Just about every time I open my email of late, there is another ‘publicist’ raving about one of my books. They tell me my books are getting the short shrift and deserve a wider audience.
I couldn’t agree more.
These emails were flooding in at such a rate that clearly my TikTok has made me a star, Bradley Cooper has finally outed me as his secret crush, or something is afoot at the Circle K.
Continue reading “If It Seems to Good to Be True… (Navigating the New World of Author Marketing Emails)”It’s summertime and the living is not so easy, at least in this foster dog home.
With my office cottage filled with three dogs and three puppies, plus a serious medical (possibly hospice) foster dog, my office cat Hazel, and I are both overwhelmed by the dogs, their needs, and their noise.
Which means that I am not getting a lot of writing done. Sigh.
I seem to get myself into these situations on the regular. I’m writing this from a dog bed, where I’m sitting with my Lima Bean, my foster dog who is struggling with advanced heartworm disease in addition to other serious health issues.
There are moments when I’m overwhelmed at all of it – the foster dogs, the nonprofit, our dog-friendly rental business, my writing career (or what’s left of it), and being there to support my family and friends (plus my own three dogs), not to mention my gardens (which so far this year are glorious!).
But then I consider all that is happening in our world, and remind myself that my overly full life is just so rich and I am just so dang lucky.
I used to say ‘blessed’ but I’ve grown to see that word differently these days, figuring that if I’m blessed, does that mean someone who doesn’t have as much is not blessed?
Why would I be blessed, and someone else not? I’ve never cottoned to a God who plays favorites.
I’m where I am because of circumstance, the work I’ve put in, and the decisions I’ve made. But I do believe there is also some luck, or maybe, timing, to it.
One thing I’ve learned after writing eight books is that if you wait until you have time to write, you’ll never get anything written. Which is why I’m here in this dog bed with this needy dog, finally creating a blog post.
When I have the opportunity to teach writing or coach another writer, I always advise them to ‘just write.’
Every day.
And I know there are lots of writers who pooh-pooh that advice these days, but I don’t think there is any other way to make progress. Everyone can write something, every day, even if it’s just a sentence. In fact, one-sentence journals make great stories.
So, having offered excuse after excuse for not finishing writing project after writing project in the last six months, I’ve decided to take my own medicine. I plan to will write every day.
Even if it’s just a blog post written from a dog bed. Even if it’s just a journal entry. Even if it’s just dictating something in a note on my phone.
No one else is going to create the time for me to write. Only I can do that. So, when I finally opened up a document to work today, and I heard Lima Bean whimpering, I unplugged my laptop and moved camp. Now, she is comforted by my side, and I am actually writing!
If you told yourself, ‘this summer I’m going to make time for my writing’ or if last January, you resolved to get something written this year, this is your wake-up call.
Carve out the time and space to write. Your soul needs it.
And maybe this world needs it. But if you find another (good) excuse today not to write, you’ll never know.
Just write.
Honored,
Cara
If you like what you read and want to support my writing, consider buying me a cup of coffee.
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My newest book is out! You can order a copy and support the work of Who Will Let the Dogs Out, by purchasing one directly from us here.
If you’re a dog lover, check out my other blog, Another Good Dog. And if you want to know what is really happening in the animal shelters in this country, visit, Who Will Let the Dogs Out, and subscribe to the blog I write there.
I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Substack, and I’m thrilled to get email from readers (and writers), you can reach me at carasueachterberg@gmail.com.
My latest novel, Blind Turn is a mother-daughter story of forgiveness in the aftermath of a fatal texting and driving accident. It won the Womens Fiction category of the American Writing Awards. Learn more about it and find out how to get your copy here.
I think the world would be a better place and we’d all be happier people, if we put down the phone and read a book instead.
Why don’t more people read books? This is a question that flummoxes me.
My perspective may be skewed because I LOVE to read. In fact, it’s a bit of an addiction that I passed on to two of my kids.
We were once called in for a parent-teacher conference to discuss Brady’s habit of reading during class. The teacher had removed every book from his desk and seated him up front right beside her desk and he would lean over her desk to read anything on the desk rather than listen in class.
Continue reading “Put Down the Phone and Read a Book”“PAUSE. BREATHE. Don’t Respond.”
This is a sticky note I have pasted to the top of my computer screen. I try to focus on it when I’m on zoom calls or when I read something on social media and feel the irrational urge to SCREAM AT PEOPLE (or cry).
Continue reading “PAUSE. BREATHE. Don’t Respond.”Finally! After a three year drought, I have a new book coming out in 2025! And this one was sure worth waiting for.
Note: Maybe this is old news because you follow me on Facebook or subscribe to Another Good Dog. So if that’s the case, you have my permission to skip this blog post. Or you can read it again because, hey, this is good stuff and there’s dog pictures!
My newest book is a little different. It’s a passion project, for sure, and it’s been five years in the making. It’s also a nonprofit venture.
Continue reading “New Book Coming in 2025!”My most recent novel, Blind Turn, has had the longest and most winding road to publication of all my books. I looked back through my files to try to figure out when I started writing it – as best as I can tell, I began writing it in 2010.
I was inspired to think about this because it was chosen to be the Ereader News Book of the Day for this Friday, August 30. For one day it will be just 99 cents!
So, if your reason for not buying a copy has been that you don’t want to spend the money, here’s your chance to get an e-copy for less than a dollar. There’s not much you can buy for less than a buck these days, so I hope you’ll take a chance on me..]
Back to my long and winding story, which I’ll try to keep brief by sharing it in a timeline:
Continue reading “The Long and Winding Road to Publication”I’m sure you will think this has nothing to do with being a better writer, but I will argue that point. In fact, I will argue that it not only will improve your writing, it will improve your quality of life.
It’s nothing new. You already know it. You’ve heard it before. It’s common sense. The problem is it’s not common practice.
Here it is (my version): get enough sleep for your body.
For years, I strived for at least eight hours of sleep. And even though I often woke up at five or even earlier, I stayed in bed and tried to sleep longer, knowing that I would be healthier, happier if I did. It more or less worked for me, but I was young and adaptable.
Continue reading “Listening to Your Body Can Make You a Better Writer”
Not long ago I read The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. The premise is based on stoic philosophy, and the author asserts that the obstacle in your way is the way.
I’ve found myself muttering this phrase while out hiking when I encounter a fallen tree on the trail or while driving when I come upon a tractor plugging up the center of the road.
Continue reading “Stoic Philosophy and Writing”Who wants more energy, more sleep, and to feel happier and calmer? What if I told you I know a secret power that will give you that? Read on, friend, and don’t doubt me.
I’m a big believer in intentionality. I don’t think progress or success or even happiness come without being intentional.
Continue reading “Simple Way to Increase Energy and Improve Your Mood”
My Life in Paragraphs 