June 19, 2013

Round 2 Reflections: ROW80

Round 2 of A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) has been productive. I published my first young adult book, Chasing Memories. I survived editing, cover design, publishing, and starting the promotion process. 

Yet, I would still say I didn't get done what I wanted to. But, I shouldn't say that anymore. It's my daughter's pet peeve.

Every day (or so she would say) after school, my oldest will ask what I did that day. And I say, "I got a few things done, but not everything I wanted to." One day recently she announced that she wasn't going to ask me anymore, because I always said the same thing.

It made me realize that I have to be easier on myself with goals and expectations. Or at the very least give myself credit when I accomplish something instead of always focusing on what I'm not getting done.

Round 3 is going to be an opportunity for me to find balance. I need to improve my social media presence (it's been slacking with publishing), crank out book #2, and promote book #1. And I need to come up with manageable and measurable plans to accomplish these goals.

Oh, and I'm returning to sponsoring. Yeah, me.

What did you learn in Round 2 of ROW80?

Or, if you are a visiting Blogathoner, what have you learned so far from blogging every day this month?

6 comments:

Beth Camp said...

Congratulations on your book and your excellent progress this round. May all the marketing come easily to you. Yes, I agree, we need to learn balance. I'm still working on that. We can always say we didn't get everything we wanted done, but maybe that's how we get so much done!

TwoHands said...

Girl, please. I'm unfamiliar with ROW80, but you accomplish more in a day than I do in a week. Congrats on the new book! Too exciting.

S.H. Aeschliman said...

"Or at the very least give myself credit when I accomplish something instead of always focusing on what I'm NOT getting done."

Gaaahhhh! Yes! This! Exactly what I've been trying to say for the last...lifetime. I have come to the conclusion that I think I'm superhuman or something, capable of stopping time and/or producing at faster-than-light speed. Is that what you do, too? Do you think you set unreasonable expectations for yourself?

Also: CONGRATULATIONS on publishing your first adult novel! =*D SO. HUGE. Have you taken time to celebrate? Thrown yourself a little party or treated yourself to a spa day/good meal/afternoon off? Just checking...

Jennifer Willis said...

I often have to re-examine my goals and action plans, once I actually start getting to work and life gets involved. The important thing is that you're continuing to keep at it!

Tia Bach said...

Beth - Loved your post, too. Balance is the key.

TwoHands - So sweet.

Sione - You said it so well. I swear I'm going to work on it. Round 3 is going to be different!

Jennifer - Thanks! I'm definitely keeping at it.

Jo Michaels said...

My SM presence has slowed, too. I'm not sure if it's because the kids are home or because I'm working like a demon. Either way, I need a firm kick in the arse. :) WRITE ON!