I ask that question since I've been contacted on various forums about the reason for shutting down my blog. First, let me say, no, I'm not shutting down the blog because I'm giving up!  I'm shutting it down due to time constraints and demands. Have I ever felt like giving up? Of course. What author hasn't experienced times of doubt and second-guessing? Those feelings come hardest during silent times when one wonders if what they've written is worth the effort.

One problem with social media is people go into it expecting a constant stream of positive interaction. Even when conflict happens, at least it's a dialogue. The most difficult are the days of silence where there is nothing, not a peep, no comment or indication one way or the other. It is then that doubt and questioning can occur.  I don't know of an author who hasn't experienced a period of uncertainty and introspection.

A seasoned author understands there is ebb and flow in the world of marketing and promotion. Does that make it easier? Yes and no. Yes, in that we learn to take advantage of those quiet times for more writing. No, in it doesn't totally eliminate those nagging doubts that want to creep in during quieter moments. However, knowledge does aid in being able to weather the silence for sure enough, a flurry of activity can happen fast!

The main objective of a marketing and promotion is to establish a steady flow of sales, not necessarily a steady stream of interaction. Yes, I know there are people who push for authors to make themselves available almost round-the clock. However, surf the web to discover how many known and established authors maintain a constant web presence. You'll be surprised at the fewer numbers than those who are trying to break-in and become established. Granted Twitter and smart-phones make it easy for short, massive "tweets", but I'm talking about updating blogs, webpages, author/reader social forums - those avenues that take serious amounts of time and almost daily up-keep.

There comes a point in an author's career where less is more. After 4 years of active participation online, 9 fiction books, 2 children's books, a study guide and coloring/activity book for the series, I've reached a saturation point. This can actually feel more overwhelming than silence, as the demand for attention grows troublesome and distracting. Choices must be made to accommodate as many venues and avenues as possible while maintaining a level of stability and creativity.

The amount of planning, time and energy needed to travel to conferences, fairs and convention is tremendous! Add to that speaking engagements and conducting workshops, and the scales begin to tip to being swamped.  Balance is required to keep one's life in order. I'm grateful for the fact that my husband works with me and is my traveling companion, otherwise, I hate to think what affect such a schedule would have on our marriage!

So, have you ever felt like giving up? If so, ask why? And how can I better manage what I'm doing to help stay on track? But also know, you're not alone. Those feelings are common.

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