Deep into Boy With the Painful Tattoo right now and you have heard how I feel about rough drafts, so trying to come up with a blog right now is like being asked to explain the last three days through interpretative dance.
Anyway I thought I would cover this lapse by giving away some audio books. It's been a while, right? So let's give away 25 audio books from my backlist.
Comment on this blog -- I could use some words of encouragement right about now -- Friday through Sunday night and you'll be entered in a random draw for a download code -- good for any of my audio books.
Just breath and write, youll get to the end soon and its all down hill from there :)
ReplyDelete(Sorry if that aint good encouragement, but im crap in my own work, at the moment, so im not sure how to help others along)
Thanks for the chance - cant wait for this book :)
YOU CAN DO IT :D
ReplyDeleteYay for more Kit and J.X, I think they're my favourites out of all your many characters/books
You've been there numerous times over the past and it has always worked. And nothing would happen if it wouldn't work.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the draw, but you know we love you also without material incentives, don't you? ;-)
Be well!
Antonella
Antonella wrote: "Thank you for the draw, but you know we love you also without material incentives, don't you? ;-)"
DeleteWhat she said! Especially the part about the material incentives... :-)
I know that the third book of Kit and JX will be great. I love this series and know that your efforts will be successful. There is no book of yours I've read that has me disappointed. None. I know it will show a good work. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteWell, maybe you could try this:think about the one thing that you would rather do then writing, and do it! Take an hour off,or a day (but not longer that that), fill your mind with something else, keep your hands occupied with something trivial yet satisfying, and once done, go back to work at hand :-). If it works, great, if not, you did something for yourself that made you happy. Win-win.
ReplyDeleteOne friend of mine said to me, not to be too hard on myself. I try to live by that now, because she was right on the money. And now I say the same thing to people around me (and apparently to my favorite author as well LOL). So, take it at your own pace, that's the right thing to do :-).
Take care!
Goge
Hmmm words of encouragement?
ReplyDeleteWhen I have to do something I don't want to do I do it in chunks, work for a chunk then take a break, or I think of the things I should be doing. College work looks much more appealing if the alternative is cleaning the bathroom!
If that doesn't work remind yourself that you have never let us down yet, and I can't see you letting yourself start now.
Love Jan
Yay!! Can not wait for this book! You can do it!!
ReplyDeleteHola, Josh:
ReplyDeleteI send a lot of courage and I think it is best to go at your own pace. As they say in my country: "Más corre el galgo que el mastín; pero si el camino es largo, más corre el mastín que el galgo", more runs the greyhound than the mastiff; but if the road is long, more runs the the mastiff than the greyhound.
Besos.
OMG! That dance video is priceless!! :-D Good to know you have your sense of humor left — the situation isn't totally hopeless yet. ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, dear. You have nailed it so many times before — you'll nail it now. There is NOBODY ELSE who could tell Kit and J.X.'s story better than you. I have absolute faith in you. Even though the rough draft is a pain in the ass, the outcome will be PERFECT.
And when struggling through the rough draft, remember to reward yourself EVERY DAY somehow. Now you're rewarding your readers with audio books, so you have the idea sort of weirdly mixed up, right? ;-)
All will be well. There is light at the end of the tunnel. And other motivational phrases!
ReplyDeleteJust focus on Kit and JX, and they will guide you aright!
Josh, I think your the most generous author I read! You SO got this, just think "I just have to get past the rough draft" because the rest is the fun part :) YOU CAN DO IT!
ReplyDeleteGoogle ate my first attempt... trying to remember what I wrote. I'm sure it was something insightful and witty at the same time, but now it's lost forever... ;-)
ReplyDeleteOne thing that helped me is not to focus on the whole, gigantic task but try to break it down into smaller chunks and allow myself to see the small parts as an achievment too (that is still hard for me to do, I'm working on it). Doing anything (regardless how little) is more than doing nothing at all and so one little step towards the goal. Writing one paragraph is better than not having written it. Success! And now go and reward yourself (like Johanna said). How about ice cream? :-)
Remind yourself that you go through this with every book, and stumbled to the end. Remember how much fun revision is for you. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! I can feel the collective will of the Fanyons all over the world infusing you with strength, good will, imagination, and love. Nailed down that one scene? Grab a swim as you contemplate the next. Had a breakthrough on that troubling dialog? Reward yourself with a nice Irish Coffee while watching the hummingbirds. Plot point cleared up? Take a walk with the SO. I can feel the magic in the air. You can do it!!
ReplyDeleteNo pressure. I'm sure it will be great whenever you finish it.
ReplyDeleteThis is just for the encouragement part :-) I know it's difficult to stop mid-work-frenzy, but taking a bit of time before and after to just breathe and do something, anything, different, can make all the difference. It clears the mind and helps recharge. And so does watching/dancing/singing along with interpretative dance videos or making some up ;-) You can do it! You know these characters and their stories best and the outcome will be wonderful! And the next part, after the rough draft, is the awesome(er) part, right? So that's something to look forward to. Also ice cream, as Calathea said :-) Please take care of yourself, dear Josh!
ReplyDeleteI've got two quotes from books for you that I keep on my desk for motivation and strength:
ReplyDelete"I can do what I need to do. I can get where I want to go, no matter how hard it is." -Micky Bellsong (One Door Away From Heaven by Dean Koontz)
"So long as you're living, never give up." -Jath'ibaye (The Rifter by Ginn Hale)
I love quotes like this because they're short, quick reminders of the important things. Hopefully they'll help you as much as they've been helping me!
That's how I feel about blogging in general :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading this story when it's finished so I'm pleased you're working on it but I know that feeling where it seems as if every sentence and transition between the big scenes feels like pulling teeth.
I'd offer you good luck but luck has nothing to do with the quality of your writing :)
Wow, Josh, already you have had a ton of encouragement above. I will try to add a little of my own. You are the most intelligent and articulate author there is. Yes, you have your demons when it comes to writing your stories, but you always come through, and there is NO DOUBT in my mind that this time will be any different. Do give yourself breaks and frequent treats along the way, but always know that eventually you will see that light at the end. It's always there waiting for you. And finally I must add: thank you so much for not trying to explain the last three days through interpretive dance, if that video is any indication of what we would have had in store!
ReplyDeleteI will end with good luck, Josh, but honestly, I know with your talent you hardly need it. :)
I find it's always hard to blog when in the middle of writing a book! ^^;;
ReplyDeleteI haven never actually listened to an audiobook, so... if I win, that should be fun! ^^;;
Keep going, you're awesome! ^_^
Hi Josh, sorry you've got a bit of a writer's block going on but, honestly don't sweat it. I waited over 5 years for a book by one of my favourite authors and it was so worth it. I think my point is that I'd rather endure a long wait for a good book than something that isn't so good just because the author felt pressured to get to the end product. I hope this makes sense.
ReplyDeleteAlso as much as I appreciate your generosity with the audio books, please don't put my name in for the draw. I know many people enjoy them but they just don't seem to be my thing, so I would much rather you give the books to someone who's going to really enjoy the listening experience. Thanks and just relax the words will come when they're the right ones and those are the ones we'll all be waiting to read. Have a great weekend.
:] Take a deep breath, don't tire yourself too much. We have faith in you-you can do it! ^__^
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, don't sweat it. We will wait.
ReplyDeleteWould setting your ass on fire help? Seriously, I have faith in you . You'll come through with flying colors.
ReplyDeleteWe the faithful have faith! And as I will be flying to Italy this weekend, I plan on acquiring many of your books on audio to make the plane ride palatable!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the guys are giving you a lot of trouble this time. I'll bet Kit is the worst - tell him to shape up! Seriously, I hope this terribly frustrating time passes soon and you're once again able to enjoy the process. Hang in there - the end is in sight!
ReplyDeleteYou CAN do it. Think of how you will reward yourself when you're done! And make it fun somehow...not 'work.work.work.' Oh, the drudgery. I hope you are doing this because you love it and not only for us loyal fans, Josh. Looking forward to whatever comes out of your lovely mind :D
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing I can say that someone else hasn't already said in the comments above. But I'll say it anyway. You can do this. We believe in you. As Lionel's father Rocky exclaims in As Time Goes By, "Rock on!"
ReplyDeleteI have a picture glued to the front cover of my writing binder with the words:
ReplyDelete"Keep going!
Each step may get harder
but don't stop!
The view is beautiful
at the top!"
I look at it every time I need the reminder.
http://youtu.be/FEr0BPOfVw4
ReplyDeleteI use this to put a smile on my face, then remember--"One-word-at-a-time-"
Your work brings such joy to so many--Treat yourself well, feel that love and breathe deep. The words will come.
ReplyDeleteImagine what poor Kit would be if you didn't tough it up and get him out of that sticky situation you left him??!!!
ReplyDeleteIs that reason enough?
Just remember, this too, shall pass.
I am looking forward to this book so much!
ReplyDeleteWow. Now you made me want to see your last three days through dance :p Seeing that video, I can't even imagine how you must feel.
ReplyDeletePlease hang in there, the next phase will be so much better. Not to mention the moment this book hits the shelves. Yay!
Josh, just keep going and the results will be brilliant, as always. We all love Kit and JX...can't wait to read BWTPT. There IS light at the end of the tunnel...and no, it's NOT the train. ;-)
ReplyDeleteBTW...thanks for posting a number from one of my favorite Christmas movies. I have fond memories of watching that movie with my grandmother when I was young and still watch it at least once each Christmas.
Just relax and find your chi....those two are kind of difficult, but you will prevail ( don't know how to spell prevail .but u get the point) with your excellent way u develop an amaze us in all your stories.
ReplyDeletemaria
I think trying interpretive dance might cheer you up. It would certainly cheer me up. You doing the dance that is. Hang in there. It will be worth it. :)
ReplyDeleteJosh, you've got this. Just give yourself permission to write - you can fix anything in revisions. You truly are an amazing author. Love your work as a reader and you inspire me as a writer.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm having a hard time I always tell myself that everything is just as it should be :) Be kind to yourself and remember it's fine to go at your own pace (^O^)
ReplyDeleteI don't know interpretative dance might release the negative feelings and open up your creative flow again…
ReplyDeleteOr you could just have a glass of wine sit by the pool, close your eyes and meditate about where you want them to go from here. If you are like I am, you'll have a nap and feel a bit better less the meditative wisdom.
It's Chinatown, Jake. You need a Rob Roy, a cool, dark room and a classic black and white crime film: The Big Sleep, Key Largo or High Sierra. Those brain cells gotta recharge.
ReplyDeleteI love Kit! JX, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm just one fan. Multiply that by thousands .... many of them.
Now, take a little bit of encouragement, energy or good mood form each fan.
Feeling better already? :)
I'm sure Miss Butterwith would have some sort of bracing platitude about soldiering on through arduous times. Or damask wallpaper. Something. At least if you're talking about Kit and JX, this is probably one of the few weeks of the year people won't be bugging you for another installment of AE. (See! Encouraging words!) Best of luck with completion of the draft.
ReplyDeleteDear Josh, please hold out. I have every month a very nasty deathline. The planning of the store. I hate it fiercely. I know that this is not comparable with your work, there is nothing creative in it, only to mix too much labor, with to little manpower and hoping the best. I need ca. eight hours to do it and I hate it. When the month is over, nothing remained, nothing! All what I do is for the moment, for now! What you do will live on, will be loved by readers now and in years to come. What you do bring joy to many, many people. What you do is important for me, it can make me laughing and crying and thinking over things I haven't on my mind before. For me is what you write irreparable! You have brought real nice people in my life like Antonella, Calathea, Johanna, MtSnow and KC and not quite so real people like Kit, Tucker, Swift, Adrien and Elliot. Please don't give up!
ReplyDeleteKeep it up, Josh! You know we all have faith in you. I personally love your books and your characters, and you have never disappointed me, not even once. No matter what you write about, contemporary, historical, fantasy... I always like it. And I know I am going to love Boy with the Painful Tattoo, because Kit and J.X already form part of my literary family. So, cheer up, and go for it! You can do it!
ReplyDelete;)
Every tiny step counts! Just hang in there, Josh, you can do it... And also: Yay for book three!!! :)
ReplyDeleteTomorrow is another day, another opportunity to write. Stay positive, we love your books!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about adding me to the draw as i have most of your audiobooks anyway ;) (you're on my instant buy list!) but this is my encouragement for one of my favourite authors! Good luck and stay positive!!!
ReplyDeleteWell I am sure Kit would tell you not to overstrain yourself :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck Ame
Can't wait for more Kit and J.X. Thoroughly enjoy your mysteries.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
hmmm...words of encouragement...
ReplyDeleteYOU CAN DO IT!!! (and don't kill anything that you can't bury by yourself, or can't blackmail someone else to)
seriously...looking forward to the story and hope you don't kill yourself trying to get it out.
Looking forward to this so much. I have all of your books and I want more!
ReplyDeleteA great book will write its self and a great author will allow it.
ReplyDeleteI doubt I have anything to add that hasn't already been said, but I'll throw in my own "you can do it," Josh. Encouragement works through volume, right? 55 cheery comments are far better than 54, after all. ;)
ReplyDeleteEverything will be fine, you'll see. You've done this before, heaps of times, and it always comes out beautifully in the end, right? Right. Empirical evidence, my friend. :)
I send many encouraging thoughts from across the seas. The hard part will be over soon enough.
Hang in there, Josh. It's going to be great. :)
Alison
I just finished Stranger on the Shore for the third time this morning. Lost track of how many times I've read All She Wrote. I can't wait for more Kit and JX! The words will come again. If nothing else the interpretive dance might startle Kit into babbling at you. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteI bet a chocolate shake followed by a small cup of strong black coffee would rev you up!!!!! You'll be burning up the keyboard!!!!
ReplyDeleteEither that or you'll have a strong compulsion to do all the laundry!!!!!
Hope this helps!!!!! {:^D
がんばって！！¡Ánimo!
ReplyDeleteWe wait for "The boy..." whenever is ready, so relax and give it some space, sometimes it's better.
Regards from Spain!
I´m sooo looking forward to The Boy with the painful Tattoo and I´m absolutely sure it´s going to be wonderful, just as funny, suspensful and heartwrenching like the other two books in this superb series.
ReplyDeleteI´m very excited for Fair Play too and I´m feeling so lucky that in addition to those great works there will be one of your books be translated into german for the first time, I´m really curious to see how that is turning out.
Have a great and extremely productive weekend, all the best to you,
Greetings from Germany, Claudia
I just finished Somebody Killed His Editor, and I'm already excited about Boy With the Painful Tattoo!
ReplyDeleteI love the emotion you write into every one of your books, and I know it must be absolutely draining to write, but the end result is so worth it! (Adrien just about broke my heart several times). Thank you for that, and please don't forget to take care of yourself - take a beak, go for a swim, and return refreshed.
Go swim. Look at the night sky. Have a good meal with a great wine. Talk to a friend. Fill yourself up a little, and come back to it.
ReplyDeleteI did a lot of rereading and re-listening this summer, and your work just gets better — deeper, more nuanced, more humorous, more insightful — with each read. When stressed I try to focus on breath and silently recite a mantra modified from one I found in the Dharma Bums when I read it way back in my teen years. : ) So maybe swimming is your mantra? Whatever it takes to give the babbling mind a break and just be. Watching hummingbirds? And hugs are good.
ReplyDeleteWe're all really looking forward to this book and that creates its own kind of pressure. But we also have (reinforced by experience) great faith in your exercise of your art.
I also have all of your audiobooks, so this is me joining the cheering on. Salud!
You are a fabulous author. Your works are all worthy of re-reading or re-listening to. The way you put together words is amazing.
ReplyDeleteTake a break for awhile and relax. Your work will be there when you go back and who knows maybe a break is what your thought process needs.
I wish you the best of luck.
Josh, I've always felt that you were your own worst enemy. First of all, we love you and your work. Secondly, STOP telling your readers what you're working on, what page you're up to, when you'll finish, when the fifth draft will be complete, when it'll be ready for editing, publication, etc. Thirdly, STOP putting pressure on yourself by telling us all the aforementioned info. As some of the readers mentioned, take a break, swim, relax, cuddle, drink some wine...Write when you write, say nothing until AFTER you are ready to submit and the pressure is off. Then you can spill, we WILL listen and you can tell us everything without worrying about missing a promised deadline. Your readers aren't going anywhere. Whether a new book comes out this year or next, or the one after that, we will read what you write when you write it because you wrote it. It's really that simple, so relax. At my age, I dont want fast food anymore; I want to enjoy a fine meal and that's not something I do everyday. Denise A.
ReplyDeleteJosh, I'm new here, and also a new fan. I discovered you by accident a couple of months back as I was searching for a new G.A. Hauser to read. Not that she isn't a good writer (I do enjoy her naughty bits), but I stumbled across a real writer: You. I enjoy your work so much and am looking forward to the next Holmes and Moriarity. So keep on keepin' on dude. I've noticed you have a very loyal fan base, and it just grew by one more. Jim
ReplyDeleteA hug and lots of encouragement from Spain, I love his work very much.
ReplyDeleteI have had Boy with the painful Tattoo on my tbr list for months and months now, maybe even a year? So please, a fan hear wishing you well and ... go, get on with it! Forget about the blog (although love to read about what is happening) and spend all effort on the writing, please...
ReplyDeleteGo Josh go! Love your books and can't wait for the next one. You do awesome work!!! : )
ReplyDeleteI love this series. Kit makes me laugh, cry and I really want to just Gibbs him (you know that smack on the head just to focus him). And JX is very lucky to have him. Really looking forward to the new book and I hope the audio book too.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this will be more encouragement or pressure, but I've been wanting to let you know how much I love and appreciate every single on of your stories. You are on a very short list of authors that are insta-buys and insta-reads for me. I get so excited every time I see you are releasing a new book.
ReplyDeleteI love Kit and J.X.'s story and can't wait to see more from them. :)
See? You've got us. ;o)
ReplyDeleteLove you !
Darn, missed the draw, but just wanted to say I discovered you through Kit and JX audiobooks and then got thoroughly hooked by Adrien and Jake. Now I've read at least half (maybe?) your backlist and you have to be one of the most prolific writers out there who still writes with real quality - and a really interesting blog too! Looking forward to the new stuff when it gets here, but you do what you need to do to make it work for you. In the midst of Taylor and Will now. So much angsty fun! Take care. :)
ReplyDeleteEagerly waiting for more Kit and JX. Can't wait for the audiobook either...hope Kevin R. Free narrates the new book. He did a great job with the first two!
ReplyDelete