Last Updated on: September 30th, 2020
Guess what? I have a few announcements to make today.
This post is kind of like a True Tales Tuesday post crossed with a social media status update, but I figured that I owed it to you to tell you about what’s going on in my life, and what I have been doing for the last month or so… because I’ve been a bit ill, tired, and neglectful of some of my blogger friends.
In keeping with my own suggestions of what to do when you’re a blogger who is sick, I wanted to be transparent with you and tell you what’s happening, what’s been happening, and what’s going to happen in the next little while in my life.
I’ll give you the bad news first, just to get it out of the way, then I’ll move onto the good stuff.
First of all, I’ve been tired lately. A lot. I’m so tired that I’m even thinking of going into hiding… and am… sort of.
In the last month or so, I’ve been helping with renovations to one of the bedrooms at my mom’s house, editing an ebook for Max Ivey (the blind guy whom I interviewed, who is also the man behind The Blind Blogger), writing a series for Dear Blogger (on how to put yourself out there on the internet and how to be seen as an authority), Wording Well, Laying It Out There, and… I’ve been under the weather with a cold that just won’t seem to go away.
But that’s not all.
Wording Well is becoming licensed!
I’ve also been trying to get things in order business-wise, as I’m going through the end-of-year review process with ODSP (the Ontario Disability Support Program), whom I have to report my earnings to (well, if I want them to continue helping me pay my rent and stuff, which I do). They’re great, and are helping me get set up in another program, for women entrepreneurs. I’ve been to three meetings/appointments already, and I have more to go to. On the upside, I am putting together a business plan and will soon be registered as a licensed business!
Yes, I’m getting exhausted! Running a business by yourself is hard. Most people have support, but I’m a one-woman show, folks, and I’m tired. It doesn’t help that my leg has been giving me problems, either, but I think it’s my fault — I shouldn’t have been painting and standing on it for so long. However, I’m happy I have my leg and didn’t lose it in my accident. Of course, attending all these meetings is not helping my leg much, either. 🙁
What also doesn’t help is having technical problems like testing out a new plugin and running into problems that aren’t even connected to the plugin. That added stress is something I surely could have done without!
I also am supposed to have a new book coming out in December, but I’m not even close to completion. Ugh. The good news is that my Media Kit for Risky Issues is pretty much finished.
I Am Seeking Beta Readers
What I’m going to do, in honour of November being National Novel Writing Month (#NaNoWriMo), is go into hiding, to work. That means I’m not going to be too active on social media, I’m going to be commenting less on others’ blogs, and I’m going to try to focus on finishing my book.
I’m going to be looking for a few beta readers for Letters to Julian, too.
If you want to be one, please let me know.
I’m not sure when it’ll be finished, or how long it’ll be. What it will be is a collection of letters I’ve written to my son over the years. I’m a single mom, and I’m not perfect. I’ve been a crappy mother to him on many occasions, and I carry a lot of guilt about that. Of course, there have been a lot of good times, too, and these days my son assures me he’s over the bad parts. I’ll give you more information as I progress with this project.
For now, I’m going to post some “fun” posts while I’m “gone” but will begin with an installment of the FITS series, next Tuesday. I am committed to continuing to serve my faithful readers, even though interactions online may be somewhat limited.
Knowing me, I’ll end up getting so into things that I’ll probably be active regardless, but if I’m not, I want you to know beforehand WHY I’m not around.
So there you have it. I’m going into hiding… to work.
I’m expanding my services, too!
Because I don’t think I do enough (yeah, that’s sarcasm!), I am also going to be expanding the services I offer. I’m going to be offering consulting services for struggling and/or newbie bloggers, as well as different purchase packages for blog posts. (I’m sure Greg will like that!)
I’m also going to be blogging more about my life on my other site, Lorraine Reguly: Laying It Out There, where True Tales Tuesdays and Featured Fridays are moving to (they used to be found on this site, and some are still found in the archives here), so if you like those kinds of posts, please follow that blog instead of this one — or in addition to this one! 😉
I also wanted to wish my American friends a Happy Thanksgiving (Canadians celebrated theirs earlier this month) and a Happy Halloween, to everyone. I am not too sure of what I should be saying to my readers from other parts of the world, as I don’t know a lot about your cultures, but you can educated me in the comments section, if you want.
I’m still going to be giving away some free editing to one lucky winner, so please don’t forget about the opportunity to win free editing!
I also wanted to mention that I need a hug. I do. I could probably use something else, too… but I had better not say what THAT is… LOL
I’ll leave it to your imaginations. 😉
See you on a limited basis in Novemeber, over here, but hopefully more on my other site, Laying It Out There.
Don’t forget to let me know (either in the comments or privately through my Contact page form) if you want to be a beta reader for Letters to Julian. Thanks!
It is always better to have some time off to finish your present endeavors. I can understand the problem you might be going through and my best wishes are always with you.
Good Luck Lorraine
Thank you, Michael! 🙂
Best wishes to you, too, in 2015!
Hi Lorraine,
I’m a few weeks behind on some of my reading. I can identify with you. Blogging is not easy nor is marketing and it’s not for the faint of heart. Yet, we press on towards that magical goal full of new opportunities and new reasons to be exhausted, lol…
I just got a copy of Max’s book and I am just starting to read it in the little bit of time that I have. I am looking really forward to it. What a great guy he is!!!!!
I hope all is well and that you’re feeling better?
Have a great finish to your week.
~ Don Purdum
Don, thanks for dropping by again. Blogging can be tough, I agree. Of course, it’s all the small things that go along with it!
I hope you realize that Max’s book is not 100% finalized yet and that he gave it to you so you can simply take a peek at how it’s been improved! 😉
I’m feeling a bit better, but am still having some health problems. Nothing I can’t handle, but it’s still annoying that I have to deal with them.
Have a great upcoming weekend, Don.
You’re welcome! I know that about Max’s book. It’s just for me so that I can give a review when he’s ready for it. I’m really looking forward to reading it. Time is just so hard to come by these days with the number of prospects and clients that I have. It’s really a GREAT problem to have!
I understand annoying health problems. I hope you feel like yourself at 100% again soon.
Don, I’m glad you are going to review Max’s book! That’s awesome! I know he will be happy, as will I. 😉
I’m feeling much better now. I have been to the doctor’s office and am on medication. Phew! Good days ahead should be ahead now, my friend.
*Virtual hug*
Aww, thanks, Alica. 🙂 I needed that!
Hugs back!
Hey Lorraine, here is to good health for you and coping with all the work you do. I wish you well for your plans as well. I believe you will come through as a winner.
Thanks, Welli! 🙂
Cheers to good health in all of us!
I am sending you a big Hug. I hope you will feel better soon. I will check all your links that you have mentioned. You are managing a lot , I can understand your situation. I feel its your greatness that in spite of this much work you also manage to extend your help to others. I have seen and read about the way you are helping Max, may God bless you for that as I believe if we help someone , it returns to us even with a greater magnitude. I hope this rest from blogging will help you complete all your plans.
Best Wishes on your way , all the way from Saudi Arabia.
Andleeb, thanks for the hug! 🙂 I needed that!
FYI, I hope you are continuing to use the site Many Things. I see an improvement in your English already!
Well it certainly sounds like you’ve had your hands full – and that was great that you helped Max with his book. I’ve only recently met him (digitally) in an online group, but I’m very happy he has achieved his goal of writing his first book. I wish I could offer to assist as a Beta Reader but I’m finishing up a book of my own, but I’m sure you’ll have plenty of volunteers. Enjoy your writing time and I look forward to reading future “fun” posts.
Marquita, it’s nice to meet you. Welcome to Wording Well!
Thanks for your kind words. Max is a great guy, and has a heart of gold.
Enjoy the upcoming posts, and good luck with your book, too! 🙂
Hi Lorraine,
Very sorry to hear about your problems but understand the pain. We have many in common.
Thrilled about your accomplishments in spite of it all.
I am sending you a great big Hug from across the seas in India, and hope your other wishes get fulfilled as well.
Get well soon.
Nick
Dr. Nick, thanks for the sympathy. I appreciate it, and the hug, too. 😉
I wish you the best, and see you soon. Take care.
Here’s a virtual hug for you Lorraine: (%) You have to use your imagination a little. I wish you all the best with your endeavors, and I think it’s a great idea to try to take a bit of a break if you can. I have no idea what a beta-reader is, but I’d be happy to read your book if that would help. I’m a mom too, so I know a little something about guilt. 🙂 Take care and best wishes!
Meredith, thanks for the hug! I’m sending you one back. You’re a mom, you need it! LOL
A beta reader, essentially, is someone who will read a draft copy of a book and provide feedback to the author. I’m likely going to have a small checklist for my betas to consult when giving me feedback, to help them out, as some people might not have ever been a beta reader before. I appreciate your interest, Meredith, and will add you to the list! Thank you!
Lorraine — you have so many projects going, no wonder why you’re tired. It’s fine to take a break from blogging. Good luck with all your endeavors.
Jeannette, I sometimes forget I’m not superwoman, even though I try to be!
Thank you for your understanding and the wishes. Have a great November. I’ll be back with bells on!
Hoping your hiding period is productive Lorraine. Sometimes that’s the best thing to do. Good luck:)
Jacqueline, I hope so, too! Thanks for the wish; I have a feeling I might need it. 😉
Have a good month. 🙂
Just reading all that makes my head spin. Can understand why you might want to close some stuff down for awhile.
Ken, I know, right?
You write from the heart. No airs or graces – complete transparency.
Thank you for sharing.
I plan to read your other blog – Lorraine – laying.it out there.
(((((hugs)))))
Phoenicia, first of all, welcome to Wording Well. Secondly, thanks for reading. Finally, thanks for appreciating my writing style. Does this mean you would be interested in becoming a beta reader? Or is it too soon to tell?
Hugs!
Lorraine, I do appreciate your kind piece of advice in my blog. It means a lot to me.
If it’s okay by you, I would love to be a beta reader for Letters to Julian.
Please have some rest and I strongly hope you get well soon.
Chris, thanks for your offer, and for the praise and wishes, too. I’ll add your name to my list of people to contact as beta readers! 🙂
Take care, and see you in December.
Oh, and it’d be great if you uploaded a gravatar. Just a friendy suggestion. http://en.gravatar.com/support/what-is-gravatar/
Lorraine, you do so much and still managed to be hard on yourself. Its okay to make these kinds of “hiding” decisions for your sanity and rest. I’ll be thinking of you and awaiting your return after November and NANO. In the mean time, I”ll be cheering you on. I’m a bit busy myself so I can’t offer beta reading right now, but I look forward to buying and reading Letters to Julian. It sounds like a wonderful project.
I wish you deep and wonderful rest!
Emily
E.G., the life of a writer is never easy, is it? What compounds things further is being a business owner. Too often I attempt to take on multiple roles and believe I’m superwoman. For the most part, I can handle things just fine, until I get sick. Then my whole world seems to fall apart. Ugh.
I appreciate your honesty, and understand your situation, too. Hearing that you’ll buy my book (and read it!) elates me! Thanks! 🙂
See you in December, E.G.!
Frist of all, here’s a huge hug. I would love to be a beta reader for you. Just let me know, when you’re ready. You’ve done so much for me as far as inspirition, technical stuff, and just plain online friendship. I love to read and write, so I look forward to reading your book.
Take care of yourself and get some rest. We all get run down from time to time. Our minds are going faster than our bodies and that causes strees, so take care of yourself and stay positive. You are a terrific person and everyone knows it!
Jo Ann, thanks for the hug… and the praise. *blushing*
I appreciate your kind words and the offer to be a beta reader, too. I’ll add your name to my list! Thank you!
I think you are a terrific person, too, Jo Ann, and LOVE seeing comments from you each time I post something. You are one of my most loyal readers, and seeing your smiling gravatar warms my heart. Here’s a hug for you, too! You sure deserve it! x(HUG)x
Here’s hoping you’re well soon. Happy to be a beta reader for you.
Charles, thanks — on both counts!
I’ve added your name to the list. 🙂
Hi Lorraine – here’s the hug and another one. Hope you feel better soon. I know all about being tired, it can defeat you but keep looking forward, it does go away. Good luck with the Women Entrepreneur program. One thing, definitely take the time you need to recover – that’s so important.
Thank you, Lenie! 🙂 I’m grateful for the hug, too. 😉 I’ll do my best to get better (I’m drinking tons of OJ) soon!
Hey lorraine; first thanks for the plug. people will be able to buy the book on my site. thanks for the link over there too. was very blessed when you reached out to me all those months ago to do the interview. and you are doing this right letting us know what is going on and what to expect. and this means that if you are a guest poster you may have to carry the conversation so be sure you are ready to reply to all comments before guesting on lorraine’s site. its only good manners but you would be surprised how many don’t. glad to hear you are making progress on your book. with you being sick and helping your mom i was worried working on my project might be holding you back. and it does take a lot of time. before reading this post i was finishing a guest post for an online magazine in hopes it would lead to more exposure that would help the ebook. I need to get to bed myself. 🙂 can’t wait for letters to julian. take care my friend. xoxo max
Thanks, Max, for your understanding. I don’t get sick often, but when I do, it really drags me down. 🙁
I like your advice to my guests, too. LOL They are all aware of what is *expected* of them, though. 🙂
I’m happy to help plug your book, Max, as you’ve given me so many shout-outs already. 😀
It’s great to hear you’re doing some guest posts of your own, Max. Go get ’em, my friend!
I’ll put your name on the list for possible beta readers. Thanks!
I heard from Max about how the e-book is going. great work from both of you. 🙂 A lot going on clearly. You and me both. 😉 I would like to be a reader, if you need one. I think I am doing NaNoWriMo for the second time, but there is so much else I want to do too. Hope you feel better soon.
Kerry, I was thinking about you the last few days. I know I’ve yet to email you regarding our interview, but I’ve not forgotten. It’s on my ever-growing list of things to do!
Thanks for the offer to help. I’ll add your name to my list of beta readers and will keep you in the loop. 🙂
Good luck with NaNoWriMo, too! You can do it!!!