Doubts

 I'll let you in on a secret. I often had doubts about becoming an author.

When blogging was a big thing, several years ago, I wrote four blogs at a time, and then I realized I was wasting my time writing articles when I really wanted to write stories. I recently came across this article I wrote about myself for my blog called Bits, Tales, and Yarns. It reflects what I was feeling at the time. I decided to let you see it, even though it expresses some of my insecurities. I'm not sure of the year but I think it was around 2010. I wrote my first book in 2014.

I Always Wanted To Be a Writer

I've wanted to be a writer since I was in 5th grade, but I also wanted to be a lot of other things then, too. I started taking piano lessons when I was 5 and continued until I was 19. My parents had a plan for me to be a music teacher, and since I was an obedient child, I did what was expected of me. When I was 15, I gave my first piano lesson and continued to do that for 45 more years, with just a little time off for babies. It was a good way to earn a living, and I was happy with it. The challenges were tough but the rewards were huge! I had a great sense of satisfaction watching my students grow up to become pianists -- well some of them anyway. But writing was always calling to me.

In the 5th grade, I actually wrote a book which I passed around to all of my friends to read. My cousin folded and stapled pages into a book form and then I wrote out 10 chapters with a pencil. It was a young girl's idea of a love story about the Rose Bowl game, the handsome quarterback, and the beautiful young woman who was chosen Queen, with the chance to ride in the parade perched royally on the back of a convertible. There was no such thing as color TV then, so the beautiful colors of the Rose Parade with the flowers and seeds on the floats were all in my imagination. I wrote descriptions of floats that I conjured up in my mind and told about the wonderful bands that were seen marching down the street. At that point in my life, I had never been out of the state of Michigan, but I pretended I knew all about California living. It was pre-computer so there was no way to do instant research. I was way too young for a driver's license and my father refused to let me ride my bike downtown; therefore there was no way to get to the library. I'm sure the details were quite inaccurate, but I didn't care and neither did my friends. My book was a big hit, and I was proud of it.

I've always been the kind of person who has many hobbies, and writing was just one of them. Being bored is a concept I know nothing about. There's always something to do; the question is what will I do with my time and how will I make the best use of it. I forged on through the years, writing in diaries (as we called them then) sending long letters home when I was living out of the country, and writing personal notes to my husband and daughters at various times in their lives when bits of encouragement were called for.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've never been disciplined enough to set aside time during the day to practice the craft of writing. I often wake up in the morning and the first thing that comes to mind is an idea for a story or a great first line for a book. I will jot those down on scrap paper only to lose them later; in other words, I do nothing with my great ideas. I don't know why I do that because it is not my true personality. I'm actually a type A; I am a perfectionist in all things -- well let's say I strive for perfection. I like neat, tidy lists for everything I do. So I have now come to believe that the reason I never found time to write is because I'm afraid of failure.

I started this blog dedicated to writing, completely separate from other blogs I write about gardening and cooking. I promised myself that this time would be different. I would open up my heart and pour out my soul. After a few attempts, I see that it is not going anywhere, either. I seem to create stumbling blocks, purposefully blocking my efforts to put on paper what is in my head. Now I'm wondering, do I really want to be a writer or have I been kidding myself for many, many years? If I do, it's time to do something about it or else stop saying "I always wanted to be a writer."

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A Work in Progress

 I got a new app on my phone called WordElf. It helps to encourage me to write every day by keeping track of my stats. Do you see that? I'm 50% through already with Visions of Gold! Of course, 70,000 words is just an estimate, but I usually write between 68-80, so it's probably pretty accurate. Only the characters know for sure how much they have left to say and do. Sometimes they take right over! Can you believe it? They can be real buggers, if you know what I mean.

Anyway I'm on track for a January release. Just thought you might want to know.

My World

 This is what my world looks like today.  I love Michigan this time of year, especially on sunny days, which we have had a lot of for the past month.  What is your world like today?  

Book Signing

 

Are in or near Muskegon, Michigan?  If you are I would love to see you at my book signing on Wednesday October 2nd where I will be celebrating my new book release for The Absconders. We'll have giveaways and treats also. Bring previously purchased Jane O'Brien books to have them signed.

Where is it, you say?  Go to 2245 Darley Dr. Muskegon Michigan 49444. turn left and follow the curve to the leasing office/coffee shop entrance.  Cash and Credit card only.

And don't miss the Amazon New In Box sale at 50% off retail sale.  Cash Only.

It's Ready For You!!

 

I've been keeping a secret, but today is the day I can finally tell you! The Absconders, Book 5, in the Branches of Time series is ready for you, on both Kindle and Paperback. I can't wait for you to see what happens to Skye and Rem next. There are more twists and turns in West Michigan in the Branches of Time.

Here's the link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGXY1HDW

Feel free to share with your friends. And don't forget to leave that all important rating or review at the end of your journey. Let's push this one to the top!

September Morn

 

The song September Morn by Neil Diamond popped into my head this morning. How fleeting the month has been and just like the previous month it promises to slip away just as quickly.  Is it me, or has the world been spinning out of control lately?  It was only yesterday that it was Christmas, then summer, and now we're into fall again.  I have no doubt that Christmas will be over and done with in a blink of an eye. 

So the question is, how do you slow down time, if we can't time travel back to another era as so many of my characters have done? 

I have been trying to take more time for myself by enjoying the little things.  I know it sounds cliche but it does make me feel better.  I want to enjoy every last moment of these warm days.  This week we will find some time to visit Lake Michigan again (my favorite place) which is only 15 minutes away.  I just don't get there as often as I would like.  I need to remember the warm sun on my body, the fresh breeze dancing across my nostrils, the sound of gulls calling, and the hum of boats across the waves.  I love to watch the boats go through the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan.  I often wonder about the passengers.  Where are they going?  Are they with friends and family?  Are they looking for sun and relaxation or a day of fishing?  Or maybe both.  

I'm a people watcher.  This is how I gain information for my books.  And my 'happy place' offers more valuable insight on human behavior than anyplace else I've ever been.  

Watch for some new characters that I have created in my new book coming out later this month of September.  The Absconders, Book 5 in Branches of Time by Jane O'Brien

A New Song

Time’s Passage by The Shore. A theme song for Cade and Skye. What do you think?

New Cover

 I know it's early for this, but I so love this cover that I couldn't wait to show you.

Most authors don't name their books until they're finished writing, but I have to name my book first. I like to have a sense of what the story is about at all times. And the same goes for the cover. I like to look at it from time to time to get inspiration. I actually begin planning it out before I start to write. In fact, I'm already thinking about the next one!

I was with one company for the entire time I've been writing but when they sold out things were not to my liking. I now have a great graphic artist to help me with my projects. It's my very own brother at JMK Graphix We wonder why we didn't collaborate earlier, but I was established with the other place and he had not started his business yet. It's nice to work with family, and we communicate very well. What do you think of our latest creation?

Beach Time!

Did You Know?

 It’s beach time here in West Michigan. I love reading with my feet in the sand and the warm sun on my body (although usually I sit under an umbrella). But the last time I went, I forgot to take my Kindle. No problem. I had the Kindle App on my phone and it syncs to the last page I read on the Kindle at home. Yes, the screen is smaller but it works in a pinch. And it’s free!

Favorite Book

 It's been a few days since I posted anything. Here's why.

I'm working very hard on Book 5 of Branches of Time . I already have the cover and title. It's almost killing me to hold it back, but I want it to be a surprise for you, so you'll have to wait a bit longer. In the meantime, I'm also trying to plan book 6. So yes, in answer to some of your questions, there are a few more to come in this series yet. But I'd like your opinion on how I'm doing so far. I'd really like to know what is your favorite in this series? This will help me to figure out in what direction I should go next.