Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Insecure Writer's Support Group

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

The past few months were crazy for me. I was preparing for the launch of CassaFire and a two-week blog tour. I was preparing for the A to Z Challenge, promoting and scheduling all of my posts. During April, I was taking care of the Linky List and visiting around a hundred and fifty blogs a day. And coming up are some guest posts, Challenge Reflections post, and my First Loves Blogfest, not to mention a lot of new followers to visit.

Not a lot of writing time there!

So I will have to ease back just a bit online if I hope to complete my third and final book. I’ll probably skip a post now and then. I’ll have to scale back how many blogs I visit in a day. There aren’t enough hours to do it all.

Hopefully everyone will understand. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or miss some exciting news. I enjoy supporting my blogger buddies and sharing in your joys and accomplishments. So I hope the Ninja Army doesn’t desert me.

And if I did have a couple clones, I’d send one to my job and make the other one work on my manuscript! My clone can’t possibly type slower than me…

And quick NINJA NEWS announcement:
Juliana Haygert has started a new group blog for the genre of “New Adult” called NA Alley. If you read or write New Adult, check it out – they’re even doing a big launch giveaway!



Any words of advice on balancing it all? Will it be all right if I’m not online quite as much? And did you take Tuesday off after the Challenge ended? I intend to take the whole upcoming weekend off!

146 comments:

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

CAN I POSSIBLY BE FIRST, ALEX??

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Now that I said that (You do know that nobody who has the opportunity to comment first takes time to read the post, else they stand the chance of losing the #1 spot, right?), Alex, you are human. You're as superhuman as any human can be. But there are still only so many priorities versus hours in the day. We all love you no matter what. Just don't leave us altogether.

xoRobyn

Unknown said...

You have to take a break from time to time to take care of your writing outside of blogging. Isn't that why we all blog in the first place? Take care what you need to take care of. We all know that you aren't trying to short sight anyone.

To answer your question I was going to take a break from both blogs but something happened that made me have to blog in my cluttered mind blog. So there will not be a break for me.

Hang in there and we all know you are with us all in spirit. :)

Unknown said...

You need to take a break now and again to take care of your own creative writing. I love your blogging, but I want more Alex books. :) Being creative is also what feeds our souls. I am struggling right now with my creativity and motivation of late and am considering taking some time off to do it.

Deborah Walker said...

An excellent idea. I don't think anyone's going to complain. We all know how hard it is.

Cassie Mae said...

After today it's just me and my X-Box for the weekend. And the hubs too if he wants to join me.

Unknown said...

I wanted to ask you the same question (about balancing it all). You do so much with your blog and comment on so many posts (which I'm grateful for, don't get me wrong), but do you ever sleep? You deserve the weekend off!

~Sia McKye~ said...

Alex, there are days I have to step away from the computer.

I didn't fully participate in A-Z with posts but I tried to get to a lot of the articles. There is just no way to do it all unless you live online. I can't.

I have to have balance in my life. Otherwise, I get homicidal--which is real ugly. So I just buy out the time when I am on line and get to as many blogs as I can for that day.

By all means, cut back. You need to. Oh, and what exactly do you mean by Final Book? you mean in THIS series, right?
Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

~Sia McKye~ said...

Oh damn. I forgot all about ISW. I'll try to do it next Monday. It's my only free day. Sorry, Alex.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

M.J. Fifield said...

You're not the only one who'll be scaling back after the craziness of the last month.

Sometimes it happens and it happens to all of us so if you need to cut back, then you need to cut back.

No one will be upset.

I'm definitely taking the weekend off. Gotta go see The Avengers after all. Probably more than once...

Kyra Lennon said...

I think you more than deserve to put yourself first for a while - you do so much for everyone else!!

Empty Nest Insider said...

It's understandable that you need to cut down on your blogging time to concentrate on your book, and gain some much needed rest. We'll just have to learn how to fly on our own more often! Julie

Nancy Thompson said...

No worries, Alex. You have the most dedicated army of followers. We'll all be waiting patiently. The writing ALWAYS comes first! Yes, I took Tuesday off from blogging & it was wonderful! Back at it tomorrow though. I actually wrote my IWSG post a few days ago. The Challenge taught me nothing if not how to be efficient. I'm glad it's done though. Working on book 2 & loving it all over again. Take it easy now, Alex. You need a major rest!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Of course it's all right. I've dropped back to posting 2 days a week and it's a whole lot easier and therefore a whole lot more fun again.

Annalisa Crawford said...

The books always come first! Your blog is here to give you that all-important 'platform', but without the books you wouldn't need a platform!

You have done so much to bring the writing blogging community together - you're like the parent, getting all the kids to play nicely. And now we are, you can take a little distance and have a night out!

Rek Sesh said...

You are barking up the wrong tree...balancing act and me, sure you're not pulling my leg asking for advice, are you?
Take a break, post one a week maybe...a blogging break is not the end of the world...one can always reconnect later on.
Have fun in the real world. ;)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Quite honestly I don't know how you manage all you do, Sure you must cut down a bit to ensure your third book is ready,
Looking forward to the 14thMay.

Yvonne.

Unknown said...

Alex, you are one person who needs to take a break. If you do not take a little time out for yourself and your family you just might regret it.

Old Kitty said...

More clones of Capn Ninja?!?!?!! Yes please! :-)

Awww but good luck with your third book writing!! Don't worry about your super duper army of ninjas!! We'll be here - we ain't going nowhere!! Cept maybe for a beer or two but apart from such diversions, we'll be here! Yay! Take care
x

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

We all understand...we're all in the same boat! Work on your books, enjoy time with your family. You know we'll be here.

Anonymous said...

I wholeheartedly support blog breaks since I had one last month. They help you get through all those non blogging things that can really hassle and squash creativity.
Good luck with the novel.

Even if some of the ninja army desert you, there'll be more coming to take their place. I was amazed that I actually gained supporters over my blog break!

The Angry Lurker said...

Not a problem as real life and your future are more important Alex!

PR said...

A break is always a good thing, need to recharge those brain cells. And of course we won't desert you; we wouldn't want to miss out on your awesomeness now would we! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robyn, I do know the first commenter doesn't read the post - too busy typing! Thanks for the laugh. And you know I won't desert you.

Thank you, Karen.

KD, I'm sorry. It's like half a break though.

Working on the next Alex book, Melissa!

Cassie, you don't have to ask a man twice if he wants to play X-Box!

Michael, I do a lot from work which helps.

Sia, we don't want you homicidal. And that's all right if you forgot the IWSG.

MJ, Avengers here we come!

Nancy, didn't it feel good to take Tuesday off?

Annalisa, that made me laugh. Now behave or I'll turn this blog right around!

CM, and I don't want to regret it.

Kitty, as long as you are always here to make me laugh!

Madeleine, that's good to know!

Lurker and Anna, thanks.

Brinda said...

I was positive that you already had clones. The news that you do not is disappointing.

Christine Danek said...

It's always good to take a break. Seriously, I thought you might be a robot or alien with awesome powers. Anyway, juggling it all can be hard, but being flexible in your schedule is the one thing I've learned. This is hard for me because I'm a schedule gal so if there is any disruption in it, I go crazy. So I'm working on it.
Kick back and relax. Give your brain a break.

Karen Baldwin said...

You're awesome. I don't know where you find the time to do everything and do it as well as you do. I need to channel your energy.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I think it's totally okay to be on line less. The writing is the most important. And your friends will still be your friends. There's only so much time in the day.

Kirsten said...

As someone new to blogging, I was surprised by how much fun it was, but I also discovered how much time it can take away from my first love, which is writing.
Of course I understand trimming back the blogging schedule--I'm a writer myself!
Good luck with your third book! I'll be checking out Cassastar and Cassafire. :)
But most of all, thank you, for starting up this classy blog hop. The Insecure Writers Support Group has been a great introduction to the world of blogging.

Unknown said...

No rest for the wicked, Alex. Though my online time is reduced to almost zero, I'm making up for it by making headway with my TBR pile. I'm hoping for a lot more book reviews soon :)

I'll make sure to get up entries for the first loves blogfest though :)

Rusty Carl said...

Cutting back is probably a good idea anyway, your everywhereness is disturbing. It's nice to know its nice to know there is a human behind that Ninja.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

You need to focus on your writing. It needs to be done. :)

Teresa

Unknown said...

Alex, if anyone deserves to step away, it's YOU! Well done on the A to Z, your recent release, keeping up with your blog and everyone else's! Not to mention, life.

Writing is first and foremost, my friend. Write on. :))

Cassie, do you go live? My hubby and 14 year old daughter (who kicks zombie butt, a lot, play online). For some reason, I remember you don't do scary though. Is that right? Did I just make that up???

Tonja said...

No one is going to abandon you. Unpaid interns is the way to go - clones get confusing, plus there's always the potential they could turn evil.

Juliana Haygert said...

Thanks for the shout out, Alex. You rock!
You deserve real rest! Take care and enjoy your relaxing time ;)

Gossip_Grl said...

That is understandable. Everyone needs room to breathe. Always remember yourself and the Work/Life balance.

Donna B. McNicol said...

All the co-hosts of A to Z need to step back a bit. You folks are amazing!!

Hubby asked me last night if I was caught up enough yet (after A-Z) to get back to my WIP. I told him, almost (still paring down my blog list to sites/people I really want to follow).

BTW, is there a twitter hashtag for this group and our posts? This is my first month....

Mary Aalgaard said...

Who could ever keep up that pace that you have online. That's just crazy. I'm trying to figure out how to visit all the blogs, maybe at least once a week. It's overwhelming. You need to work on your book. Take some time for yourself. I know I'll be cheering you on the way you do for others.

Play off the Page

Liza said...

Okay, Blogger disappeared my comment. I'm going to try again. Sorry if this is a duplicate. Alex, you are amazing. You put yourself out there for others more than any blogger I've "met" over the years. Honestly, I've wondered how you do it. Two books, a zillion followers, amazing and supportive blog-fests, regular comments, AND you work for living? You wouldn't be human if you didn't need to pull back some. I hope your "last" book is merely the last in your series, and not really your "last." After all, you should have at least one more in you called HOW TO BECOME A NINJA BLOGGER: Developing Effective Online Relationships that Last. :) Take the time you need. Good luck with the writing. We'll be here, cheering you on!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Brinda, sorry...

Christine, I work well with a schedule.

Kristine, I hope you enjoy my books - thank you! And glad you're enjoying the IWSG.

Rusty, I don't want to disturb anyone. People are sleeping...

Candylynn, I'm writing!

Tonja, good point.

Hi Donna! It's #IWSG

Thank you, Mary.

Liza, just trying to give back. And I like that idea for a book! I promise to give you full credit for the title.

Jess said...

Oh, yeah, I took Tuesday off. I'm going back to posting MWF so that I can just get a TON of stuff done on Tuesday and Thursday.

To balance everything? I don't, really. I write way more than I should. So while I tend to get a lot of writing done, I don't get much time to check blogs or keep up with everyone. I haven't gotten much of a chance to READ lately, either! Gosh, I've been bad.

LD Masterson said...

I'm reminded of that guy on TV, many years ago, who would spin china plates on the top of slender poles. The question was how many could he keep spinning more one would stop and crash. You know when you're at your limit. Sometimes you just have to cut back here to make time there.

Unless you can come up with those clones.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Never say Final! You don't know where book 3 may take you!

Your Ninja Army is strong. We will be here for you!

Cause you're always there for us!

Heather

Tara Tyler said...

you mean you have a paying job too? what is it?

you know, most of us would pay for your mentorship!

farawayeyes said...

OK, so I am a 'dumb blond' -never knew that about the first comment. Guess I'm even less competitive than I thought.

Did not take yesterday off, because of a previous promise. You can bet I will take some time off after today, though.

I appreciate the fact that you comment on my posts almost without fail, I'll miss that, but I can't imagine how you keep up. So, go on now, and get after those things that you need to do. Only come by for the really good stuff.

Marta Szemik said...

I think you've grown such a committed following, the army will understand.
I'm cutting the blogging too to Mondays only. (not that I can even compare my blogging to yours). That's only because I have way too much writing and editing to do and need to think of myself as a writer first, then a blogger.
Cutting back isn't bad. Better enjoy doing what you love than feel pressure from too many sides to do it all:)

Cate Masters said...

I don't know how you've managed to sustain your schedule this long without total flameout. We all need a break now and then, no excuses necessary.

Miranda Hardy said...

Alex, you are a supreme ninja. Really, vet impressive. Take the time off to write, no one will be offended.

PK HREZO said...

Srsly, Alex, I don't know how you do it. You deserve to take a huge load off. 150 blogs a day is just ...wow. You inspire us all. hey good luck with all your blog touring and everything. Let me know if you need anything. :)

Laura Eno said...

You and I channeled each other for today's post! I don't know how you do it, except you're a ninja.

Kittie Howard said...

A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do. Your book takes priority!

Unknown said...

Just mind boggling, well done!

Sarah Ahiers said...

i have to say, i'm glad the A to Z challenge is over so we can all get back to our usual routines, even though it's fun reading everyone's posts

Tracy Jo said...

Your Ninja Army will always be here! We all needs breaks to focus on other things. If we spread ourselves too thin, we won't be good at anything. You are always an inspiring example of getting it done!

Jay Noel said...

I visited a bunch of blogs I missed, but I'm a little burned out. Had a deadline with my publisher, and I'm so tired!

I will go back to my regular posting schedule, but I think I'm taking the rest of the week off.

LynnRush said...

Great post. I hope to get back into the IWSG now that my world is starting to slow down (book released yesterday).

I'm all about the NA stuff (considering I write it) I'll head over to her blog! Yay!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

No one will desert you, Alex.

I need to check out that new adult blog.

Karen Lange said...

Wow, you have been busy! I've often thought that a stunt double would come in handy. I should work on that idea...

Happy Wednesday!

mooderino said...

Now's the time to ease back on the blogs, everyone's pooped.

mood
(you'll notice I resisted making a send in the clones joke).

Mina Burrows said...

I feel your pain or challenge. This networking thing is fun, but time consuming. I'm taking a much needed break this month. I just have too. :)

Jennie Bennett said...

What? Even you have days where you can't balance it all? But Alex, you are the king of balance ;) No seriously, I think we all experience the feeling of drowning in our work. Most of us have a life that needs to be attended to even though we just want to be writing. Just take deep breath and do what you can. Killing yourself isn't going to accomplish anything :)

Matthew MacNish said...

I wouldn't blame you one bit for being offline a bit more. I remember once upon a time when I kept pace with you. Now there is simply no way.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I have no idea what new adult is. All these genres are confusing.

Unknown said...

I'm not sure how much blogging I'm going to do in May but that's the way I like it--not knowing, just winging. I have a $5 gift card for you. I'll send it to your email. Is that okay?

Hart Johnson said...

I think blogging a little less helps. I would do some sprints. Are you on Facebook? There is a group of us there (Writing Sprints R Us) and we do one hour writing sprints then report back what we got done--it helps to have someone to be accountable to, but even without--setting a one hour timer and knowing the other stuff will wait is helpful. Easier to be productive with a timer and permission not to give in to distractions.

Jay Noel said...

Okay, I lied. I'll have post up on Thursday. Just can't stay away!

Kela McClelland said...

To balance-bust your ass and get as little sleep as possible. Oh wait, no that's not good advice. That's probably the advice that made my Lupus unhappy. So I'll say-organize priorities and get to what you can. You're some kind of superhuman, but you still have limits. Whatever you do or however much you need to be away-we would never desert you. :)

I posted yesterday because I couldn't not post but I wasn't able to visit any blogs...so half n half on taking Tuesday off.

Gwen Gardner said...

We all need a break so of course you should concentrate on your book - that's what this whole writing/blogging thing is all about. By third and final book, you mean of the series, right?

Julie Dao said...

I really don't know how you do it all! I guess that's why you're the ninja captain.

Morgan said...

You are nothing but good for this community, Alex. I've been reading through the Insecure posts this morning and I'm LOVING them.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jess, I haven't been reading much either unless I can count blogs.

LD, I need to call Clones-R-Us!

Thanks, Heather.

Tara, that might be a good idea one day. Until then, I'll just give it away for free.

But Faraway, it's all good stuff!

Marta, very true.

PK, thank you.

Laura, I'll get to your post soon!

Jay, good idea.

Lynn, congratulations again!

Moody, that's funny.

True, JA - I have things I want to do before going to Heaven!

Clarissa, really? Thank you!!

Hart, not on Facebook, but that's an idea.

Jay, it's tough isn't it?

Gwen, at this point, I mean final book period.

Arlee Bird said...

We're kind of on the same topic. I don't keep track of how many blogs I visit or comments I leave, but it doesn't seem to be as many as what you do. I read the other day that the United States is only the 12th best country in high speed internet and access. I want faster internet! And a faster computer! I could get a lot more done.


Lee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog

Suze said...

'So I will have to ease back just a bit online if I hope to complete my third and final book. I’ll probably skip a post now and then. I’ll have to scale back how many blogs I visit in a day. There aren’t enough hours to do it all.

Hopefully everyone will understand.'

I don't know how you've done it, so far, Al. Of course everyone will understand.

Anonymous said...

Hi Alex, you're not a machine! Of course back off a little. You'll burn out if you keep up the crazy pace! And don't forget, there's a life going on outside the box too! Don't forget fresh air and walking. And spread your love and friendship around in the real world too. God knows it needs it! Always nice to hear what you have to say when we pop in. Love, MoonWynd
http://moonwyndstudio.wordpress.com/

Tyrean Martinson said...

Alex - relax! You're forgiven for not being supherhuman! You will still be Ninja Captain Alex, even if you can't reach 150 people a day . . .it's ok. As for balance, I am cutting back a bit for the next three months. I'll be around MWF, most weeks, except this one - I have an awesome guest visiting my blog tomorrow, and then I'll take a long weekend from blogging.
After that I'll be writing super short posts.
BTW - on a another note, my hubby just finished reading CassaFire, and he said, "is the next one out yet?" - he enjoyed your first book, but he is totally hooked on your characters now, and wants to know more. - not to pressure you, just to let you know, you have another fan (one who doesn't blog)

Leovi said...

you certainly deserve a break, that rhythm is truly diabolical.

Unknown said...

Glad you are easing back a bit, your Ninja army isn't going anywhere.

Cherie Reich said...

The bad thing about clones is that they would probably start out as babies and take too long before they're useful to us.

I completely understand. I'm having to scale back too, if I want to get things written. :)

And thanks for reminding me about NA Alley. I hope we'll see more NA books out there.

Southpaw said...

Cutting back? I'll believe it when I see it. And if you really do, you know we will all be here when you get back.

I re-added my name to the list, I couldn't find it. Hopefully, it is not up there twice now. eeps!

D.G. Hudson said...

Ninjas don't desert. Whenever you post a blog, I'll know from my reader. We can all tone down our requirement of a daily Alex blog-fix.

Writers understand, down time is needed. Do what you have to do.

After all, you're only human, aren't you? I'm wondering, now that I'm reading CassaStar. BTW - it's drawn me in very easily.

Sorry I can't join this blogfest, but I have to finish revisions.

TS Hendrik said...

Alex, of course everyone understands. Frankly I have no idea how you manage to do as much as you do in the blog world as it is. You must be a genius with time management. Something I very much am not. haha

Patsy said...

It's tough to make time for all the things we want to do as well as the things we should do and those we absolutely have to do - sometimes we just can't do it all.

MJ said...

You gotta make your priorities and stick with them, no need to feel guilt about that!
-MJ http://creativelyspiltink.blogspot.com/

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, so do I!

Thanks, Suze.

Tyrean, no pressure! Tell him I'm really glad he enjoyed it and I'm working on the third book.

Cherie, then it would be like raising kids - no thanks!

Holly, I'll fix it if it is.

DG, that's good to hear!! Hope you enjoy the whole book.

Hope Roberson said...

Amazing! How are your eyes still able to focus after reading 150 blogs a day? Thanks for all the support and community inspiration :)

Julie Flanders said...

I don't know how you've managed everything you have been doing. I think you need at least two or three clones! Best of luck with your progress for your manuscript, I know it will be great.

michelle said...

Alex, you owe it to yourself, your family, and your new manuscript, to take some time off...
You have done an awesome job in making the blogosphere a better and brighter place...

Ella said...

Totally understand! I have been hiding out in an attic/frog for two weeks and now hubby is on vacation!

I need some creative time out...
I'm seeing dust and past memories. Time for some future thoughts ;D

Yes, it is time for the second half of May to be renewal time!

You have amazing marketing skills and deserve a break! Really you don't type fast?! Can't wait...my lucky number is 3, oh, ok and 5.

Cheers to the future! ;D

N. R. Williams said...

Hi Alex
Oh the deadline. On my blog is a link to Rachel Aron's post on increasing your word count from 2,000 a day to 10,000. It's a big triangle at the top. I am going to follow her advise to the letter. I'm really behind.

I can't figure out how to add spaces to my post yet with bloggers new design. Ugh.

Thanks for the link to the New Age bog.

Cheers
Nancy

Andrew Leon said...

If a balancing act includes dropping things all the time and spending lots of time picking things back up and dropping them again, then I'm you're man!

S. L. Hennessy said...

It's so hard to balance blogging and writing sometimes. I love blogging, and hate to sacrifice it for the sake of my book, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do I guess.

Luna said...

Wow! After all that I think it would be good to take a break and focus on your writing. I'm sure everyone will understand. I do!

Good luck, Alex. :)

Laura said...

Hi Alex - of course it's okay to scale back - sometimes that's just reality - and your version of scaling back is probably anyone else's version of super-amazing effort. I cant imagine anyone deserting you. I'm having a whole week off, I just needed to get my head a little straighter :)
Lxxx

kjmckendry said...

I haven't figured out how to balance it all. The last few months I've simply slept less, but I'm pretty sure that's not quite the answer.

I'm amazed at how much you accomplish! Of course we'll understand if you have to tend to real life things! :) Enjoy some time off and recharge your creative energy!

Dani said...

I don't know how you do it, Alex!

Anonymous said...

Are you sure it'll be your final book? Or just the last installment of your trilogy? Regardless, make writing a priority for a while; we'll understand.

Christine Rains said...

We totally understand. Write, Alex, write! I'll be easing off bloghops for June and July just to get some solid writing time in myself.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hope, I'm a little blurry...

Michelle, thank you!

Ella, I don't read fast either...

Nancy, thanks!

Andrew, that's funny!

Milo, at this point, it will be my final book.

Thanks for understanding everyone!

Unknown said...

That sounds like a lot of time spent online. I don't think anybody in their right mind would be upset with you cutting back a little! You are only human and unfortunately there are still only 24 hours in a day. Good luck with your third book!!

cleemckenzie said...

Oh yes. Tuesday I spent outside all day. I felt like I was playing hookie.

Hope you take the time you need to work on the book. That's important.

Jen said...

Ah balancing. IS it even possible? I know for me, I just have to breathe and do what's the most important first. I have to give up a lot of stuff to get through the school work load that I have BUT I just tell myself that the sacrifices will be worth it! Same with you: you can be sure anything you have to sacrifice for your dream will be worth it!

Cheers!
Jen

Ciara said...

I can't believe I missed IWSG. It didn't post this morning. I some how had it set for June. Sorry about that. Maybe I'll still put it up in a few minutes. I didn't realize it didn't post until I just got home from the vet. My 6 month old kitten fell critically ill yesterday and we've been at the vet for two days. :( I will catch up soon.

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks for mentioning NA Alley, Alex! Sending you all the best writing vibes. :)

Copyboy said...

Wow! I wonder exactly how many hours are in your world. :)

Copyboy said...

Wow! I wonder exactly how many hours are in your world. :)

TL Conway said...

Alex, PLEASE give yourself permission to carve out more time for you! The Ninja Army isn't going to bail. Promise!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Only you can order your priorities--and everything can't be number 1. lol

And you definitely need to be writing, friend. Gotta have the next book!

M Pax said...

There's been a rumor you're cloned already. :) Just teasing.

I hear ya on clones. I could use at least 5 of me, one completely dedicated to writing. I could maybe get away with 3.

I'm trying to figure out when I can wind down again ... this is a crazy business.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Jennifer!

CLee, wasn't it great?

Ciara, I'm sorry!!

Copyboy, forty-two.

Donna, I know!

Mary, your big week is coming up!

dolorah said...

You don't want to let all your fans down by not getting that third book out Alex. Priorities, ya know.

you've done so excellently in keeping up with everything; it is understandable to be a little tired. We'd miss you if you burnt out so much you went away. Take care of yourself first.

And besides, maybe while you're cutting back, relaxing a little, you get around to making that video you yourself playing your guitar for me. (One does have to have dreams, ya know . .)

.......dhole

Roland D. Yeomans said...

You chance burn-out, Alex, if you keep trying to post and blog at this rate. Be kind to yourself! I did do an insecure post today on NERDY IS THE NEW SEXY reflecting how childhood trauma does effect the kind of writing and writer we become, Roland

Nicki Elson said...

Oh cool, Three Daves is New Adult. I'll go check the new site out.

I wonder if we'll get clones in Heaven...

Helena said...

150 blogs a day? You are indeed a super ninja. Of course you have to cut back and with no hard feelings, because you and your family come first, and your writing and job and health are important too.

Johanna Garth said...

If anyone deserves a little time off from the blogosphere it's you!

Allison said...

I can understand being too busy! I'm not sure how you manage to visit so many blogs in the first place. You certainly deserve a break!

Allison (Geek Banter)

Bindhurani said...

Even though I am late to add a post for the IWSG, I did it. Reading as many blogs as possible and writing comments

Anonymous said...

Hi Alex! Totally understand if you need to cut back for awhile. I've got a couple of blog posts going up over the next week and then I'll be taking about a week off.

RaShelle Workman said...

Even superheroes need a break, Alex. Thanks for all you do. You rock!

Jemi Fraser said...

Balance is impossibly elusive - but we have to keep trying! If someone doesn't understand that - too bad for them. :) Take care of yourself and I can't wait for book 3!!!

Anonymous said...

You've done so much, no one will hold it against you if you spend more time writing:) We'll still be here:)

Anonymous said...

I think it's ok for you to take time off for sure--you totally deserve it:) My post was about juggling it all, too *sighs*

Jessica Salyer said...

I think we're all trying to juggle a ton of balls. (that kind of sounds bad, but any way :) ) I can't imagine how much time and energy it takes to blog and visit the amazing amount of bloggers that you visit. Sometimes something has to give. We'll still be here. And for all you do for everyone. I'm sure everyone will understand. Get writing, your fans await the third book.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Donna, I'll see that I can do with the guitar video! I get nervous when someone is watching me though.

Roland, and I read it!

Jemi, I'll do the best I can on the third book.

Jessica, I'm writing, I'm writing!

Thanks so much everyone.

Super Happy Jen said...

Hey! I managed to get in an entry this month!

Anonymous said...

Hello Dear Alex and Insecure Group starting a new session without me. I just want to wish you all well and have a really good time during this new challenge and bonding session. I wish I could join you but I need a bit of a break from deadlines now after the April Challenge. I have to bow out, but I was so tempted... as I am one of you.
I just took out my painting inks after (? years) and was playing around with them. YUK is all I can say. I was enjoying the time, relaxed and familiar and yet a stranger to painting and drawing after so long. My 1 hour's session ended up in the garbage with a chuckle as it was a messy disaster. But.., it is just the start of a new old thing for me. (Spent way too long in the corporate/office world... I've lost my roots. Please don't every allow that to happen to you. We have to keep working on it, even part-time to keep our heart and soul alive and to progress in our arts.) But the joy is in the 'now'. I am doing it now, and with the small encouragements of a wonderful drawing class teacher at a drop-in class I went to over Christmas, that opened my mind to the old joy I used to have in art school, I am on the path to a happier and healthier place. ENJOY yourselves; you're in good hands. Alex is a charm. Love MoonWynd
http://moonwyndstudio.wordpress.com/

Patricia Stoltey said...

If anyone deserves a break, Alex, it's you. Thanks for all you do.

Denise Covey said...

Alex, you were absolutely crazy during the A-Z! None of the other people who were in charge visited me, or maybe once or twice and that I understand as it was intense. You're far too good! Now it's time to be human for a little while at least, Ninja.

Go and get Book No 3 written!

Denise

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Moonwynd, glad you have rekindled a past passion and are pursuing it now. We all need that to feel alive. The IWSG is always open when you are ready.

Denise, thank you very much.

Copyboy said...

150 blogs a day?!!!! That is incredible.

Jennifer Lane said...

Hi Alex, how did the CassaFire launch go? What do you mean by your third and FINAL book? ;)

I'm not getting much writing done these days either, and I think I need to cool it on the social networking too. You do a fantastic job of supporting other writers but it's okay to take some time for you!

Talli Roland said...

If you figure out how to create a clone, please let me know!

Charles Gramlich said...

Definitely have to husband that writing time. There's little enough in the world.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jesse, I was doing it.

Jennifer, I never planned on more than one book.

Talli, I will.

Leovi said...

Have a nice break this weekend.

Beth said...

Enjoy your break!
...I forgot IWSG this month. Don't kick me out pls!

Christopher Hudson said...

You're asking me for approval to slack? That's like asking a lothario if it's okay to have an affair.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Beth, I won't kick you out.

Christopher, I take it I'm good with you then?

DWei said...

Congrats to everyone who did that challenge. It's quite an accomplishment. :P

Shannon Lawrence said...

I imagine everyone will understand. You're a prolific writer and blog friend, but work comes first!

Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z

Marla Mayes said...

Hi there!

Completely understand, I'm having similar issues between writing articles vs. blogging, tweeting, linkedining, commenting, pining...

There's just such so much fun online stuff, it's way toooooo easy to get sidetracked from writing work!

I was a day late with writing the IWSG post (& hadn't blogged again since last time either), so I'm striving to do better with time & motivation!

So nice to see I'm not alone with that!

Anonymous said...

I also scale back on social media when I have to. It's totally understandable. I hope you get lots done.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm slowing down with blogging too. I've neglected my WIP long enough. I need to bury myself in it this weekend.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Shannon!

Marla, you're not alone.

Susan, we need to get to work.

msmariah said...

Alex-- I totally understand having a difficult time balancing everything. I've been very neglectful of my blog recently. I've just been so busy with other things, which of course take priority.

I hope things are going well with Cassa Fire. I read some good reviews about it on Amazon.

Birgit said...

I am amazed at how much time you are able to spend at others blogs. It shows you care and really try your best so good luck on another very busy month

~Sia McKye~ said...

Hey Alex! The flags are gone, yay!!!

Over Coffee is free and clear, thankfully.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE