I’m struggling today. Whereas most people come back from a retreat or conference inspired, I come back with my head full of self-doubt and discouragement. I’m not as business savvy as other authors, I’m not as connected, I’m not as successful, I’m not as productive, I’m not as organized, I’ll never be as good as,…
Tag: Barb’s Musing
Playing the Long Game 2 – Big Dog Summer
If you want to run with the big dogs, you’ve got to learn to pee in the tall grass.
Catching Up with Y’All
Wedding Fever It’s T-4 days until my son’s wedding. He’s marrying a lovely young woman and everyone is thrilled. Everyone is also going a bit insane with last minute details. Yours truly is in charge of writing the actual ceremony while Capt. Pete is performing the ceremony along with the bride’s grandfather. Needless to say,…
More Thoughts About Depression
Yes, I know – I’m talking about depression again I debated whether or not to post this blog today for a number of reasons, not the least of which was that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be known as the Depression Writer. In the end, I decided to post because people need to…
When You’re Feeling Depressed
At the RWA Conference in Denver, Leslie Kelly and I gave a talk about Slaying Mental Health Dragons. We talked in great depth (and with brutal honestly) about what it’s like to be a writer fighting depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. the talk wasn’t taped, I was asked if I could post the tips…
Lessons from Mom
My mom passed away last week after a long battle with dementia. As I sat by her bed and held her hand, I was filled with an overwhelming sadness. Sad, not just because she was dying but for the life she could have lived. See, my mom adored my father. They were soulmates. When he…
Second Half Reset
This week marks the second half of 2018, so I’m hitting the reset button. I know — I’ve said that before — but this time I really mean it. Largely because the first half of 2018 sucked. If I want the second half of the year to be better, I need to do some serious…
Ambition Isn’t Easy
When I was young, I wasn’t what you’d call particularly ambitious. I was raised by a very traditional family. If my mom wanted more than to be a good wife and mother, she didn’t say so out loud. She considered work outside the home as something a woman did to help make ends meet. As…
On Getting My Act Together
A few of my colleagues and I created a email loop where we talk business and career planning. It’s a bit intimidating as these other women are incredibly smart and savvy. The way they approach their writing careers is amazing. Me? I’m more like the right fielder who is distracted during game time by chasing…
A Writer Turning 50: Coming to Terms
So there are only 13 days left until I turn fifty. The big 5-0. I’m waiting for the “Oh my God, I’m turning 50” freak out to kick in, and you know what? I don’t think there’ s going to be one. Okay, granted, some of you will say that dedicating an entire six months…