Another spring has rolled into Georgia and I find myself happily ensconced in my cabin on our neighborhood’s little lake. With much joy, I have left the corporate world to pursue my writing full time. One of my top priorities these days is finding my creative self. How am I accomplishing this? I’m doing all the things I always longed to do, but never prioritized while holding down a full time job.
I’m reading.
After waking each morning, I have my coffee and tea – yes, I have both – and water – and I read on my Kindle on my iPad mini. I have another book I read on my phone’s Kindle for when I’m on the go and waiting somewhere. Before bed, I read a physical book. So I start and end the day reading. I sometimes even sneak in an afternoon read in the hammock!
Books I’m currently reading: Wendy Wax‘s The Break-Up Book Club, Stephanie Bond‘s Temp Girl, part 2, and Rita Herron‘s Dying to Tell (A Slaughter Creek Novel).
I’m journaling.
I’m journaling daily. One day, while journaling, I got the idea for a journal I wanted to use, so I created it, learned a lot in the process, and had fun. I have been using it ever since.
It’s A Positivity Journal for Uplifting Everyday Living. The prompts make me think about my day in a way I may not have otherwise thought. It’s available on Amazon, if you’d like to give it a try.
I’m meditating and doing yoga.
I’m also sleeping without an alarm, eating a healthy diet, and most days, I either kayak, or take out the pedal boat in the afternoons.
I’m working on writing.
I’d like to say I’m actually writing, but at this time I’m getting my feet under me. I’m updating my website, learning everything I can about SEO, key words, Amazon Ads, blogging and so much more.
I’ve reached out to Harlequin and am waiting to hear if I’m getting the rights back to five of my Blaze books and A Family Reunited, my remaining Superromance, all of which qualify for reversion. I have already received the rights back to Espresso in the Morning. My plan is to update, add back in any appropriate deleted scenes and re-release these.
I have updated my memoir, Passing Rain, to correct Lindsey’s pronouns to they, them, theirs, as well as any other gender specific references. I’ve enrolled it in KDP Select, so it’s now free in Kindleunlimited. The ebook and paperback are also still available on Amazon, if you haven’t yet read it, or are interested in the updated version.
Finally, I have been dusting off my Earth Rising series that has been on a back burner for a very long time. I’m hoping to jump into this one over the next week or so.
And for the fun of it I’ll be sending my sister two children’s books I wrote ages ago to see if she wants to do the illustrations. I know spreading myself out over so many projects may not be the best strategy, but when I’m excited about something, I feel it’s important to pursue it. Don’t worry, my main focus will be romantic fiction.
Living this way allows me to stay healthy, happy and aligned, so that I’m able to tune into that voice inside that guides me towards inspiration. As I’m working on all of these projects, I have no doubt I am finding my creative self. I thank you all in advance for cheering me on in my pursuits.
How are you finding your creative self?
Dorene,
I love your new life and wish you the best. One of my favorite memories of you is when you introduced me to the Alpha Smart at GRW. I had never seen or heard of it before. May you continue to be blessed. – Jackie Rod
Hi Jackie! I’m so sorry I didn’t see this sooner. Thank you for your kind wishes. Alphie got me through a lot of books! I hope all is well with you. Take care!
Dorene: I can literally feel your joy, contentment and commitment in this blog. Congratulations – there is certainly life beyond the corporate environment. Cabin, lake and hammock create a beautiful world. Good luck with the learning and writing process. Excellent things to come for sure. John
Hello John, my apologies for the late reply. I didn’t get a notification on your post. How nice to hear from you. Thanks for your comment. I am feeling good about everything, though I’ll be happy to get more into the actual writing part of it. I am doing some, but still so much to learn on Amazon. Hope all is well with you!
Hi Dorene,
I am so happy you have arrived at this place in your life. It sounds wonderful. I too recently left corporate life (31 Mar). Now my days are filled with hobbies, family and travel. I wish you only the best.
Thank you, Gil. I wish you the best, as well. Enjoy!
Hi Dorene, Although I left Atlanta in 2016, I have fondly remembered you and all of the things that have happened in your life. I’ve kept up on Facebook and when I came across this today, I was so excited to see where you are now. Just visiting and reading the blog has put a big smile on my face.
Hi Mari! How nice to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time to check in and comment. I’m glad my blog made you smile. Hope all is right in your world!
I’m so happy you’re letting your creative side take control these days. I’m excited to start using my positivity journal, and I can’t wait for Earth Rising!!!
I’m able to live this life thanks to you, my beautiful Liz. Would be happy to hear any feedback on the journal and I’m looking forward to Earth Rising, too!
Hey Dorene, I really miss seeing you! So glad I signed up for your site, so I can see what you are doing. I just picked up your journal from Amazon. Cant wait to use it. Also I cant wait for some more books!! Im so excited for you.
I miss seeing you, too, Lynethia! It’s so good to hear from you. Thanks for getting the journal. I would love any feedback you have on it. I honestly write in it all the time. I’ll update on my blog as I have new books. Would love to see you and Antonio sometime, or just you. 😀 Hope all is right in your world.
Glad to see your bright light of creativity is shining anew! This post was a most welcomed surprise.
Thanks, Mike. Hope all is well with you.
Hi, Dorene! I’m SO happy for you and your surroundings are beautiful. It’s been way too long since we connected. Sending big hugs,
Karen M. from GRW 🙂
Hugs to you, Karen! It has been way too long. I just ordered A Mother’s Promise and look forward to reading it. Love the cover. Hope all is well with you! Sending big hugs back to you.
So happy for you, Dorene! Wishing you much success!
Thanks, Susan! Hope all is well with you and you’re enjoying some nice spring weather.
Yes!
Love your self care, Dorene! Part of my self care is my writing. I don’t want to ever live without it. Take care! Best, Sari
Hi, Sari! It’s nice to hear from you. I totally see how writing is self care. I’m guessing I still have something of yours in my TBR pile, but I’d be interested to hear if you have a suggestion for something new of yours!