To be balanced, feels like a distraction.

Being distracted is possibly living a fuller life. As an artist and writer, I want to give 100 percent to my art and I have in the past. Family and friends have walked in the shadow of my passion for many years. This is to my shame, not to my accomplishment. When people come to my studio, they are amazed at what I have accomplished. As they survey my work in amazement, I am embarrassed as to how little time I’ve given to my friends and family in light of all I have produced.

I don’t spend time chit chatting about nothing. If they need a soft shoulder to cry on, I send them to my Sweet Al. If they need a errand run, they know to ask Al, not me. I have not been available, but I have been on task for the work I have in my hands. I’ve been focused, but not balanced.

I’m not putting chunks of time into my next novel. I wake up with that intent, but then I feel drawn to check my e-mail and Facebook. Such as posting everyday in my two websites. Is anyone reading these postings? Probably not, but Mikey says do it, and I do it.

I’ve purposed to help a friend to get her prayers into a format, possibly be ready to put into a book. I’ve decided to type one prayer a day and put it on my Betty Slade Creation Website. My friend has probably ten journals of prayers. I must do this, I must give back what I can do, what she can’t do at this time. I must honor the gift that the Lord has put in her.

My Wyndham students have thrived this summer. I have been faithful to reach out and help them accomplish the desire of their hearts. I’ve been there for them this summer. I am sure I will see results next summer. Most of them come every year. I have made some special friends through the art classes at Wyndham.

They have bought my books, even helped me to do a final edit on it. These friends are not lost at all. They have gone back to their homes across the United States, but we still hold each other in our hearts. I do not think I would have been aware of the potential of friendships without Mikey’s constant reassurance that the people around me are part of the provision for my potential.

Mikey will be calling today. My assignment from last week is

1. Write what I am looking for.

2. Write SoundBits. For under 35, over 35, Men, Women, Christians and Non-Christians. My understanding about SoundBits is this. Telling in their language, speaking in terms they understand. Adapt sound bits for each audience when I am presenting Spirit of the Red Candle.

I have given both these topics a stab. I’ll see what Mikey has to say about it when he calls.

I have maximized the local market, it is time to move into a bigger market. I’ve been faithful to social networking. Not sure how to maximize the social marketing. I have joined several groups in the networking media. I need to be more visible among my peers, authors and writers. My friend Lin, says I need to join AFWA. They have ways of promoting their members books.

This is a perfect time to drop the ball. I’ve given all I know to give. This is probably my mode of operation. In the past, this is about the time when I have moved on to another project. The job is not done. It’s time to move out to swifter waters. I’m not sure how to swim in these waters.

The fever has moved away from this book now. The honeymoon is over, the passion is turning to grey coals, this is the time to moved out into another venue to get this book in the market. Not changing horses, but revitalized this horse.

This is where I need a market coach. I need Mikey’s expertise. I do not have it within myself. I have and am doing what I know to do. I’ve been on a high speed learning curve for the past year.

Mikey and I began this journey together August 1, 2011. It’s been thirteen months.  I am not at all discouraged. I have grown immensely in these months. I started virtually at square one with little knowledge about writing a novel, the computer, social media and marketing.

It took me ten of those months to make this product, Spirit of the Red Candle,  worthy for the market. I’ve moved up into a IMac and have had to learn how to work a new machine. I’ve published the book with Lulu.Com. Another learning curve, then  learning how to make it into an E-book. I’ve had promotional material printed, I have the beginning of a movie trailer.

I’ve had a local book signing and also an evening of a Presentation with 32 watercolors of the characters from the book, and a small journal printed on what I wanted to say in the first book, but couldn’t.

The Big Idea which Mike has brought to me is simmering. Other things need to line up before we can launch this.I believe this is the next spark to move this book along.

The next book, which holds the answers to the first book is started. I am projecting the spring as the finish date.

I need to be spiritually and emotionally prepared for this journey.  Mikey and I went on a 40 day fast and prayer. It ended September 1st. There were some breakthroughs, not what I expected. One breakthrough was enormous for my understanding people who I have prejudged.

I will begin another fast and prayer on September 29th through the elections for this country. I am sure I will discover many more things about myself in order to follow through with this Big Idea that is in the making.

Yes, I have been distracted but balanced, It feels like I’m lacking total focus, but I believe it is all for the purpose of the potential of this work, Spirit of the Red Candle.