Free Fall

I have sat down in front of my computer at least once a day for the last couple of weeks, trying to get my brain to jump start enough to get the creative blood flow going and write a post. I have even gotten a paragraph or two into a topic before it..just...falls.....off......

I know that it isn't uncommon. That fall into the abyss of not being able to write, whether termed "writer's block" or "loss of inspiration" (or "in need of nap"), is one that I have hit before and been able to struggle out of the pit. It's just been more difficult lately. I think I put a lot of pressure on myself. A girl has goals, y'know. I have work to do: at my job, at my home, at my church. I am redesigning two websites, co-coordinating a women's conference for next summer (which means planning starts NOW), working on a chapter for publication, reviewing for multiple outlets now. Trying to keep up not only on the important professional issues in libraries dealing with funding, ebooks, and technology, but my personal goals with the chicken ordinance in my city, my home life, my gardens, my knitting, my health. Top this off with being a solo parent of two children with their own needs (typical and special), and at times I just feel that cliff crumble out beneath me.

CC Image courtesy of epSos.de on Flickr

 I know that I cannot do it all with the hours in the day that I have (Who came up with that arbitrary 24 hours anyway?), nor does anyone really expect me to. Except me. But I do know that this feeling of free fall comes when I have hit my mental limit. I have to step back and evaluate what I have, what I don't, and what of those things I truly need.

So, things may seem a little quiet here for a bit, but I know this is just the ebb and flow of Life. Thanks for watching the waves with me.

Review: It's Always Been You by Victoria Dahl

The Book:

Aidan York has spent the last ten years running away from the past. The love of his life was lost to him, first by an argument then by her death. While his life has been filled with business deals and women, nothing will stop the emptiness in his heart occupied by his Kate. But when he steps into that coffee shop only to be faced with Kate - as alive as can be - will Aidan's heart heal, or will Kate's secrets destroy whatever is left?

In My Mailbox (21)

Welcome to In My Mailbox! Hosted by The Story Siren, it is a way to showcase books received for review or won, picked up at the library, or purchased. Titles link to Goodreads.

I have been used to the "drought" weeks. Being so busy I haven't had as much time to get to the library or dig into review titles, however the last couple of weeks has brought a bounty of books!

Won:

Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane. Won from Goodreads, and I am looking forward to this one. I really enjoy her on Twitter, but this will be my first time reading her work.

Cheat the Grave by Vicki Pettersson. Won from Bitten By Books. If you like fantasy titles of all shapes, you will love this blog and the contests, interviews and books covered. I really loved this series and not only got the book but two of the special poker chips based on the last book's cover (series is based in Las Vegas).

For Review:

Switched by Amanda Hocking. Sent by St. Martin's Press (Sent to work, even. I never get titles at work!). Books that were self-published ebooks by Hocking, who went on to get a great publisher's deal. 

The Real Werewives of Vampire County by Alexandra Ivy, Angie Fox, Jess Haines and Tami Dane. The title certainly gives me a giggle, and I hope this collection is as crazy as the tv series that inspired it.

Borrowed:

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Girlfriend came through for me again (plus I read faster than she does :). I was led to this by the terrific review on Stacked. Computer games and 80s references - count me in!

The Adoration of Jenna Fox and The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson.

Divergent by Veronica Roth.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray.

Awakened: A House of Night Novel by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

I Came Out For This? by Lisa Gitlin.

Flash and Bones by Kathy Reichs.

I was able to get to the library right when it opened last Saturday morning and hit the jackpot in the YA section display. I had been hoping to get hold of most of these titles. Plus a lesbian and favorite mystery series title on top of it.

The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th Edition.

Writing and Publishing: The Librarian's Guide by Carol Smallwood.

These two titles were picked up to help with a chapter proposal I am writing for publication. I was fortunate to work with a couple colleagues and co-authored a chapter two years ago, and have been interested in continuing to write again. I need to get to work!

Happy Reading!