Saturday Surprise — All the down and dirty details of Lorelei’s life

June 5, 2021

Bet that headline got your attention!

Happy June to everyone! Summer is FINALLY here in South Dakota — we’ve had record highs the past 2 days. Makes time at the lake more enjoyable even when the water is only 63 degrees 😳

I know, I know, I’m supposed to do my May wrap-up the first Saturday of the month, but I’ve been working so damn hard outside during the day that the last thing I want to do is sit in front of my computer after I scrub off the dirt…Sitting in front of the TV watching hockey is where it’s at for me during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, especially since the AVS made it to round 2!

I’ve been content outside, watching my plants bloom and grow. I’ve replaced most of the ones that didn’t survive the winter, and it’s been a lot of work digging around the existing plants and adding better soil in hopes I’ll see more growth in the scraggly ones that are barely limping along. Yes, I needed dirt therapy, and getting vitamin sunshine has vastly improved my mood. This past week I planted annuals. I might’ve gone a bit overboard, but I just love looking out my windows and seeing all the bright blooms. And I’m the weirdo who likes hand-watering everything. Also, *I’m* the sprinkler system; I move my sprinklers around on watering days (we’re under water restrictions here) and although I invariably get hit with the spray of water at least once every sprinkler session, I still like hauling my hoses around. Ooh, that sounded dirty — haha.

It’s been strange — in a good way — being out and about and running into people I haven’t seen for a long time. After catching up on kids and community, I’m usually asked how the writing is going. And the people who’ve known me the longest are shocked to hear that IT’S NOT GOING AT ALL.

Deep breath confession time: I haven’t written anything new since I finished the 6 stories for the Rough Riders cookbook…last October. (I’ll wait while you add up the months of me NOT writing and wrestle with your disappointment that I likely won’t have a release any time soon)

EIGHT MONTHS of zero writing. EIGHT MONTHS of guilt. EIGHT MONTHS of worrying. EIGHT MONTHS of making excuses. Did I mention EIGHT MONTHS OF GUILT???

I haven’t taken this long of a break from writing…ever. Not since 1999 when I decided to get serious about that “writing thing” I’d always talked about doing.

Oh, I’ve thought about writing. I’ve plotted out a few things. Even had characters talking to me, but nothing has urged me to dive into a new story or a new world. Not even the outlines I have for books in existing series have tempted me to plop my ass in the chair and put my hands on my keyboard.

You still with me?

I guess the term for extended time off from your career is a sabbatical.

So let’s go with that definition. I’ve had an eight month sabbatical. Apparently I needed time to realign myself and I’ve realized I need to stop apologizing for it.

Does this mean I’m done writing?

NO.

But, I’ll probably never be as prolific as I once was. Now with the authors that are putting out a book a month, I definitely can’t keep up. I have no intention of even trying. I’m too damn old! I can’t imagine that if I can’t get enough interest in readers buying ONE novel a year from me, that it’d be a good idea to write TWELVE novels in a year. Scratching my head about that mentality and for me, it doesn’t compute.

I’ve posted about the changes in the publishing world, and I’d be lying if I said the shifts don’t affect me at the core of who I am as a writer. But that’s the thing this sabbatical has taught me: it hasn’t affected me at the core of who I am as a PERSON.

Thanks for getting to the end of this rambling post. It’s been a weird week. Hell, it’s been a weird damn year.

Comments on making life changes are entirely welcome!

XOXO

L~

PS — I’ll post my monthly wrap-up next week and as usual, it’ll have a contest of some sort to go along with it 🙂

 

 

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35 Comments:


  1. Jenny Black said:

    I think it’s probably been good for you to take time off writing than to sit there and put out garbage. You will get back to it when you’re ready for it. I’ll read anything you put out, whenever that may be. I know that I’ll be getting quality enjoyment from it.
    Its been really weird to go into businesses without a mask on, now that I”m at the fully vaccinated stage. I got so used to it. I’m used to getting takeout from places, rather than dining in. Now that restrictions for the Navy has eased up in our area my husband can go out to eat again. It’s going to be so weird.

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  2. Annette Beacham said:

    Don’t stop!!!! I love your books!

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  3. Debra said:

    Sometimes life has a way of making us step back and just BE. SO, you just BE as long as you need to. Hugs!

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  4. AnnaMarie Melchiorre said:

    No matter how many books you write be it one a year or twelve, you loyal fans will always support you.

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  5. AnnaMarie Melchiorre said:

    No matter how many books you write be it one a year or twelve, you loyal fans will always support you. Loved your Rough Riders.

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  6. Barbara said:

    I will wait patiently for a book from you. I’ll probably go back and reread your existing series again as I really enjoy your writing. Rest and enjoy that darling granddaughter until the spirit moves you again.

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  7. Kerry Jo Pruett said:

    Everyone needs a break. I as a fan am glad that you are taking time to do what you enjoy. I will buy your books once a year or every month doesn’t matter to me.

    I made changes in my life recently. My husband and I have become fulltime rvers. Sold our home and things well most things and hit the road. I am currently getting ready to start a remote transcription job. For the first time in both of our lives we do not own a piece of land or house. We are currently looking for a home base. We will always be Texans but I think we are going to retire in Arizona where the weather is nice mostly year around.

    I look forward to what other things you do to enjoy your sabbatical, and look forward to that first note that you have started writing again.

    Fan for life…. Thank you for giving me the stories that helped me take time out of my life when I needed it.

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  8. Janice said:

    I write too. Since the pandemic hit my mojo is just gone. I still write, but it’s taking forever to get anything done. I find I’m willing to do almost anything rather than sitting down in front of the computer and forcing myself to write. (Like cleaning out cupboards, or scrubbing down whatever I suddenly think needs scrubbing) I believe the change we’ve all gone through has hit us harder than we think. But eventually we’ll all get back on track.
    I’ve noticed there’s a ton of new indie authors on Amazon. But a lot of them are clones. They all write the same stories, but with a slightly different spin.
    You, on the other hand Ms. James, are a very gifted writer, and one of a kind. What you write is always unique. So I’m sure when you’re inspired again we’ll all enjoy whatever your mind has conjured.
    I think in a way this time we’ve had to regroup has been good for us. Hopefully, once this has passed, we’ll find our motivation again.
    Enjoy your time off, knowing that you’ve got a loyal fanbase that will be more than happy to read whatever new adventures you create.

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  9. Jeanine Lesperance said:

    This has been a strange year for a lot of people. A lot of writers that I follow have had some slow down in their writing too. I think you just need a break. Take your time. Your fans will still be here when you get back to it.

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  10. Jeanne Stone said:

    I’m glad you’ve realized you shouldn’t be guilty but of course realizing doesn’t completely chase the feeling away. While I’m always anxious to devote new stories from you, you definitely need to take care of yourself. 🙂. Thanks for sharing. This last year has been a black hole and we’re all tired.

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  11. Sherry Mason said:

    As one of your biggest, most loyal fans, I would patiently wait as long as necessary for you to write another book. I hope you decide to write more at some time in the future but certainly understand why you might feel like it’s not worth the time or hassle. I enjoy your updates by email and will settle for that even 😂 Hope you enjoy your family time and continue to email us updates. Thanks for all your wonderful stories!

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  12. Nikki said:

    I’m so glad you could step away for a bit. People handle these types of challenges differently and in their own way. You do you! We’ll wait patiently for your next story.

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  13. Caroline said:

    I’ve been reading your books from the beginning…or close to it!
    I have to admit that I never really got into the Blacktop series, but I read and enjoyed all the others. I even read and enjoyed all the Lori Armstrong stories once I realized she was you! Sometimes you have to try something totally different when you’re burnt out. I’ve heard some authors say that they like to write with another writer. It seems like it would be fun to bounce ideas off of each other and try new things. Maybe you need to try something totally unrelated to writing! But whatever you decide is right for you, please know that you have brightened a lot of lives with the stories that are already out in the world. We’ll miss you, but knowing that you’re happy will ease the withdrawals! Good luck in your future endeavors

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  14. Laura Larocca said:

    I will read anything you write and wait patiently till the next book comes along.

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  15. Jo said:

    One book or 12 I will always look forward to your books! Take care if you first!

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  16. Brandi said:

    Seems to have hit a bunch of authors. I have had a few say the same thing and are taking time off now. I would rather have good books than crap. I read arcs for a few authors and yeah they spit out a lot of books but I would rather read a long well rewritten book than a quick short piece of fluff that the author shoots out quickly.

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  17. Saundra said:

    I will read anything you put into print. You are truly an amazing writer and I have missed your books (so I reread and reread all of your books)!!! Enjoy every minute of your time off and I sure do hope that inspiration and desire returns soon!!!!

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  18. K. A Bylsma said:

    There comes a time in every life when one needs a reset…your turn came and you’re better off for it!
    I’ve never been able to understand how some authors can have so many books published a year and still have a life….🤔
    I know we’re going to enjoy what you decide to produce when you think its ready!

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  19. Karen Hollanitsch said:

    I’ll buy whatever you write, no matter how many books you publish in a year!

    You’re hopefully getting a nice break on your sabbatical from writing, and obviously from your posts of crafting, cooking, gardening, your creative juices still have an outlet! Hope your next book isn’t too far off – miss your writing (although I do enjoy the-reading all the ones I have)!

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  20. Donna said:

    DO NOT apologize for doing what is best for you. Yes, there are some writers that are publishing several books a year but to be honest, many of their books feel very repetitious. There are some writers I’ve stopped reading because it was the same story line over and over, just with changes to the character names. Or they kept rehashing the main characters’ past issues in book after book. Those writers are of no interest to me any longer.

    Then there are writers who publish one book every six years. The point is, don’t worry about how much you write. Whatever you write is high quality and I know it even if it’s characters from a series (Julie and Mercy come to mind), the story will be original. Whenever your next book is published, I’ll be here waiting.

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  21. Haly said:

    I will happily sit and wait 10,000 years for The Legacy Series to slowly come out. I’m not abandoning you or giving up! You’ve given me amazing stories and I’m slowly just buying your whole library. So I’m happily finding new friends while I wait to meet up with some old favorites.
    I have a small business and while it’s not writing I do put a lot of me into it and it can be so exhausting. Between my amazing marriage, being my partners caregiver, being a sister, aunt to +50 and a business owner…I NEED to unplug every once in awhile. Burnout is so, SO real. I run away 2 or 3 times a year and while I still have to work while gone, it’s enough time away to get me to my next escape.
    I love my business, I love my team and I love what I do but I can’t let it be who I am.
    So I see you and I hope your sabbatical is cleansing and exactly what your heart, soul and spirit needs. 🤍

    Reply ↓

  22. Stacy G said:

    Don’t feel guilty. And yes some authors pump out books monthly but just as many don’t. Don’t compare yourself to anyone but you. The question you should be asking is do you want to write? Do you still enjoy writing? If not what has to change in order for you to enjoy it again. I know personally I made some big changes in my life recently that were scary but I feel so much better and happy I did it. You take the time you need to regroup and figure out what you want. I for one will be be here waiting. ❣️

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  23. Linda Holmes said:

    I agree with the comments above. I will wait for the next book to come out too. I have two other authors that I read and they both had a book come out last year and another one this year. I will read whatever you put out next.

    The way I see it is those who write their books to fast have mistakes in them.

    And from what I read in the comments your fans will wait.

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  24. Cindy Marrs said:

    Seriously though…you’re giving yourself a much needed break and I certainly am not going to get upset worrying about a new book soon. That just means the anticipation is even sweeter waiting!! It takes a while now for me to be able to sit down and read since I have a 2.5 yr old and a 1 year old grandsons living here. I can’t sit and lose myself in your book and read almost the whole book in one day. Enjoy yourself!

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  25. Michelle said:

    I miss your novels. The sabbatical is quite good but please complete the Lund Family series. I love love this fictious family! Sending you lots of love and prayers fine Mama

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  26. Alina said:

    🙂 In the meantime, I’ve barely discovered you last year 🙂 So I’ve binged read you and binged listened your Rebecca Estrella-narrated-books and your Scarlet Chase-narrated-books. And I’ve immersed myself in your words, soaked myself in the stories and the characters. (*as long as you haule your hoses around… 🙂 )
    So, in all this long break of yours, in another part of the world you are new and still not totally discovered. 🙂
    I even read your blog posts from the beginning just to find all the times you announced all The McKay releases and then all the Blacktop Cowboys… 🙂
    There you go! 🙂
    Until you decide to show us what you talked with the characters I want to tell you that I love you so much and I love your talent! 🙂
    xoxo

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  27. Anita Mallari said:

    In the past year and a half I’ve been struggling with my current position at work along with Covid on top of it. Reading at times have been challenging when my mind is else where but into the story. Loosing sleep at night because my mind won’t turn off. Cried silently alone when you think how can it get any worse but then life throws you more curve balls. It’s been a challenge that’s for sure.
    I can say I’m starting a new position on Monday so looking forward to new opportunities. Back into reading and getting lost into it once again…🙂 but best of all a little miracle coming in 3 weeks 🥰

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  28. Laurine Gambardella said:

    I read all your books, one a year is fine. More would be good. I find it amazing that anyone can write books. I always want to some times I get an idea but I think the dialogue scares me. Keep up the writing.

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  29. Terry Blackmon said:

    It has most definitely been a weird year. I had been so good at writing and listening to the characters in my head, and then, for me, my self esteem tanked and I have never tried to publish. For this whole past year I find it so incredibly difficult to focus on anything. So I can certainly understand where you are coming from. Just know I remain a big fan!!!

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  30. Pamela Lee said:

    I am one of your readers who fall into the “I hope you are not done writing” but in all fairness it should be left up to you and when or if you are ready to write again. It would be sad to know that someone who is able to write the stories I have loved and read again and again stops writing but you need to do what you NEED to do and we will adjust. I live in Highlands Ranch, CO and am always glad to see that you are here. Of course we had snow thru the month of May and I thought we would never get done with it, but here we are and today is supposed to be 87…. Highlands Ranch is a suburb of Denver so they are also having the heat. We had our first over 90 on Friday and everything is suddenly so green. It always seem that we go from winter to spring so fast and then it is summer and the same for fall to winter. Spring and fall only lasts for about 2 weeks!! Enjoy planting and hand watering your plants and enjoy the sun.

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  31. Rhonda said:

    One book a year from you is worth the wait!!! you have got take care of yourself to be able to do what you do. And that family of yours comes first. It’s been a crazy year for sure, so take care and see what inspires you next!!

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  32. Elisa A said:

    Making life changes are difficult, agonizing, heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching, and can make you lose a ton of sleep, lose/gain weight (depends if you starve or eat when you’re upset), or think you’ve gone off the deep end. Making career decisions are even more so.

    But one thing I learned when I was in my early 20s, is that you should have no regrets in life. When you come to a crossroad, which path will make you feel good about yourself? Which path will make you the person you want to be?

    The decision isn’t always an easy one. There’s often “what ifs” and “what else could happen”. But sometimes if you go down one path, when you stop to evaluate, and you decide you’ve made the wrong choice, you can often double back and take the other path. Sometimes you can’t double back. But then you acknowledge and accept that it was the wrong path, and put that away in your mind to make sure you don’t make that mistake again. Sometimes what is right for you now may not be right for you in the future. As long as you have no regrets.

    I am an engineer, and was working for a company that didn’t appreciate me. But I had pride in my work and despite being treated unfairly (woman and minority) I was loyal to the company. In 2006, I almost quit my job and bought a Scrapbooking business. But I went through all of the above, and talked endlessly with my dear husband. Some nights we talked into the morning, even though we both had to get up early and go to work. We ended up coming up with a 5-year plan. We invested in high risk/high income funds. We got lucky and reached our goal in 5 yrs as we predicted. But I still couldn’t cut the cord. Despite all my turmoil, I hung on, finally retiring in 2017. I surprised a lot of people since I was not yet 50 when I retired. But even though we have to watch our pennies now, I can honestly say I have no regrets. It took me 11 yrs to weigh the pros and cons. 11 years of nearly sleepless nights. 11 years of agonizing over giving up a good career. I finally jumped off that cliff. But I’m happier and healthier than I’ve ever been. I let work take over my life, and now I’ve taken it back.

    Lorelei, I’m sorry that you feel guilty for not writing in the last 8 months. I wish I could give you a hug.The decision is yours to make. But make sure your future includes things that make you happy. If when you release a book, you are not elated and feel as if you’re on the moon, then it may not be the right thing for you now. But if the thought of never writing again makes you feel as if you’re about to lose your best friend, then maybe you just need to enjoy your sabbatical for now, and come up with a plan/schedule to start writing again. It doesn’t mean you have to start writing next week or next month. It could be 12 months from now. Just have a plan so you can enjoy the rest of your R&R.

    Whatever you decide is in your future, I hope you keep writing this blog. I like that you share your everyday stuff with us, and that I can share back with you.

    Lots of hugs! Take care!

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  33. Tiss Johnson. said:

    I understand about the not writing, cause I’m not reading. Oh, ill buy your book when it comes out, and I might start it, but I’m just not into reading right now.
    BUT, I have a funny story to tell you.
    We were at a rodeo in Elgin, ND this past Saturday. Rodeo families hang out around the concessions. This little boy was playing and all of a sudden, he had to go potty. Being a ranch boy, he just pulled down his pants and started doing his job. People were laughing at him and someone in his family finally noticed and yelled at him. He started crying, and his dad who was warming up for roping, jumped off his horse and picked him up and they walked off talking. I’m sure when he figured it all out, he was pretty embarrassed. Cute kid. Was thinking of the McKay when it happened.

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  34. Wendy Stewart said:

    No worries Lorelei. I have been patiently waiting for Anton and Kyler’s stories and I will continue to wait. The McKay’s are family.

    Reply ↓

  35. Lois A Taylor said:

    I’ll read whatever you write whenever you publish it. Just please don’t stop completely 😵‍💫

    Reply ↓

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