Sorry I’ve Been MIA
I wish I could say it’s because I’ve been super busy, but it’s just been me in a funk. Reassessing my career path, the kind of books I want to write, and just what I’m willing to do to continue on my current path isn’t easy. Some hard truths have come to light.
I’ve been a happy puppy about this publishing thing for a good year now–Pretty much just under a year since my first contract was in July 2011. But even before that I’ve been the constant cheerleader for others. And I love that role. I honestly do. Especially for some of my favorite people.
But I’ve also seen that I’ve been giving a lot of my time and effort to things that aren’t good for me as well. I speak out of turn in excitement, I’m misunderstood when it’s pure laughter I’m going for, and I’m too honest for this game called publishing. There are far too many personalities out there for me to just keep going on as I have been.
Hard lessons, but important ones.
- Your personality is not necessarily good for your author persona.
- Think before you tweet or FB–Words are forever.
- Gossip isn’t fun.
- Words matter.
- Your reputation is all you have, especially when you’re starting out.
- Snark doesn’t always equal laughter.
- Writing is hard. Those that have said otherwise have never been edited.
- Learning is necessary.
- Confidence can be a shield and a hammer.
- Don’t let anyone stop you from writing.
That last one is the most important one. And the one that I’ve had to remind myself of the most. No matter what games are being played in email, social media, publishing, and at conferences–writing is what matters when you’re behind the keyboard.
Your stories matter.
MY stories matter.
The rest of the bullshit can get bent.
What…I’m never going to lose all my snark. 
Muah! Thanks, Chris.
You’ve been one of my constant supporters and I love you for it. Honestly.
I’ll get through it. Sometimes I just need to purge and then it helps me get moving again. Of course it’s the purging that can get me in trouble. LOL But…it is me. And people need to understand that being an author isn’t wine and roses. And that’s all right. If it wasn’t hard, it wouldn’t be worth it.
And a super BIG hug for quoting Jovi at me.
No, don’t ever lose all your snark, Taryn! I’m finding this to be a confusing business, too. Social media and self-promo are so important, but it’s so easy to be misunderstood by people when you’re not talking face to face. If only it could be just about the writing! But writers have to wear so many hats now. Just keep on writing, you’re doing great.
Hey Nona. Thanks for stopping by. I know you’ve had a bit of a tough time too. We work so hard to get these stories finished and then we have even MORE work to do! And yes–my brand of humor doesn’t always go over well. *sigh* We totally need a sarcasm font. LOL
Thanks for the pep-talk.
Hi Taryn!
What’s going on girlie? ((hugs)) I love your snark… snark = Taryn
The publishing industry is a tough one, but hey you broke thru and are SO in! It is true that in this virtual world whatever is said in writing can be taken out of context and blown out of proportion. I guess it’s not limited to publishing only but really everywhere. Gosh it happens to me at work! Whatever’s happened, take it as a lesson learned and let it slide– after all sometimes people suck and focus their attention on things they shouldn’t. Gosh, don’t they have anything better to do? I ask.
Honey, you keep your chin up… keep your snark ‘cuz that makes who you are… and keep coming up with all those wonderful stories. Your # 1 fan (me) here is anxiously waiting for your next book.
Sending hugs, kisses with a bottle of wine, berries and chocolates your way.
Evie
I’ll definitely take the wine, berries and chocolates. The hugs and kisses are a bonus.
I’m trying to keep my chin up. It’s getting easier every day. Sometimes getting things off my chest is all it takes. Thanks for stopping by to give me a pick-me-up.
It’s appreciated.
It’s not all wine and roses? Well, DAMN! then I don’t wanna do it!
Who in the world would take you out of context? Cripes, one conversation with you and anyone’d know your sense of humor. Probably the same people who would take offense at Robin Williams poking fun at them. Honey, you are just ‘on’ waaay more than you are ‘off’ and that is just who and how you are. (Fire sign, anyone? LOL) Although, I agree about the sarcasm font, as I speak it fluently. 
Don’t let them dampen your lust for life. Taryn-as-Muzak… just the THOUGHT creeps me out!
*muah* You make me laugh and laugh. It’s amazing how well you still know me. Taryn as Muzak is so on target it’s scary. You should be the one with the book contract. Honestly.
lol
There’s no dampening, just lost a layer of cute and fuzzy bunny.
Tigers are more interesting, right?
Tigers are *way* more interesting. And you have to keep an eye on them, ’cause they gots them claws…
…and now I’m picturing a naked bunny. Thanks!
Hey Taryn, I’m sorry you’ve had a hard time but I understand. Some days I can’t decide whether to tiptoe around the eggshells or stomp over them.
Hey darlin…I’m so glad you’re writing again, because I can’t wait for more of your books. You’re so right. It all comes down to what happens when we’re behind our keyboards. Definitely one of those things that seems elementary but somehow gets pushed aside when dealing with everything else.
Soo…when do I get more Taryn goodness in my inbox?!? Huh, huh? *checks email* LOL
Aw hell, I had no idea of all this tumult 
I’m so sorry it’s been so difficult. I can offer a virtual hug, and a promise that you can snark at me however/wherever you want — email, FB, etc, — and I will take it in the spirit in which it is offered
“Taryn-Muzak” made me laugh. Can you imagine? *shudder* Even MY imagination isn’t that good
And you may have lost a layer of cute-and-fuzzy-bunny, but you’re still a dirty muppet, right?
Love ya, sweetie!
~ Jen
Hey Girl sounds like you’ve been having a rough go of it and for that I am sorry. I can only imagine how hard it has been to make your dream a reality, but you did it. No one gave it to you, you made it happen and no one no matter what can take that away from you. Remember how it started and look at what you did. You are a published author and that is freakin awesome!!! So just hang in there and keep doing what your doing and being who you are because when all is said and done that’s all that really matters. And remember …..
Bounce, Bounce Nothing’s gonna keep me down
Bounce, Bounce Stand up, shout it out
Bounce, Bounce I play hard, I play to win
Count me out, count me in
I’ll be bouncing back again