I’ve been working hard to get a life this year.
Pre-writing career, I prided myself on being the jack of all trades and master of none. I’d worked at half a dozen different kinds of jobs, lived in states all around the country and stocked my reading shelves with everything from textbooks on world religions to novice’s guides to things like wine and architecture. I could cook a few things really well and I could sing a few songs in Italian.
Life was good.
And then along came the writing bug.
I’d never been passionate enough about anything to learn more than a little about it. For all that I could belt out an Italian love song, I couldn’t begin to do anything practical like ask for directions in Rome. So the hunger to learn more and more about one subject in particular was new. Foreign.
My bookshelves grew fat with craft books on writing and examples of great romance writing instead of a hodge podge collection of books about everything. In short, I became obsessed. The need to write just one saleable book turned into the need to write two and then ten and then twenty.
I’ve been loving every minute of my nearly decade long obsession now, but recently I went into the kitchen and realized I hardly ever cook anymore. And when was the last time I pulled something off the bookstore shelf that wasn’t related to anything I was writing?
Clearly, I needed to get a life outside of writing, to reclaim old parts of myself that have been ignored in the obsessive need to put words on paper. Writing friends tell me that I’m refilling the creative well, taking time to recharge. But I wonder if it’s that different from what anyone goes through when they’ve reached a life milestone and need to reevaulate. When a stay-at-home mom sends her youngest off to school for the first time, I’ll bet she experiences the same thing. A sudden worry that she’s put every ounce of energy into realizing a fabulous dream and now the dream is standing tall and waving goodbye on the big yellow schoolbus.
My writing career isn’t going anywhere, of course, but like a school age child, it doesn’t require the same level of constant attention it might have in a younger incarnation. I’ve won a certain amount of freedom to indulge old hobbies and half-remembered interests.
I can’t wait.
Has a life milestone ever nudged you to “get a life”? A break up? Moving to a new city or moving on to another stage of your career or with your family?
Help reawaken Joanne! What unusual books or music would you recommend to someone like me who’s interested in discovering something new?
Prize Alert One random poster will receive a signed advance copy of Joanne’s time travel Blaze, HIDDEN OBSESSION, due out in June 2006.
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Hi, I am pretty boring. Havent read anything unusual. Read mostly romance and fiction.
I just finished Janet Evanovich’s Manhunt. It was v.g. Successful woman moves to Alaska to find a husband & she buys a hardware store - ( she know nothing about that type of business.) So that would be something along the lines to inspire you.
Cute story. She is looking for a plain man with brown hair - those are her qualifications and the hero keeps reminding her of that.
Will be anxious to see what others have to say. Sure more inspiring than my comment.
Good luck.
Thanks for offering a nice prize. Fingers crossed.:wink:
by Pat
on May 2nd, 2006 at 8:21 am
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Joanne…geez, I know *exactly* what you are going through. I’ve been wanting a life myself lately and haven’t found it.
What about bellydancing? I’ve really wanted to take that up–or flamenco. Yeah…flamenco. That’s what I want to do!
by Julie Leto
on May 2nd, 2006 at 9:34 am
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I recommend Kirk Franklin’s “Hero” CD to anyone who wants to be exposed to new thought. The music is fabulous, but the lyrics are thought-provoking and heart-touching.
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Bellydancing sounds fun… all the more so if I could end up with abs like Shakira. Denise, I’m going to see if I can find a sample from this CD. I just moved my outdoor speakers outside again after a long winter and it would be great to have new music to go with dinner on the patio.
Pat, thank you for reminding me! Jennifer Crusie is an auto-buy for me. Looove her books.
This is great!
by Joanne Rock
on May 2nd, 2006 at 9:53 am
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Hmmm…..listen to Seether. I love the song Gasoline.
Read a funny paranormal. I rec Date Me Baby One More Time by Stephanie Rowe. Or read a thriller (like I’m doing right now) like Map of Bones by James Rollins (he’s a much better writer than Dan Brown).
by Nicole
on May 2nd, 2006 at 10:04 am
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Joanne,
Have you ever read a Wally Lamb book? He is an amazing writer! Romance is my favorite genre, but I read a little of everything. As far as mainstream fiction goes, Wally Lamb is one of my favorites. He writes such profound, beautifully flawed characters. I would recommend “She’s Come Undone” or “I Know This Much is True”.
by Zara
on May 2nd, 2006 at 10:07 am
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Joanne,
I’m in the midst of finding a life too. In July, my son will start kindergarten and I’m going to be heartbroken those first couple of weeks. It’s a milestone for him and he’s growing so fast. The past couple of years, I’ve been raising my son and helping my husband run his business. The other day I sat down and thought, what do I want to accomplish now for myself. I feel the past couple years I’ve been so focused on my son’s and husband’s needs, I’ve kind of let my dreams fall by the wayside. That’s okay though, I’m ready to start dreaming again. And traveling!
I love great songs about perserverance. Currently I like Gary Allen’s song: Life Ain’t Always Beautiful (but it’s a beautiful ride). I also enjoy Jewell and I’ve heard a new singer who I think is good. I believe her name is Natalie Breckenridge?
by Sandra M.
on May 2nd, 2006 at 10:58 am
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How about Arto Paasilinna’s book The Year of the Hare?
by Minna
on May 2nd, 2006 at 11:00 am
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Have you ever tried any og Enya’s CD. Her music always lifts me up. Even my toddler loves the music. As for books, just recently read The Treasure Box by Penelope Stokes. It was really good.
by Cherie Japp
on May 2nd, 2006 at 11:29 am
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my life too is kind of boring. i heard great reviews of your book. Go out and see a baseball game that puts me in a good mood.:grin:
by KIM H
on May 2nd, 2006 at 11:36 am
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When I want a change I will take up a craft. I can’t seem to just sit and watch TV so I like to have something to do with my hands. I have in the last year learned how to crochet. I have made several blankets while watching TV. Before that it was seed beading, weaving the beads without a loom. And before that I learned how to card weave. But above all I love to sit back and get lost in a good romance story. I just finished The Last Heiress by Bertress Small its the last book in a 4 book series. I am now reading The Improper Wife by Diane Perkins. All have been good reads.
by Tammy G.
on May 2nd, 2006 at 11:49 am
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My life is kind of boring too. One milestone that nudged me to “get a life” was graduating college. Although I am still trying to get a life. One of my college profs actually co-edited two books called “How to Get a Life.” There are currently two volumes and they are interesting books with little mini-bios of famous people and how they succeeded in life. They also give advice for daily living and have quotes by the people on various subjects. The second volume focuses on famous thinkers and writers. I enjoyed them and learned a lot about various people.
by Jennifer Y.
on May 2nd, 2006 at 11:52 am
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What an interesting question! A year ago, I would have said “I have no life,” despite a successful career and all that jazz. Now, I feel like I do have a life. And that’s because I started writing. But, I can definitely see how writing can take over and trick you into thinking you have a life, when it’s really other people’s lives! Wow.
by JulieS
on May 2nd, 2006 at 4:03 pm
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I also recommend Riverdance CD.
by Minna
on May 2nd, 2006 at 4:26 pm
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I want a life by way of finding a job!!! I am a recent college grad having no luck :cry: So in the mean time I listen to country music or bluegrass (yes I am young and listen to bluegrass…and not afraid to admit it:grin:) :grin:
by Kathleen
on May 2nd, 2006 at 7:09 pm
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I am in the same boat as you Kathleen.
by Jennifer Y.
on May 2nd, 2006 at 7:15 pm
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A getting a life question reminds me of a country song that goes something like “I’m going to get a life, like I should have done, a long time ago, before I wrecked? this one….and you can find one too” :razz: Well it goes something sorta like that:roll:
by Patricia
on May 2nd, 2006 at 7:16 pm
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I almost always read contemporary suspense/thriller/romance. I am now reading Warsworn and am really enjoying the change of pace.
by Joyce
on May 2nd, 2006 at 7:43 pm
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Get a life: I love food and had met several other people who shared my enthusiasm. All of us had backgrounds from different countries. We slowly began to show each other how to cook a favorite home dish from our respective countries, it was an informal thing. Though I have had to move away, I hear that the group has about 20 members now, includes 2 chefs, has a printed schedule of cooking demonstration hostesses for the month and one of the members is trying to create a companion website…all because we loved to eat and were curious about other people’s meals and cooking techniques. Many of us were stay at home mom’s looking to do something fun at the time and things just grew. Other people who have moved have tried to set up something similar in their new areas.
Unusual book and music: For unusual book Kim Harrison’s Dead Witch Walking, for fun unusual music an Eddy Raven CD that includes Bayou Boys.
by little lamb lost
on May 2nd, 2006 at 9:04 pm
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Dancing With The Stars always put a smile on my face. Most of the stars were NOT dancers and worked very hard to learn to ballroom dance. Dont think this really answers your question but if something makes you happy, it may help you in your road to success.
by Karen
on May 2nd, 2006 at 10:47 pm
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My usual reads are romance but for something different I like getting into one of Lurlene McDaniel’s books. She writes adult fiction mainly for teens but they are really deep. As far as music my favorite is country but when I want something diffferent there I go for Jamie Walters or Kidd Rock.If you are looking for something to use some real time though I would suggest trying to take up photography. I find it extremely relaxing to do outdoor photography and with my three boys they tend to make it interesting for me sometimes.
by Billie L.
on May 3rd, 2006 at 12:27 am
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Joanne,
I love to listen to the LOTR soundtrack when I need to relax and find new inspiration
by Danny
on May 3rd, 2006 at 3:17 am
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HI Joanne,
For new music:
I love Leo Kottke . He plays a 12 string guitar so beautifully! His voice is a bit gravelly though. His songs go from upbeat to slower. Also the sound track from Man From Snowy River is great (instrumental).
As for a moment that changed my life:
It would definitely be having my first child…the loss of freedom to do anything, anytime. It’s a big adjustment putting someone else’s needs first!
by Laurie G
on May 3rd, 2006 at 6:54 am
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There’s nothing like your daughter having another baby to change your life! Now I’m doing even more babysitting! It keeps you young! lol
by Carol
on May 3rd, 2006 at 11:05 am
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We are all happy to have been sharing in your nearly decade long obsession and look forward to many more years of it!
How about a cooking book, you mentioned you never cook anymore so maybe trying some new recipes? Or on the dancing thread how about Salsa or Ballroom dancing?
by Dena
on May 3rd, 2006 at 12:17 pm
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What Color is Your Parachute!
by Karen
on May 3rd, 2006 at 6:46 pm
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What a fantastic list for me! Between the music and the book ideas, I see a Borders trip in my future so I can spend an hour in headphones, and hour in the stacks and another hour savoring something decadent from the cafe. That’s practically a vacation for me.
Many thanks for the superb suggestions and congrats Carol on another grandbaby! Sandra, good luck waving goodbye to your son that first day! I never imagined I’d be the kind of mom to cry when my kids started school, but I sobbed right on cue when each and everyone of them left that first day. Thankfully, none of them are too close to college age yet or I guess I’d be a real mess!
by Joanne Rock
on May 4th, 2006 at 8:34 am
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:!:Prize Winner:!:
Congratulations to JulieS, winner of a signed, advance copy of HIDDEN OBSESSION and thank you to everyone for taking time to offer up thoughts and ideas! Julie, I’ll be emailing you shortly. 
by Joanne Rock
on May 4th, 2006 at 8:35 am
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Yay! How exciting - I never win anything. :mrgreen:
Thank you!
by JulieS
on May 4th, 2006 at 10:00 am
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Big congrats Julie!
Danny
by Danny
on May 4th, 2006 at 10:02 am
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wtg julie s
by KIM H
on May 4th, 2006 at 11:40 am
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Congratulations, Julie!
Thank you, Joanne, for the congrats!
by Carol
on May 4th, 2006 at 11:44 am
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Congrats to JulieS!
by little lamb lost
on May 4th, 2006 at 11:49 am
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Congrats Julie
by Dena
on May 5th, 2006 at 10:26 am
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Congrats Julie!
by Cherie Japp
on May 5th, 2006 at 10:30 am
