I’ll just come right out and say I’m happy to see the back end of 2015. Here’s to a good 2016!
So, you know my often expressed views that discipline and routine are what get words on the page? Let’s just say I now have a deep compassion and more insight for writers who struggle with both. With 30+ years of experience, I never thought it would happen to me, but humble pie is good for the soul, right? Or is that digestion…
I’ve thought about hiding the near collapse of my writing life, but it wouldn’t be right. We’ve always been honest with you and won’t change now. Besides, if my recent lessons and experience can help even one person, I’ll be glad I swallowed my pride instead of putting on a mask.
Though it’s been a busy, disruptive year, the primary way I spent my free time was indulging in voracious research, some of which you’ll soon see. There’s an overview series on the elements of a crime scene coming up as well as a series on how the dead can speak to investigators through their remains (don’t worry, I’ll give warnings before the squeamish bits). Other upcoming posts deal with elements of romance (a touch of which belongs in every genre), suspense, and how to get your characters to talk to you.
And that’s just me. Michelle, Amanda, Chris, and I will be posting on a different schedule this year, but are working to bring you interesting and useful information. Mostly, we’re just happy to be back. We’ve missed you!
The Sarcastic Muse 
And you have all been missed! Welcome back!
Thanks, Dan. 🙂
Oh, Robyn LaRue!f How I’ve missed you. I know only a tiny portion of your trials and tribulations from last year. Shadow’s Wake is a beautiful book. I’m glad you’re back to writing!
To be honest, Marcy, I’ve missed myself quite a bit this last year, but not as much as I’ve missed all of you. Glad to be here. 🙂
That’s a very honest answer. Somehow, all these traumas and setback will bless your writing. I just know it. You’re just too talented. Good luck in 2016!
Aloha Robyn,
Will you share a big slice of that humble pie?
For me 2015 had some very good points, but writing wasn’t one of them. My focus was completely shattered. Oh, I wrote some good pieces – it was just scattered about and without career direction. I am not happy about it.
Once more I’ve set writing goals for the year. This time I’ve made them public on my blog at http://kauaigolf.me/2015/12/31/writers-regrets/ in the hope of embarrassing myself into accomplishing them. Will it work?
I hope it works because I don’t want to again find my self in the kitchen baking that hard to swallow pie.
A Hui Hou,
Wayne
I will probably share. 🙂 I think it might help other folks caught in the same situations. If nothing else, we can commiserate. As for public goals and potential embarrassment, they do work for some people. The trick is to stay honest about it and not tuck and run if you start slipping (which is sometimes my first inclination lol). Your goals seem to be well balanced between reasonable and challenging and asking for reminders is awesome. Having support and a cheering section really does help, and I’m hoping your blog will get that for you. If it doesn’t, I’ll get out my pom poms for you. 🙂
I’m glad to see you back! I had a rough first half of 2015, and finally climbed back on the saddle and got my next book published. So I get it when other writers have a hard time!
Congrats on the new title! That’s so awesome, especially after a rough patch.
Congratulations. Do you have a link for your latest book? Please feel free to share it on here so that we can all check it out.
Welcome back, Robyn! I look forward to all that 2016 has to offer from the infamous family of sarcastic muses 🙂
Thanks, Dave. 🙂 We’re looking forward to a good year, too.