Final decision – no newsletter

So, the decision to do a newsletter was a long deliberation before I decided to do it. I researched all that I could, signed up to EmailOctopus (free account), created a template and started working on content. Then I looked at all the work I still need to do before I die. I’m not being intentionally morbid, but at 63 I’m in the sudden death zone. I’m not ill and expect at least 10 more years+ but I need to knuckle down now. I gained the pleasurable habit when I retired (3 years, 5 months ago) of clocking off at 15:00 and going to the pub when I should have continued with my workload.

My current author workload:

• Process my next manuscript through copy-editing, proofreading and cover before loading to Amazon KDP.
• The new one is a trilogy, so – write two more books (62,000 words done in the second book).
• Write the sequel and conclusion to my science fiction fantasy – The Connected Series (50,000 words done).
• I currently have six other book series outlined and started that I need to complete, and a few other ideas listed too.
• On Goodreads, my Currently Reading sits at 4 and my Want to Read sits at 19 – so that’s a chunk of time too.
• Then I need to get back to painting and photography.
• Plus, there’s a life to live too.

So, no newsletter. I found that there are many out there already, so I might get lost in the crowd. Plus, I have finally returned to my sort of blog. I can be a little more personal there – like with this content – which I struggle with (being personal), but my research tells me it creates better engagement for my readers. So, as I’m in the sudden death zone, why not give it a go?

I suppose at 63, my writing now will always be self-publishing, as who wants to commit time and resources to someone who might not finish their workload. But for anyone reading this, trust me, I will finish my workload as I can be stubborn about things like that.

Anyway, time to send my current manuscript to my copyeditor. The time slot they have is October-November, so the proofread will follow that. That means my new series will only be released in early 2026.

I decided on all of the above while walking the dogs in the rain this morning.