penny to every author for whom I’ve edited and proofed.

Then I realized I don’t handle the work of others the way I handled this manuscript of my own. So what happened this time? It was simple. I rushed through the project, eager to get the book into print on an unrealistic timeline. I handed it over to someone who was well-meaning but didn’t have the skill needed to proof the work. And, boy, have I learned from this one. I can feel reasonably certain this won’t happen again. Of course, a typographical error can be found in almost every published work. I need to be realistic about the degree of perfection, but still strive for the best.

And, so, my latest battle with ‘imposter syndrome’ brought me to this conclusion: honest self-evaluation can move us forward toward becoming more professional, more skilled if we step back and examine the positives and negatives. I took time to evaluate my career as a writer and as an editor. I’m not perfect at either, but I’m pretty darned good at both. The best part is that I can learn from my mistakes.

If you’re a writer (or an artist, a photographer, a chef—any creative) and finding yourself doubting your identity as such, take a step back. Breathe. Stop comparing yourself to others in the profession. Stop measuring success according to which rung on the ladder you’re standing. We creatives can have such delicate egos that are so easily fractured by criticism—often our own. Let yourself be human. Own your mistakes, but then learn from them. Take your time. And take your place alongside other creatives in your profession.

Some of you might remember that Saturday Night Live routine with Stuart Smalley: “I’m smart enough, I’m good enough, and doggone it, people like me.” Then there’s the line from The Help: “You is smart. You is kind. You is important.”

As an author, I’m a small fish—a minnow really—in a very big pond. Have I had dreams of feeding with the big fish (the NYT bestsellers list, etc.)? Sure. Do I feel like an imposter because I haven’t achieved that level of fame? Absolutely not. Take pride in what you do and do your best. Be open to learn. Don’t let the negativity of self-doubt take you down. Stop comparing yourself to the bigger fish and embrace your accomplishments. Own your mistakes, make corrections as you can, and move on. Sharpen your skills.

And for heaven’s sake don’t forget to laugh at yourself. It’s much harder being a human than being a writer or editor or chef or artist. Give yourself a break, then come back stronger.

Never Too Late For Love to Bloom

 

Daisy, Rose, Lily, Violet, and Iris—Five successful women with years of hard work and dedication among them. Retirement and life circumstances prompt each woman to re-evaluate her life choices once she comes face to face with the holes in her own tapestry. LATE BLOOMERS is a collection of stories of women of a certain age opening themselves to love and proving that some things are well worth the wait.

Availalble now in ebook and paperback at

Amazon.com

and in ebook at multiple vendors through

Smashwords.com

 

Late Night Musings From One Happy Writer

 Last night when I couldn't fall asleep, I thought about writing. I've been doing this writing thing for twenty-two years now. I've produced 45+ novels, several novellas, and short stories. People ask me where they come from. Hell, I don't know. I opened a door--or my mind and heart--to this passion one day, and all these people were there waiting for me to tell their stories. That's what I am--a storyteller. I haven't been on any of the big lists like USA Today or NYT Bestsellers, and probably won't be. I did get a star review once from Publisher's Weekly. I had to email them to ask what the star meant--lol.

I'm not a big time author with a huge following who pays the rent with royalties. But, you know what? I'm okay with that. I have this passion to create stories that entertain or make people think. I love the whole process--the writing, the rewriting and editing, finding the right cover that fits the story, even sometimes having to fight with Amazon in the publishing process, then presenting that new book to the world, or my small part of it. I couldn't not do this (and the editor in me cringes at that wording.)

I hope you have a passion in your life that drives you and brings you joy and returns more than it costs to do it. If you feel that nudge, follow it. Do the thing. What's the worst that can happen? I'm not a huge success by some standards, but I'm happy. I love what I do, and I won't stop until I draw my last breath or the words become jumbled and I can't put them together any longer. Then I'll still tell stories that might not make sense, but will elicit a laugh, I hope.

Love life, and follow your dreams.

Retirement? Hah. A Writer's Work is Never Done

 It's been almost two years since I retired from my job in social work and moved back 'home' to Pennsylvania. I'm fortunate to be in relatively good health and able to be active, so now what do I do? I lined up a volunteer opportunity for a few days a week. I planned to pour more time into my writing, as well expanding my work as an independent editor.

Those of you who write understand that just because you retire from other responsibilities, your writer's mind doesn't turn itself off. Ideas continue to flow. Characters demand their stories be told.

And here I thought I'd have more time for travel. (Well, I have time. Money is another matter, but why sweat the small stuff, right?) So I travel through my stories. Reading is a great way to see and experience the world through the imagination of the writer and the experiences of the characters. So is writing.

To that end, I have three books in the works for release this year--three very different stories and with several engaging characters.

Late Bloomers - A seasoned romance collection of the stories of four women: Daisy, Rose, Lily, and Iris (see a theme there?) for whom love got sidelined along the way. Now in their later years, love and romance come to them. Better late than never!

Almost Heaven - Women's fiction that begs the question: What if heaven is exactly what our own heart and soul desire most? What if eternity is our happy place? And what if you got a glimpse, but then had to come back? How would that change your life?

Child's Play - Suspense with a romance sub-plot and a sequel to A Private Practice. Detective Susan Wycoff has a new partner, a secret romance, and dead bodies turning up on playgrounds around the city. She's not a fan of change and prefers to be in charge. Her newly-assigned partner isn't making it easy. Neither is the distraction of romantic attraction.

Heaven knows what idea will pop up next and demand attention. Stay tuned!

                                           Linda

Welcome to 2023