Feeling Overwhelmed

Usually I plod along doing each thing on my list and moving to the next without any feeling of stress or urgency. Yep, I keep a list of all the things I need to accomplish--never knowing whether I'll get it all done in one day or not, but not worrying about it. If something is particularly important, I'll do that first. My list consists of everything I need to do promotion, household stuff, bills, etc.

Lately though, my list is growing and contains too much that needs to be done right away.

I'm doing a different blog tour with 13 authors which has required something a bit different for each one, though I've asked the same thing from the other authors. As each list of requirements has come in from a blog host I've created that particular post. When an author sent me what I wanted, I've put it on my blog with the right day as soon as possible--mainly because I didn't want their information to disappear.

Because I always jump at the chance to be on someone's blog, I've got several of these coming up. I keep track on my calendar and when the day comes I make sure to promote that blog and check it ever so often to acknowledge anyone's comment.

I do a monthly newsletter and usually I'm good about writing a bit on it whenever I do something that might be interesting--during the month of March I didn't write a thing. I know why, income tax weighed heavily on my mind. I did five other income tax returns for family members, but mine was problematic. There was one thing I absolutely couldn't figure out how to report. After much stewing, I headed down to H & R Block. A nice lady there showed me exactly what I need to do and didn't charge me. Big surprise in this day and age. After I followed her directions and they worked, I stopped back in and gave her an autographed copy of my latest book. She seemed pleased--not have as pleased as I was.

Looming ahead are all sorts of in-person events, each one requiring something different.

The first is the 50th Anniversary of the Jackass Mail Run--requires a tent, table, chairs, books, and money box.

Second, a Reading Club in a town about 2 1/2 hours a way. I plan to give them books and I'm taking some for sale.

Third, a panel with the L.A. Chapter of Sisters in Crime. A bookstore is supposed to be providing books, but to be on the safe side, I'll take some along with me. Because this one is about 1/1/2 hours away, we're going from there to spend the night with one of our daughters.

And the last and at the end of the month, I'm giving a reading and talk about what gave me the idea for each book to a college group about 3 hours away. (Of course I won't do them all, we'd have to stay 2 days.) We'll stay in a motel and the plan is to visit an ailing and very aged aunt the next morning before we head home.

That's April--well that's the writing part of April, haven't even mentioned all the other things I have to do as far as my personal life is concerned.

So--what about you, do you ever feel overwhelmed?

Marilyn