I’m still waiting to hear back about that manuscript…
I could technically start writing my next book, but I’m trying to pace myself. For years, I had to write book after book, just trying to break into a genre. I always told myself that when I finally arrived at Harlequin, I’d slow down. You know, enjoy a few days off… smell the roses, take a walk…
Well, I’ve arrived at Harlequin, and it’s time to slow down a little. There is a very pragmatic reason for this–manuscripts take a certain amount of time to work their way through the system, and there is no hurrying them. Unless I want to find a different non-romance genre to write in the meantime, waiting is all I can do. So now is the time to slow down. I need to write more slowly, edit more leisurely, and take myself up on my promise to smell a few more roses.
This is hard. You wouldn’t think it would be, but it really is. Over the last week, I’ve worked on a few articles for a magazine, I’ve read a few books just for the enjoyment (which I blogged about last week), and I’ve rolled up my sleeves and attacked housework like a fiend. My artistic frustration tends to be very good for my home.
It’s all about balance. You see, writing USED to be my hobby, and now it’s my career. That means that I need a new hobby–something for relaxation. Knitting? Woodworking? Doll making? Archery? Tea spoon collecting? Horseback riding? Football?
Seriously– I NEED A HOBBY!
What’s yours?

Julia Hopson of Knit Wits, Penzance, Cornwall with the ‘Guinness World Record’ for knitting with ‘the largest knitting needles in the world’.
Now THAT’S a hobby!
Writing! 😀
R.D. Girvan,
Writer
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LOL! I never been terribly balanced in my passions anyway…
Reading is really my only hobby, but it’s quite enough.
As for a different genre, you really should consider writing mysteries.
You know, I’ve been seriously considering it! I just need to find a publisher to aim at…
I sew and quilt. The only problem with a hobby is that it’s too easy, when the writing is hard, to concentrate on the hobby. Because it’s, you know, fun. And creative. And not hard. 🙂
I made a quilt once! I don’t have a sewing machine, so I did it by hand… and it was HARD! I think it seems easy if you have the talent for it! 😉
i work, and i read and raise kids. hobbies, well not so much. try knitting maybe. or crochet. or tole painting. maybe volunteer at a soup kitchen or womens shelter. do something you like or would like to try. get out there and get inspired.
Working and raising kids is like 2 full time jobs… And I figure reading counts as a hobby. I like your idea of volunteering some of my time!