With no dance teaching in August, apart from a weekly private lesson, I’ve set myself the task of writing the fourth Lizzie Martin Witchlit novel, The Eloquent Witch. We’re entering the third week, my family are visiting from 26th, but I’m less than half way through writing the novel.

I’m a writer, an introverted soul who is never happier than cuddling up in bed with her latest WIP, immersing herself in the world of story. Being a successful author in 2018 doesn’t allow me that luxury more than a few times a year.

Every day, for years, I’ve been starting my day with social media; Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and, if I’ve time, LinkedIn. Instagram is on my list. I blog on average twice a week and have recently started a newsletter. I’m on writing, dancing and healing groups on Facebook, as well as running my own pages and being admin on a number of groups.

On one particular day a few weeks ago, I struggled to surface from the dark pit of despair and couldn’t face turning my laptop on. I went for my walk and realised, I didn’t have to. The world wouldn’t end, no one was going to die. I was twitchy all morning, tearful and anxious. I danced and cried and danced some more. The following day, I woke with a new feeling in my belly; I was in control of what I did and I could choose when or if I went online.

The relief was enormous, but the guilt was there, niggling away at the back of my mind. If I’m not ‘working at being a writer’ every day, will anyone take me seriously? Am I selling myself short? I’ve begun the round of summer book fairs again; footfall has been low. Should I bother? Is this a good use of my time?

But even when I’m using social media, I’m often unsure if I’m wasting my time. I bookmark podcasts and videos to watch and listen to, where others advise on the best writing versus marketing balance, but rarely get a chance to engage. I thought I’d have time with my partner working away, but I’m writing into the night instead.

Power naps help extend my days, but I’m still working on getting the most from my social media engagement.

There is hope though…three other witches and I have formed a working group to promote our work. Sharing the load could be the answer. Watch out for Witches Who Write #WitchesWhoWrite.