It’s been a little while since I wrote a more personal blog. And actually, I’m not exactly writing this one — I’m using Dragon voice software because my hands are aching tonight from my tendinitis. I can’t use Dragon to write my books because my creative voice is far different than my dictation voice, but it sure comes in handy for blogging or longer email.
First I want to talk little about my Facebook page. I’m not going to go into the details because I don’t think they’re necessary, but thanks to a continual low-grade infestation of trolls, I will no longer be updating my Facebook page. It will sit as a placeholder to direct people toward my Facebook groups — which are heavily moderated — as well as my website and this blog, where my updates go.
Some people have asked me why I don’t stay and fight the trolls. Simply put: I don’t have the time or energy and it isn’t worth it. I also won’t waste my assistant’s time by having her do it. So, decision made. Links are in the menu bar to the groups, if you are interested.
As you know, or may not if you aren’t on Twitter, I have also pulled back there. I am no longer checking my page there more than once a week, if that. So if you send me a message there, chances are I won’t get it. I have realized that, for sanity’s sake, I’ve had to pull back from social media. It also conserves my energy for writing. To put it bluntly — the net kind of makes me all kinds of crazy. Oh I love some of the innerwebz, but I was getting far too stressed out by so many things that I realized it was time for me to stop.
Enough about the dark underbelly of the web.
I have been working like crazy lately, and still feel like I’m not working hard enough. I turned in a new idea to my editor at Berkeley and I hope she likes it. I’m working on Flight from Mayhem, as well as Night Shivers (an Indigo Court novella). I’ve been away from the IC world long enough to actually be happy writing in it again, though all I can have time for are shorter works. I hope to release Night Shivers in September.
We had a break from heat wave here and it rained for three days. I went out and sat in the rain and I already miss it. I can hardly wait till autumn. The cats continue to do well and Apple has fit right into our little family, and now I think I am done for the day although I really should put in some more words.
Thank you for sharing. I am glad you are taking care of yourself because that is very important.
I haven’t even joined face book yet, but if I do my best friend suggested setting it up so that only friends (people I accept) will get to see my postings. I know that is hard for an artist, someone who wants they’re work out there for everyone to enjoy. But I’m hoping it will cut down on the trolls on a personal site. My other best friend (I have two) and I were talking on the phone (novel idea THAT is) last night and we were discussing how crazy people are with there devices. They won’t even put them down to eat! What’s the point of spending the money to go out somewhere nice, if all you do is stare at a stupid little screen and not the person sitting in front of you!
Hope you feel better physically and emotionally soon. Pet those fur babies! They’re good for what ails you!
OOPS! I meant they’re devices!
I agree. We will follow you. (Slightly stalkerish. LOL I have been reading your books long before Social Media and will even without it!) I just LOVE your writing in any genre. Sorry for your tendinitis flare ups. (For those who don’t know Facebook now has an option under Following to check See First. Everything under this options lists at the top of your newsfeed.) Hugz to your Fur babies. We now have 17, with the new litter of six and another rescue. Hope you have a great day!
I’m sorry to hear about your tendinitis and the web trolls. I do not understand negative people and why they feel they must spread their negativity around but you are wise to avoid them. They’ll only bring you down and aren’t worth your time.
Exactly–they are not worth my time to deal with. Why waste energy on them? Especially with Facebook so severely limited organic reach.
I know what you mean. FB is getting to be more of a chore than a pleasure….gahhhh
Save yourself for “our” books! That’s why we appreciate you so much!
Yasmine, self care is so important. You are wise to realize this and I hope you start feeling better emotionally and physically. I have been an ardent reader of yours for many moons and will continue to be.
Many blessings to you and those you love.
My best wishes you feel better.
I hope you feel better. I have to say I understand about pulling away from social media. Even on my personal page it can be very frustrating and I seem to let everything bother me. Can’t wait to read more of your work!
You and your team rock! Keep yourself healthy and happy, the readers who love and respect you will understand
Thank you for all of the extra effort you put into your books and fans.
I hope you feel better soon. We all understand the trouble of trolls, no worries here. I have been reading your books long before Facebook was even an idea and will continue to read as long as you write. Have a wonderful day.
I think your fans understand. Plus as I said before blog posts and website updates feel more like getting to visit the author at home so to speak and feels more intimate. I hope this ramps up the forums…I really miss the conversations there.
I’m sorry to hear about your flare-up of the tendinitis. Please take care of yourself as we fans need you and so does Samwise and your
babies. Haven’t bought your latest as the TBR pile was high, but being worked on. Please have a wonderful day and be at peace.