Thursday, October 16, 2014

The Challenge of Saying Goodbye

Hands released into the sky to the white dove

September was a tough month for me, on many levels. My dog’s health started to fail; my own wasn’t that much better. We had a minor flood at the studio, and my husband managed to bring home every virus in the greater Seattle area. We’re all doing much better now, knock on wood.

But throughout the challenges of last month, one constant remained: writing. I sent an early draft of my third book, Karma Can Be Killer, to my agent and editor on September 20th. October 3rd, A Killer Retreat went off to my publisher for its final, final edits. (Which means that I have to trust that what I’ve written will be “good enough.”)

Once they were floating on the Internet ether, I found myself in that achingly empty zone between writing and feedback. I love my two newest creations, but will my readers? And if they don’t…
I try not to think about that. ;-)

Instead, I look around my shamefully messy home, feeling slightly off kilter, My 500-hour yoga teacher training program winds up in January. The next 200-training starts a few weeks later. In less than a month, I’ll be eyebrows deep in book launch activities for second book while writing revisions of my third.

Friends tell me to sit back and take a breather. My husband says I should finally pick up a vacuum. Instead, I spend my days pondering. What should I do next? I won’t know if Midnight Ink plans to renew my first series for at least six months, maybe even a year. Should I continue writing Kate’s story and trust it will find a publishing home? Maybe I ought to start the Maui-based series that’s been tickling me? Perhaps it’s time to play with the Orcas Island-based spinoff that has been rattling around in my head for almost two years now?

Then again, I could experiment with nonfiction. A friend recently told me I should write the true story of my life with Tasha-dog; two veterinarians suggested the same thing. She’s certainly taught me life lessons that I’d like to pass on to the next generation. Then again, if I’m going to make my living as an author, perhaps it’s time to take my first writing class.

I’m sure it won’t be long before something fills the void, but in the meantime I’m content to float for awhile, daydreaming. That’s the beauty of writing. I create my own worlds, fall in love with my characters, and have the privilege of saying goodbye over and over and over again. It’s not much different than birthing a child, or certifying a yoga teacher training class, for that matter.

As I stand at the crossroads, I only know one thing. Whatever comes next will sometimes be frustrating, sometimes frightening, sometimes fulfilling. Please wish me luck on the journey.

Tracy Weber

          A Killer Retreat

Come visit Whole Life Yoga in Seattle, and check out Tracy Weber’s author page for information about the Downward Dog Mysteries series.

10 comments:

Linda O. Johnston said...

I definitely wish you luck, Tracy, and my fingers are crossed that you determine what's next as quickly as you'd like to. In fact, I've no doubt that'll happen. Trust your subconscious! It's clearly already working on your next stories.

Tracy Weber said...

Thanks, Linda! I have no shortage of stories I want to write.....

Dru Ann said...

Sending you good luck vibes.

Tracy Weber said...

Thanks, Dru Ann!

Laura S Reading said...

I want to hear/read the stroy of Tasha dog. But first I have to get back to reading. I am loving several books right now. ONE is about a haunted yoga studio.

Anonymous said...

I say to listen to your heart and do what you love! Life is too short. My mother passed away July 3 and I miss her terribly. She was not ready to go. She wanted to see her great grandbabies grow up. There was so much she still wanted to do but congestive heart failure took her from us way too soon.

Anonymous said...

Take a minute to just breath. Then decide if you want to continue one with your current series or move on to a new one. Everyone needs a break from time to time or they just get burnt out and their writing turns to rubbish.

Tracy Weber said...

Sorry all. I didn't get the notification of these new comments.

DogsMom--a haunted yoga studio? I'd love to know the title.

Cindy--I'm so very sorry about the loss of your mom. Life is, indeed to short. Sometimes the challenge is picking from all the things I want to do.

Angie--Yes, indeed. Time if is also a gift!

Jeanie Jackson said...

May whatever is ahead bring you the joy that you have brought me (and good health to all!)

Tracy Weber said...

Thank you Billie!