Hi Everyone!
The mind of an author is a amazing and overwhelming place to be, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I've learned a lot over the last four years and feel it is important that as an author and as a person, that I share some of the things with others in the hopes that it can help. Today, I'm going to share three things I've discovered since I began writing: One: being in business for yourself is a fun, but scary thing. Two: That being an author is very much like being an artist, but it is also like being an athlete. Three: That it is important to still enjoy life. So, here is what it is like to be in the mind of an author....

Most people, including authors, don't think about going into business for themselves. There are all kinds of things you have to know, learn, and hurtles you must be willing to jump or crawl over. It is time consuming, as well, which eats into a writer's most essential need. I don't care how successful you are, you are still involved in the day to day matters of promoting your work. You have to because if you don't, you don't earn a living. It is both fun and frightening to navigate the rapids and calm waters of finding what works and what doesn't. It can also be exhausting as many authors work 80 plus hours a week with no time off. This can lead to exhaustion and chronic fatigue. I made a promise to myself when I first started writing that I would only do it as long as it was fun. There are days when it isn't, but I'm talking long term. This is why I'm still struggling to find the balance to enjoy the journey while enjoying the work.

The second thing I've noticed is that being an author is very much like being an artist and an athlete. When I talk about an artist, I'm talking about all types of artists: painters, singers, actors, etc. An artist brings things to life. It takes an incredible amount of discipline to capture an image in your brain and bring it alive. It can also be exhausting. Like an athlete who trains to improve not only their mental and physical stamina, but develop their skills, so do other artists. It takes hours and hours and hours of practice for years to become a master. It is said to become a master of anything you must do it continuously for ten years. I firmly believe that. To reach that level, it is important to take care of yourself mentally and physically so that you have the stamina and endurance to reach your full potential. This has been one of the things I've had to learn to do - pace myself - so that I do not burn out. Sometimes my brain actually hurts, feels bruised. When that happens, I know I need to take a break. I don't quit writing, I simply slow down, take some needed rest, and work on other projects. It is not only okay to look after yourself, but necessary if you want to become a master at anything you set your mind to.

Finally, it is important to enjoy life. This is probably the hardest one for me to learn and stick with believe it or not. All my life I have worked and worked hard. I always felt that if I wasn't doing something, that I was being lazy. Have you ever felt that way? Well, it isn't being lazy, it is recharging and appreciating the simple things that make all that work worth while. What is the point of meeting people if you don't enjoy their company? Or seeing a beautiful painting, sunset/sunrise, rainbow, or the other hundreds of things that you may see during the day. We only get one shot at this moment in time and should appreciate and embrace it. If you love the sound of rain or sitting and watching the squirrels play, take a few minutes each day to do something for you, only you, because you matter. Yes, it has taken me years to discover that I'm not only a mom, a wife, a sister, but I'm Susan and it is okay to be just me and do what I want to do every once in a while. My kids, my hubby, my sister and brother love me even more for finally realizing what they've been trying to teach me all this time - it is okay to enjoy life without worrying about anyone else for a while.

The mind of an author is a confusing place - at least mine is. But, it is mine and I'm embracing it. It comes up with vivid, beautiful worlds filled with amazing characters that come to life. They are noisy, pushy, and make me excited to share them with the world. Yes, it is scary and tiresome at times. Yes, I have to work at it and exercise and sometimes take a break. I'm still learning a lot. One of those lessons is that my readers believe in my stories and my skills and are willing to enjoy the journey alongside me as I strive to become a master storyteller. They help me keep this fun and for that I will be forever grateful. Hugs... S.E. Smith