Yep. We got 10 inches of snow on Wednesday. Another storm coming in this weekend is forecast to grace us with another 4-6 inches of snow.
I shovel the snow off the deck so it doesn’t build up. The deck is anywhere from 3 1/2 feet to 5 feet high depending on the ground (decks are generally level, the ground is not 🙂 ) Most of the deck is now level with the snow I’ve been shoveling off.
I’m running out of places to put it. This next snow is supposed to be wetter than the stuff we have been getting. Wetter snow = heavier snow, but also snowman snow. Maybe I’ll just build snowmen instead of shoveling.
Sooo tired of snow. Sooo can’t wait for spring. The vernal equinox is a month away, and as we experienced last year, it is no guarantee spring will arrive with any haste. Damn.
So, in light of the wonderful–not–storm, I’ll keep plugging away at promo stuff. I just listened–well, watched–a Dan Blank series about author websites. If you don’t know Dan Blank, you’re missing out. Seeriously. He was a keynote speaker at Writers’ Institute a few years back. He’s got some great advice for writers. And he always includes pics of his two boys in his weekly newsletter.
Anyway, the gist of the series was simplicity. Keep things simple. And connect with the reader as you would a person in real life. I have to say I’m kind of more okay with my author website not being finished yet. I think the whole idea of being simple will help me fend off the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the choices: themes, plugins, pages, oh my!
A lot of things still need to be done between now and March 12. I was hoping my Muse would stop by, but so far, no sign of him. I think he got bored with my looking through seed catalogs last night.
His loss. Me, well, I’m just wishing for more spring, less snow.
Another thing I’m chewing on is signing up for book festivals. There is a writers mini-conference (with an opportunity to sell books) happening in a month that my sister-in-law is involved in as part of a Friends of the Library group. I won’t be going this year, since I have no idea when I’ll be getting print books. She did invite me to the dinner the evening before the event, where David Housewright is the keynote speaker. Cool!
There are other opportunities, and I need to toss my hat into the ring for panels our Sisters in Crime chapter does. The group is a valuable resource, from events authors can participate in to getting the scoop about writers’ conferences. I can’t make Left Coast Crime, and Thrillerfest, but Bouchercon is in Dallas this year. Might have to go to that one.
Still no sign of my Muse. Hmm. I wonder if he and Mr. E are off on a pub crawl again. Anyway, today’s docket includes finalizing some promo stuff, ordering some swag, and I think I’ll squeeze some more seed catalog browsing in there. Between shoveling, of course. 😐
Keep Writing! If you are in the path of this weekend’s storm yet again, stay safe and warm!
Facets of a Muse 
February 23, 2019 at 6:57 am
I can only imagine you’re more than ready for spring, Julie. I think you’re wise to use the ‘indoor time’ to do your promo work and focus on that. That way you’ll be all ready for book signings and so on. I hope your weather clears up soon.
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February 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Thanks, Margot! It’s actually relatively warm today; sticky snow warm. I keep mulling about building a snowman out in the yard before it gets cold again 😀 We’re between waves right now, and blizzard warnings tomorrow due to 40-50 mph wind.
Ugh.
Now off to “comparison shop” promo stuff. Have a great weekend!
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February 23, 2019 at 8:43 am
That’s a lot of snow, Julie! Snowmen sounds like a fine idea. I like Dan’s message on simplicity and talking to readers – it makes sense (I’m usually trying to cram too much in there). Thanks for the link. And March 12! So close now. 😀
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February 23, 2019 at 2:04 pm
I really like the way Dan does his series, like you and other writers are gathered in his living room and he’s just talking to you. And he’s so down-to-earth. He made some great points about keeping things simple. It will help me finalize my author site.
Ugh, snow. Although, I would rather have the snow now than in April, like we did last year. April is supposed to be spring. We didn’t get a spring last year; snowstorms in April, and 100 F on Memorial day. No thanks, I’ll take a month or two of spring!
I know, it’s coming up so fast! I’m already scoping out some good wine and chocolate to celebrate 😀 Have a great weekend!
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February 23, 2019 at 9:18 am
I want to move from California. One place I never look is snow areas. That kind of limits me but what you’re feeling–that’s why I’d like to avoid snow.
I love that marketing piece. Nicely done!
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February 23, 2019 at 2:07 pm
I hear ya. Who would want to go from sunny CA to an oh-boy-another-snowstorm state? I don’t mind the snow so much if I don’t have to drive in it. I don’t even mind shoveling so much, but it’s like my feelings on weeding: it’s kind of theraputic in the beginning, but after a while it’s just irritating.
Enjoy your weekend, Jacqui!
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February 23, 2019 at 11:59 am
Wow. That’s an absurd amount of snow. I’m so sorry. Maybe your muse got tired of hearing your dragons brag about how nice San Diego is. Perhaps he took off to visit ME! And I hope the dragons are readjusting to snow and cold okay.
That little promo piece you put in here was quite good. Did you make that yourself? Chilling.
In my experience, my hard copies arrived a week or a bit more before they were officially on sale. That was with one publisher, though. Maybe yours will be different, but here’s hoping they come in a timely fashion. Oh goodness, how exciting that will be! I can hardly wait for you!
And p.s. Meow Purr Mawr Purr Purr!
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February 23, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Actually, I don’t know what happened to Wander. That new How to Train Your Dragon movie is out, so I think she’s gone on a movie-watching binge. And the book dragon has been raving about how much fun she had , like, a lot, so I suspect you may be right, my Muse got tired of listening to her. And BP keeps lazing about; she really got wiped flying back. I asked her if she had fun, and she launched into an hour-by-hour retelling. They enjoyed their trip!
My publisher already told me the soonest I should expect the books is three weeks after release, because they go to a central warehouse, then get distributed from there. And the printer sends them to the warehouse first, no matter where the books are supposed to end up. With the weather over the past month, my publisher said to expect delays. So, I do not anticipate holding my baby until the end of March. Maybe. I hope to get books in time for the Writers’ Institute, but that seems like a long shot at this point.
Zoey says: Mrw purr purr meow purr mawr meow 😀
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February 23, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Three weeks after release! Dang. I’m more sorry for that than the dragons going on and on about their trip. Did they say anything about me? If not, that’s okay. It’s purrfectly clear that Zoe has my back where the love is concerned.
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February 23, 2019 at 3:28 pm
Actually, I think BP misses you. And of course the book dragon read this and launched into another story about how you were nicer to BP because she got to ride in your pocket. And goldfish crackers. And I said at least the book dragon got to hang out in your bag, but apparently there’s a bit of jealousy going on. That’s beside the fact the book dragon is too big for your pocket.
So when the book dragon left to go build a snowman, BP comes over and asks very quietly if she can go over to your house sometime and watch dragon movies. She said she’d even bring her own goldfish crackers. And she would share them with Joe. I asked about the girls. She shrugged and said she supposed she could share with them, too, but Joe is just her size. And he likes goldfish crackers, too.
I think they liked hanging out with you. Wander, well, she’s pretty independent, but I suspect she’ll pop over every so often to say ‘Hi’. And go fishing. 🙂
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February 23, 2019 at 6:28 pm
LOVE it! Please tell them they are ALL welcome any time. And I always have goldfish crackers on hand. Plus, I like them all equally. Now, now. 🙂
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February 23, 2019 at 12:02 pm
P.P.S. Just signed up for Dan’s workbook pdf and blog. Thanks for the tip!
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February 23, 2019 at 2:16 pm
I think you’ll like it. He works with a lot of authors, and always has great insight 🙂
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February 23, 2019 at 12:18 pm
I’ve given up shovling snow, well it freezes over and then becomes immovable…lol. I’m much more of a sledding, snow shoe kind of snow person– if I go outside that is. We are going back to rain next week. It’s been an interesting winter. You sound busy with your events coming up. I havent gotten my seed catalogues yet, I’m watching for them:) Have a great weekend!
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February 23, 2019 at 2:21 pm
Ick. Snow, then rain? We sometimes get snow, then rain, then snow again on top of the ice. So not fun. And up until today it’s been pretty cold, so the snow is drier and easier to shovel. Today is warm enough for snowman snow, so it’s wetter and heavier. Then it’s supposed to get really cold again, so the wet snow will turn into cement. Ugh.
I usually start getting seed catalogs right around the first of the year, so I stockpile them. I like to sit down and go through all of them in one sitting, but the better ones I’ll go through a few times. These days I’ll get most of my seeds from the local greenhouse (they get seeds in bulk, so you can buy fewer or more as you need), except for the odd heirloom or less-common varieties.
Enjoy your weekend, Denise!
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February 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Julie, that’s why I’m staying in sunny southern CA. But, we do get rain and had heavy storms this February. I’m heading for Seattle Tuesday to be nurse Mom to a son post-surgery. Got my UGG boots and winter clothes ready! Hard to leave 50 & 60 degree winter weather here. I’d stay indoors and do promo work. You know the snow will eventually melt on the deck. ☃️ Christine
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February 24, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Hope the weather has improved by the time you head to Seattle. They’ve been getting slammed with snow, too. It was warm and sunny, so the deck got a dose of dry, but now the wind is howling and whipping the snow around.
Sigh. Spring can’t get here soon enough! Safe travels, Christine!
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February 24, 2019 at 3:19 pm
Thanks so much, Julie! Rain in Seattle now. Snow starts Tuesday at midnight and I’ll be there by Tuesday mid afternoon! Double sigh…spring can’t get here fast enough for me too! 📚🎶 Christine
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February 24, 2019 at 9:55 am
Just hearing about the shoveling makes me tired. I don’t miss that at all. Stay safe and warm. And good luck with the marketing efforts!
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February 24, 2019 at 1:22 pm
Thanks, Staci! Today the winds are cranking. Too bad snow isn’t like leaves: the wind blows them all into the neighbor’s yard 😀
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February 24, 2019 at 11:01 am
Raven is doing the exact same thing Zoey is right now–snuggling up and sleeping. We didn’t get 10 inches of snow but we did have a very nasty storm last week, that left me with a white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel as I was driving.
You are getting POUNDED with the white stuff up there! No wonder your muse rang E up for a pub crawl, LOL.
And your post just reminded me that I have yet to touch my website.
I just finished round 2 edits on Eventide from my publisher. I guess I should start thinking about the website soon.
Wishing you all the best with the promo stuff. It really does suck up a lot of time, but is so necessary!
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February 24, 2019 at 1:29 pm
I figured as much. And I suspect they’ll stay safely away from the storm until things quiet down. We’ve got blizzard conditions here (not snowing, but 40-50 mph winds for a ground blizzard), and tomorrow is supposed to be a reprieve until the next round on Tuesday. And another round on Friday. Sigh.
Oooh, Eventide! I just finished End of Day. I think you did a great job on the dual timelines in Cusp and End. Can’t wait to read Eventide 😀
Back to the website. If I’m lucky (and focused), I might be able to get it done today. Maybe. 😀
Have a great week, Mae!
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February 24, 2019 at 6:44 pm
We have winds that just started today too, but nowhere near what you have. I’m feeling fortunate most days after reading about your weather.
And, wow, I’m so excited about End of Day. I’m thrilled you enjoyed it. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
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February 25, 2019 at 4:24 am
Yikes! You must feel as if the snow never stops! Did you get to build a snowman? Can you still exit your house!?
Good luck with sorting the promo for your book and you sound organised. I love the banner promotions at the end of your posts … these look great and are very enticing! 😀
Sending sunny hugs over to you, Julie! 😀
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February 25, 2019 at 10:04 am
Yes, it is feeling like it never stops. Didn’t build a snowman, but we can get out of the house 😀 Ground blizzard yesterday; looking outside it felt like we were on Hoth. 🙂
Thanks, Annika! Have a great week!
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February 25, 2019 at 9:42 am
We had a storm over the weekend. Snow, then rain, then more snow. It took me 3 hours this morning to scrape up the layers of snow and ice from the driveway and steps. I’m so over it! But like you, we have two more winter months – March and April. You are doing a great job making progress on your promotional plans, and taking time to dream about your garden. Your muse may have taken a trip to Florida. Check him out for tan lines when he shows up again. 😉
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February 25, 2019 at 10:07 am
Three hours? Ick. The snow-rain-snow weather really sucks, especially if you have to drive anywhere. We got a little over an inch, then 40-50 mph winds, which gathered up all the snow into nice solid drifts. We’ve got some monster drifts in the grove.
Florida, huh? I’ll have to check into that 🙂
Have a great week, Molly!
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