There is this trend going around on Instagram of celebrities doing reels of the characters they have portrayed on screen with the song “That’s not my name” by The Ting Tings and using the hashtag #theycallme – It’s cute and so relevant to my blog post today.
I’ve been quiet. Not only on the blog but also in general. When I pop up out of the blue on my socials, I often get people sending me DM’s asking where the heck I’ve been and it’s so good to see me after so long. Well, here’s the thing…
I’m a wife, mum, expat and, until recently a small business owner. And then they had to add a pandemic to the mix and I found myself juggling way too many balls. Being a creative soul often leads me to burning the candle at both ends. Writing for me (as I’m sure for many authors) is and never will be a nine-to-five job. Ideas and words come at the most ridiculous moments. Sometimes I have a full day free of mum duties or home-organising and find I’m sitting at my laptop staring blankly at the screen because my characters are not talking to me. And those who have read my work know when it’s been a good day of writing, because the story flows easily. Those chapters usually happen when my characters are open and speaking to me – I know this sounds crazy!
Just last week, I took some time to really take stock of what I have on my plate. My small business took up a huge chunk of my time over the last year. So much time in fact that I couldn’t give Gretchen the intense time she needed to pursue her writing to the fullest. And in doing so, I realised I was doing her and me a disservice. Yes, you read that right – Gretchen and I are two different people, y’all!
Having listed the pros and cons and after verbalising my fears and worries with two of my closest friends on this earth, I made the decision to take a step back from my small business and focus my energy on what makes me happy right now. Not to say that my small business didn’t bring me joy. It did. And I’m sure if, given the chance and all the planets aligned, I would probably do it again.
However, I felt that to be true to myself, I needed to make a decision that would best suit me and my circumstances not just for now, but also for my future. And I can say that it’s been just over a week and I couldn’t be happier. It feels (for lack of a better clichè) like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Over the last week, I have punched out half a novel and started outlining two more. It has been amazing! My head was clear for the first time in a long time. And because I opened up that space in my brain and my life, words started flowing again like they haven’t flowed in months.
So, yeah I’m back. And I’m writing again. Every day. And I feel good about it. Over on my socials (please click here for links), I have been more active in posting. So feel free to follow me over there as well.
This is an exciting time for me. I’ve not felt this invigorated in a long time and I have characters bursting within me, wanting their stories told. I can’t wait for you guys to meet them. For now though, I leave you with a reminder to please get my previously published works. I will link them below. Read them, review them and share your favourite moments or excerpts with me.
Till next time,
Gretchen
PS. here are the links to my previously self-published works:
1. Hearts in Edinburgh – https://gretchenwolfauthor.com/2021/05/10/hearts-in-edinburgh/
2. RSVP Plus One – https://gretchenwolfauthor.com/2021/05/12/rsvp-plus-one/
3. Richard 2.0 – https://gretchenwolfauthor.com/2021/05/12/richard-2-0/
4. Paging Dr Wells – https://www.amazon.com/Paging-Dr-Wells-Gretchen-Wolf-ebook/dp/B08WJZ3S3M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TV2W4AQ8P14Z&keywords=Paging+Dr+Wells&qid=1644522726&sprefix=paging+dr+wells%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1
5. Red Carpets & Wellingtons – https://gretchenwolfauthor.com/2021/05/16/where-can-you-order-red-carpets-wellingtons/