Author Inspiration and This Week’s Writing Links

Unplugged

Ciao, amici! How was your week? Mine was busier than usual.

I was wondering… what’s your opinion on self-care? I admit, I’ve been really bad about that, especially since I had kids. I’m the first one to want them to eat well, exercise, see a doctor if they’re sick or injured. That’s what mama bears do, right?

Well, yes, it is. But neglecting one’s self isn’t a great idea. It will eventually catch up to you. I’ve been learning that the hard way for several years now, but I try to muddle through anyway. This week, though, despite being incredibly busy, I had to take a day off. I got one of the worst migraines I ever had. I’ll spare you the description of the unpleasant symptoms, but I was down for the count. I couldn’t work. Usually I lose half a day and then soldier on. Couldn’t do it this time.

Seems every time I get sick, the symptoms are worse than the last time (chronic condition or contagion). What’s that mean? It means I may have finally learned my lesson. I need to make time for me. Which brings us to the words of Anne Lamott:

Almost anything will work if you unplug it for a few minutes,
including you.

Wise words, indeed. Do you unplug once in a while? I think I’ve finally learned that I need to.

Hoping you had a productive week and have a happy weekend.

And now, this week’s writing links:

Posts by me, about my work, or at sites I contribute to:

Me

Story Empire

Romance University

Posts by others in the industry:

And when you’re done with these links, don’t forget to check out the sidebar, where you’ll find more links to some of my favorite sites.

Have a great weekend!

50 thoughts on “Author Inspiration and This Week’s Writing Links”

Add yours

    1. I’ll say. I know I haven’t been very good about self-care lately, so it’s no surprise my migraines have started occurring more frequently. They’re brutal. I really should take the time for preventive measures. Thanks for dropping by!

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  2. Migraines are the worst – hope you’ve recovered. I’ve learned self-care is really important, or stress catches up with me in the form of insomnia, usually. Unplugging for a while can make a huge difference. i get some of my best ideas when I’m doing yoga.

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  9. I’m sorry to hear about your migraine. I used to have them when I was younger- bad enough I ended up in the hospital getting a shot to the hip a couple of times- thankfully they’ve disappeared with age. The only good thing with menopause, lol.
    I try to take time each day away from the computer by gardening. It’s relaxing and rewarding, a nice break from the computer gods!

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  11. Self care is THE most important thing!! (says the girl who hasn’t slept for… What feels like a week!.. But, so as I say, not as I do! 😉😂). You can’t care for others if you don’t take care of yourself first.
    I think the quote about unplugging is right on the money. Everyone needs to turn themselves off for a while. Even if it’s just to watch a movie of your choosing, or take a nap. You’ll never get anything don’t if you’re constantly pushing yourself mentally or physically!
    I hope you feel better!! 💖💖

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    1. Oh, Nicole. You mentioned a nap… what is this elusive thing? I feel as though I’ve heard of it, but its definition escapes me. It sounds wonderful, though.

      Kidding. But it sounds like you need need a break as much as I do. Wishing you a restful weekend!

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      1. Oh, I didn’t say I knew what a nap WAS!… I’m actually a bad napper… I didn’t know there could be such a thing.. But, there is. If I ever try to nap, I wake up feeling more tired than before I napped!… It’s a sad existence I lead! 😂😂😂

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      2. I’ve had that same problem! I don’t know who enjoys those 20-minute power naps, but it takes me more than 20 minutes to manage to fall asleep, and only sleeping 20 minutes is exhausting!

        Hope you have a restful weekend, too. 🙂

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  12. Thankfully, I’ve never had a migraine in my life but have several friends who suffer from them and I know they can be thoroughly debilitating. Sometimes our body has to come along and slam us with something horrible to get us to step back and take time to relax and recharge. You needed that down time. I hope you’re feeling better, but don’t overdo in an effort to catch up. Wishing you a calm and revitalizing weekend! 🙂

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    1. Calm and revitalizing sounds wonderful, but I think I’ll be working. At least some of the time. It sucks when your body is working against you, even if it’s really trying to help. But I’m sitting here with a large mug of caffeine and a can-do attitude. Fingers crossed today is productive.

      Wishing you a calm and revitalizing weekend, too!

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  14. Sorry to hear about your chronic migraines. I get what my doctor calls “hormone headaches”, which knock me off any writing task for one or two days. Absolutely do not dismiss self-care, though. I’ve learned I need to take walks to quiet my mind (and my nerves) at times, or run (when a walk just doesn’t do it). I love the idea of unplugging, but I always think about how much I could be getting done. Still, it’s good to take breaks, so hang out with your dogs and watch your muse work out in the yard… 😉

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    1. Hormone headaches? That sounds horrible. So sorry to hear that!

      I’m with you on the unplugging. I’m always afraid of squandering productive time.

      I’ve always hated running. This “runner’s high” that the fools talk about? Never experienced it. I’m convinced it doesn’t exist. But I wouldn’t mind watching my muse do yard work. You know, because yard work would be getting done, and that’s productive. 😉

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  16. I’m sorry it took a migraine but you needed time to unplug. There are times when I know I’ve reached my limit. Last night was one and the strange thing was the fact the words were churning out. But, I was exhausted, my feet and ankles were swollen and I knew it was time to quit. I think I fell asleep around eight. But oh what rest! Now to look at the scene I wrote. Doubt it will make any sense. Take care of yourself and have a wonderful weekend.

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  17. Sometimes, the hardest thing is to think of ourselves. The trouble is, we have to. Love this week’s quote, Staci, and sorry your migraine this time was such a bad one. Have a good weekend 🙂

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  18. Sorry to hear about your migraine! They are no fun to get.
    I used to push myself until I would end up sick in bed. I try not to do that anymore. I remind myself that sometimes you have to take a little bit of time and take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. Hard lesson to learn and there are still moments when I find myself not doing what I know I should. I agree we tell our kids to take care of themselves but then we don’t. I like to think I’ve learned to sit down for a bit and just do nothing…
    Hope you are feeling better and have a peaceful weekend.

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    1. I am feeling better, thanks, although I’m woefully behind. I used to take preventative migraine medicine every day, but I stopped when I had a falling out with my doctor. Stupid of my to dig my heels in on that one, but the migraines didn’t come back right away, so I thought I was okay. They’re back with a vengeance now. I have my management ritual down, but this one didn’t respond to anything. Live and learn, I guess.

      Seems we both need to be better about self-care. I hope you have learned better. I hope I finally have, too. Happy, healthy weekend, Denise. 🙂

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