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Must you be published before you can call yourself a writer? Of course not!
People who golf have no problem calling themselves golfers even though they aren’t on the pro-circuit with Tiger Infidel Woods. (It is a little known fact that Tiger’s ex-wife insisted he change his middle name as part of the divorce settlement.)
Never mind Tiger . . . we writers are a funny lot.
Being comfortable calling myself a writer took a long time. I’m still not completely comfortable with saying it. When people ask me what I do and I say, “I am a writer,” I hold my breath. I cringe and wait for them to say, “Oh yeah? Sez who, smarty-pants?”
That isn’t my point here. My point is, if you write, you can call yourself a writer.
My problem is I’m not writing.
Oh sure, I write the occasional blog post or grocery list. But . . . I am not working on my novel or pulling the Strong vs. Weak Word posts together for the next best writing-style book since Strunk and White sliced white bread.
Something’s gotta give.
I love blogging and reading your blogs. My writing is better because you all set the bar high in terms of getting ideas across. Plus, having an audience makes me not want to flub my lines.
But blogging takes So Much Freaking Time. I preach to the choir here, I know.
My novel, In Search of Beef Stroganoff, is 99.9% finished. The Strong vs. Weak Words book is all but written. All I need to do is pull them off my blog, spit polish those puppies, then et viola. C’est fini.
What is stopping me from finishing my two books? You . . . you, selfish, selfish people. How dare you write interesting blogs, post fabulous photos, and tickle my funny bone. Harrumph. Stop that.
You know where I am going with this.
I am taking a blogging break.
Oh sure, I’ll lurk in the shadows and stalk you when I need a writing break, good laugh, or belly rub. I will post something when the spirit moves me or to give you an update on my progress. But I have to give you a break from me and give the writer in me some attention.
As Arnold Infidel Schwarzenegger said, “I’ll be back.”
Let me leave you with a parting gift. Want to speak with an Australian accent so you can impress your friends? It is easy.
In your normal speaking voice say, “rise up lights.” It helps if you say it out loud.
You just said “razor blades” so Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, and Huge Jackman can finally understand you.
You are welcome.
On a side note, Keith and Huge don’t use a razor blade (or “rise up lights” for us Americans) often because Nicole is fond of their 5 o’clock shadow.
See you in the funny papers.
ARGH!!!!!! Figures I find you accidentally through your comment on Joanne Phillips blog post re: mission statements and end up liking your humor and you’re ‘gone’! Well I could just pretend you’re here and just read all your back posts. Have to look up your book…
Hello! Not to worry, I’ll be back. The summer has been busy, busy, busy! But I’m glad you stopped by!
I just stumbled by your blog, and glad I have a lot of material to catch up on, as you take a break. I loved the “riseup lights” lesson and may use it when I write a post on Australia. Will include a link back to your post then 🙂
So glad you found me! Any idea how you stumbled upon my blog? I see you have a wanderlust gene. I’m jealous of all your travels.
Ha! No matter how many times I say “rise up lights,” I crack up.
Just checking in. Wanted to let you know you aren’t forgotten…and we are all envious of you simmering and summering.
Hope the writing is going well.
Aren’t you sweet! Thank you for checking in. I’ve been simmering and summering with great abandon Not writing nearly as much as I thought I would, but having fun. How are things in Texas? Are you well?
Oh, your brain is “writing” – it just hasn’t let you in on it yet. I think breaks are important and very productive – only the product isn’t always seen or expected.
Been doing quite a bit of redirecting dog since it is now so hot nothing wants to be outside for long. Looking forward to mts this fall.
Nice to hear from you – Enjoy living beyond the keyboard!
We have HOT going on here in Sacramento today. It is supposed to be 107 degrees! Ugh. I’m headed to the mountains to get out of this!
Mountains – no fair.
We had several days of 106 last week
But this week we are below normal: 62 at night and 91 with low humidity – wish it would stick around.
Have a great 4th!
Same to you!
They are saying a week of this heat wave. Did you sent it my way?
Probably – one TV station actually baked cookies inside a closed up car. It’s way too early to be that hot…gonna work on a rain dance next.
I’m considering frying an egg on the sidewalk.
We used to do that as kids – in August. My dad had us try it on red sand, white sand (silicon conducts heat)…anything to keep us from attempting to cook on top of the car
Mouse,
I made it here to see how Robin was doing, worried…
Robin: Good to know all is well.
Le Clown
Not to worry! I am alive and well. So good of you to stop by to check in. I miss all my blogging friends and your red nose, but summer is keeping me busy. Hope you are well, Le Clown.
Good on you Robin. Get in there mate!
I’m trying! Lots of summer distractions tho. But hey, my daughter is in Australia right now. She will be teaching snowboarding at Mt. Buller. You are in Australia, right?
I certainly am in Australia! Tell your daughter she is welcome to pop in any time to the chaos of my place!!! I am in Victoria and I am actually serious. Jen
How nice of you! Knowing my daughter, she may show up at your doorstep!
Can I tempt you out of retirement, if only momentarily, to post a photo or more of your bookshelves? Call of the Siren and I are asking folks to post photos so we can take part in a little literary voyeurism. :o)
Hi Jilanne! I am at our cabin right now so don’t have access to my bookshelves. I will try to remember to do this when we get home in two weeks. Fun idea!
Hope you’re having a relaxing time. Will look forward to snooping through your shelves.
This break has now lasted over two months. That’s simply unacceptable………..lol
Oh gosh! Has it been that long? Time flies when you aren’t blogging!
How are you Russel?
Hey Robin! Hope you are enjoying your break. You have given me something to think about. My novel is suffering, too. 🙂
Hello Denise! How nice to hear from you! Funny how blogging about writing takes time away from writing! Crazy. Good luck with your novel. Mine is slowly coming along.
Just a note to say you are thought of.
Hope all is going well.
Scott
Awww…….Scott! That is the nicest way to end my day! I hope you are well as well. Miss you!! Darn it, I do miss you!
Sent from my iPhone
Good fortune for the up and coming days – I know what you mean about being a blogger taking up so much time. It’s overwhelming to follow 100+ blogs and want to read ALL of them – and still maintain a semblance of life. We’ll be here when you get back (maybe). Miss you ~ come back soon.
I’ll miss you, but am so glad to hear you’ll be back! 😀
Let’s see how long you can last without blogging! My bet is a week. I understand exactly what you mean, and I tried to take a break, and have taken a break somewhat, but it’s hard to pull away entirely. The good news is that you’ve left us some things to read, so that those of us who are relatively new to reading your blog will have time to catch up. I’ll be back! 🙂
Oh I definitely know what you mean. Now that I’ve cut down on blogging, I’ve finally been able to do some novel writing. Good luck, Robin! Write those books. 😀
Good luck! Now, that’s the best way to cut distractions and being productive.
I just found you! I will have to browse the back issues while you’re gone. Just make sure you come back to tell us about your (assured) greatness please 🙂 PS: The cartoon made me larf art lard (that’s posh English for laugh out loud).
Bring it on with your amazingness, Mrs Writer! I know you will get this work finished soon! I’m trying to meet two deadlines right now for writing. Feel like I haven’t blogged in ages! I need to find a way to schedule things, but I’m too into doing things on a whim, that I like it when the inspiration grabs me, you know?! Oh well… a change is as good as a rest, or so they say. So my advice is to take that break, do something a little bit different and come back when you’re ready. You’ll be missed but your fans will be waiting for you! 🙂
Have a wonderful and productive break Robin. We’ll see you when you return. All the best, Terri
Of course you’ll be missed, but I think we all have to do this at some point. Blogging does take up a lot of time, and I’ve cut back on the amount I do just so I can spend more time writing my new novel. Good luck with your books!
Ok, gonna miss you. On the other hand, I have been thinking about how to cut down my time spent on blogs and posts, too. I enjoy it too much, but need a bit of time and do really need to do some writing! I have a story 1/3 done and need it done in a day or two.
Enjoy your break. I will work on mine.
Scott
Have a great break and I’ll look forward to reading more from you soon.
See you when you’re back. I’ll see your books too, but when I write comments, you won’t see them.
Is what you’re doing fishing or cutting bait?
Enjoy the well-deserved siesta!
See ya in another life, sista’.
Go for it, Robin ~ I’ll look forward to hearing those books are published ~ good luck ~ Polly x
I totally understand! Word on those books so we can read them, too!
D’OH — *WORK*
You know, I thought the same. Nearly finished with the third draft of my WIP so sign up for the A to Z Challenge. No wait, that’s the opposite of what you’re saying. 🙂
Breaks can be good and we’re in this game to write books.
Go. Write. Finish. Publish. Report back 🙂
Robin you are sooooo right. I’m nearly done with my freaking tween novel and what am I doing? Reading you! So let’s both get out of this place for a bit, finish what we started and then glow at each other when back! all the best! As for language, I’m just back from a wonderful trip to California, where the only way to curb my thurst was for me to say UAADER. Nice and ice cold, with no t to stop the flow down my dry throat.
We’ll be here when you come back!
Know exactly what you mean. Bon voyage, lurker!
Congratulations on your decision. Bravo.
I’ve taken a few breaks during my blogging career. Like you said, blogging is a time suck. Enjoy your time off, but remember to come back. Ok?
Hear’s wishing you a productive break. I may have to do the same myself…
I’ll miss you, Robin. What will I do without Weak vs. Strong?
I will not “Like” this post! I understand your need to take a break but, I don’t have to like it. Hurry up and get those nasty books finished and published so we can read them and have an excuse for not writing our own material. Talk to you soon. Good luck!
We get it.
I understand, but please do return! Sometimes it’s not so easy to go back to things when you leave them for a while…
Best wishes on a productive blogging sabbatical! When you’ve finished your books, I’d love to review them on my blog.
You blogger infidel!
No, I get it. Go! Write! Enjoy!
We’ll all be here when you get back.
Enjoy your break, Robin. I know the feeling. Sometimes I know I must cut something and then can’t. Hope to see you back. No pressure. Good luck.
Tell me it isn’t so–and though it is for a good cause– you have to check in every once in a while–but like you–I have a lot of things I need to pull together to make a whole and I am glad you are doing this as I cannot wait to read your books. You have an excellent sense of humour and a writing style that complements it well–so go forth, good friend, and conquer the publishing world. I will be your cheerleader and fan.
Leaving us for awhile with a smile… I like that. Good luck finishing up your books. And as we said in the 50’s a beyond…. after while …. crocodile!
It was short, but sweet for me since I just found your blog not too long ago. I love the posts strong vs. weak, so I’ll be first in line when the book comes out. Love the cartoon at the end. Good luck out there.
As a South African I have no problem imitating the Australian accent… we have so many of your retired rugby players on panels, discussing our rugby that one almost speaks with the forked tongue the whole time… enjoy the break, but don’t stay away too long… I’ll miss you… (says he with tears in his eyes)
I tried “rise up lights” too. It just sounds like “rise up lights” when I say it… The reverse dictionary suggests “reezer bleeds” 🙂
Go. Write. We really want to read those books.
Go for it, Robin! 🙂
I tried rise ip lights – it sounds very authentic….
Enjoy your much deserved break honey! 🙂
Xx