This is the question I have been asking myself lately. Should I write or try to keep up with the myriad of social media, email, and other blogs, etc.
I have been torn between trying to keep up with all the emails I receive (hundreds a day), all the social media I am a part of, and visiting several of my author friends’ blogs. I feel a failure that I cannot do it all. It has become too stressful for me to keep up with all of it and still manage to write as many books as I planned this year.
Please forgive me for not keeping up with your blogs, my dear friends. I am concentrating on my goals for 2019 of publishing five books and reading and reviewing 95 books. At this point I have read and reviewed 19 books on Goodreads, published one children’s book and written six new children’s books about dragons to be illustrated later by my husband, and presently working on Book 6 of Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series. I hope to complete at least three more books before the end of 2019. Please wish me luck!
Please check out my first book this year, The First Star, and watch for Book 6 of the Davey & Derek Junior Detective Series coming…as soon as I can complete it. LOL! Books 3 & 4 of Abby & Holly Series will be coming afterward…when I can get to them. They are calling to me and want to be heard. I need to clone myself! Sigh!
I recently wrote a limerick for this new book as I have done for all my children’s books.
THE FIRST STAR
Limerick
There once were two children, Kim and Chris
Their father being absent they did miss.
They wished upon the first star
That he would came back from afar
Now they are rich and happy, they certainly are.
Thank you for stopping by to read this post. I hope you will understand how important it is for me and other authors to continue to write instead of putting as much effort into social media. Thank you to my fellow author friends for understanding and for your continued support.
REMEMBER: READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS.COM ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
Blessings & Hugs!
Janice
Purchase Jemsbooks
JEMSBOOKS 
Hi Janice, please don’t feel under any pressure to visit anyone’s blog. Blogging should always be about fun and enjoyment. It should never make you feel stressed or guilty. As for social media, my only advise is to concentrate on two (three maximum) social media accounts. Otherwise, we spread ourselves too thinly which can result in feeling overwhelmed.
Writing always take first place in my world. When I don’t feel like writing (or I need a break from it) then I visit and read some blog posts. That helps me unwind. And if anybody tells you that they’ve noticed that you haven’t visited and commented on their blog recently, then that’s a problem they need to deal with, not you.
However, most importantly of all, take care of yourself and your family.
xx
Thank you so much, Hugh! Much love xx What would I do without you! You are wonderful! 🤗
I’m always here to help, Janice. Take care. xx
I think we all struggle to do it all, Janice. Good luck with your new book.
thank you, Robbie. It is difficult and stressful at times. 🤗
What Hugh said!
Thank you, Mary! Exactly, he said it all. I love Hugh! Hugs to you xx
I agree with Hugh. You need to do what feels right for YOU! Best of luck on reaching those goals. The First Star sounds great!
thank you, Jacquie! I appreciate all the support. Hugs 😘
I think we all feel that stress of trying to keep up with everything, Janice, but you must do what makes you happy and not feel badly when you can’t meet all of the commitments. I don’t always get around to the blogs of all my friends either, and often end up feeling stressed about it. We shouldn’t put such pressure on ourselves. First and foremost, we are writers, and that’s where our hearts lie.
Congrats on the new book. Beautiful cover and wonderful limerick!
Thank you so much, Mae. I appreciate your kind words of support. 😘 🤗
I totally agree with all the above! I enjoy social media, but writing comes first.
Yes, thank you, Annabelle! 🤗
I fully understand, Janice! Trying to keep up with social media can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with many other commitments. Sometimes we just have to take stock and just focus on what’s most important.
Yes, thank you so much, Amy! 🤗 😘
This is an interesting article. I wish I had more time to support so many wonderful blogs. I dedicate and hour or so each day to get the things you mention done and then find more writing time. It doesn’t always work out that way but I give myself some limits because the internet can be addictive. Good luck with your novels.
Thank you, Allan. It is extremely difficult to do it all and still get to write as much as I want. I don’t my friends to think that I don’t want or try to support them on their blogs. But I do my best to check in on their blogs from time to time. Thanks for stopping by and for your well wishes. Good luck with your books too! 🙂
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this post from Janice Spina’s blog as she asks the question many of us have: What Is More Important, Writing or Keeping Up with Social Media, Emails, Other Blogs, Etc?
Thank you, Don, for your support! 🙂
You’re welcome.
Good luck with your books! It is very hard to divide your time between social media and the craft!
Thank you for stopping by. Yes, it is. 😊
I know just how you feel… Good to know I’m not alone in the jungle, trying to juggle it all. I’ve got some decisions to make too. Will have to let a few bananas fall where they will. I’m amazed at how much you manage to accomplish, Janice. Keep writing!
Sometimes I want to get out of all social media but I know it wouldn’t help my books. Sigh! I’m with you, Bette. Thanks. 😘🤗😊
It’s getting to be so overwhelming for me these days, I’ve got to learn to pare things down. There are not enough hours in a day to write and read the books waiting on my TRB. Decisions, decisions… Now to take action and still be actively involved in a far lesser roll. I’m going to give it a try–maybe set a schedule for the week with days and hours only dedicated to social media. 🙂 Fill me in when you find the winning combination! ❤ Have an awesome week, Janice! xo
If I find it you I will share for sure. Same to you, Bette. Xo 🤗
Do what you need to do Janice. If you feel stressed about something don’t do it. One day at a time my friend. That’s my new motto ❤
Yes, I agree. Thanks, Debby! Hugs xx ❤️
It’s always tricky to find the balance, though I keep trying to. But, if you have to choose, I agree that your writing should come first.
Thank you, Tori! 🤗😘
I agree
Thank you, Judi, for your kinds works and for stopping by. 🤗