The title of this newsletter sums up my life over the past year...

But don't feel bad for me. I'm in the best mental and physical health that I've been in a long time.

I've been "exercising" (ahem...walking and doing some yoga. Nothing that makes me sweat too much.) I've lost the 40+ pounds of weight that I had gained when I started writing back in 2016. My terrible heartburn is gone, and my daily dose of sunshine just makes me smile.

(Note, this is the best photo I could get of my family. Hubby in the middle, son, daughter, and puppy.)

Unfortunately, as I have been focusing on my health, my writing schedule is non-existent. I needed the break, as I wrote 30 novels/novellas over 5 years. Plus, with the lockdown and COVID, my mental health couldn't take bad reviews. They had more power over me than they should. (Especially since all my books are rated over 4 stars on Amazon. There's no reason a few low star ratings should have affected me that much.)

Many of you have asked if I'm stopping writing. Honestly, I'm not sure. I don't want too, but I don't want to sacrifice my health and wellness for it. I need to find a balance. After expenses (i.e. covers, editing, beta reading) I don't make any money writing. I started doing it as a hobby to fill my time after I injured my ankle and couldn't run/train for triathlons anymore. I had a few bad run-ins with editors with my last few series, and it seems like I have to beg editors to read and finish my books. And when they do, the quality from some of them is lacking. Honestly, it's the editing/beta reading part of the publishing process that is overwhelming to me and I wonder if it is worth the hassle. I can easily craft a story, but getting that piece to publishing is what takes most of my time and energy.

Perhaps a different publishing platform will pique my interest that allows me to put up semi-unpolished content for readers to enjoy. I'm even happy to offer these stories for free...but I'm not in love with anything I've tried so far.

I will figure it out...or abandon that dream and continue with Amazon. Either way, I do want to continue writing, but am unsure when...

Plus, I have more going on in my life right now...like...

I'm moving again! And not just anywhere, but 1000+ miles away from home.

Yeah, that's right. My hubby just built the house we're currently living in, but the housing market is so good, we had people approach us to sell the house now. Our plans were to sell next summer after our daughter finished high school and we planned travel in our RV for a year or two.

But, we received an offer we couldn't refuse that had us re-evaluating our life plans. I'm needed less and less at my parent's zoo, since my father has recovered from the accident that had us moving here to help out. My hubby and I decided to move somewhere different. Somewhere away from the multiple feet of snow and freezing weather here in Wisconsin...so...for 1 year...we're moving to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (we'll call it an extended vacation.) That should be an interesting adventure. I've never lived anywhere outside of Wisconsin.

Because of the changes in my life, I'm putting this newsletter on "Hold" until fall. By then, I hope I have some exciting writing news for you...as well as a life adventure update.

Until then, I appreciate all the support you've all given me, and that you stuck with me for this long.

Some book news:

Make sure you follow me on social media for real-time posts of changes like the below. (Facebook Page, Facebook Group, Instagram) Otherwise, mark your calendar of any upcoming dates that interest you.

(Note: My Facebook Group is NEW. I'd love to have you join me over there.)

I've decided to unpublish my books on Apple, Nook, Google, Kobo, etc for now. I was hoping I'd gain more traction on those platforms, but honestly, Amazon does the best for me, and I want to focus on Kindle Unlimited.

So...if you read on any platform except Amazon and want to grab any of these books, they'll be going away from everywhere except Amazon in a few weeks.

• Married to a Superhero Series (Chick-lit/cozy mystery)
• Angels of Sojourn (Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
• Tales of the Fairy Godmothers (Humor/Urban Fantasy/Fairy Tale)
• Quarter Witch Chronicles (Urban Fantasy/New Adult Paranormal Romance)
• Love, Lies & Clones (Sci-Fi)

I'm running some FREE sales on my 1st in a series on Amazon. The below books will be free on the indicated dates. To see a reminder of these sales, make sure you follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook (see the P.S.) ...or just mark your calendar.

• Magically Poisoned on 5/21/21 (TODAY! Get it now.)
• Built for a Billionaire on 5/22/21 & 5/23/21
• Connecting on 5/28/21
• Broken & Burnt on 5/30/21 & 5/31/21
• The Mail-Order Witch, Episode 1 on 6/2/21

That's it for a bit. See you later this year or (hopefully) on social media.

--Joy

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on social media so you receive real-time updates of upcoming FREEBIES and Publishing Changes.

Facebook Group - Bran-Spankin' New. Please join...I currently have zero members, besides myself.

Facebook Page - You might have to turn on notifications to actually see my posts.

Instagram - I'm going to get better at posting here. I've recently discovered how nice Instagram can be.

I've abandoned Twitter...but let me know if this interests you.

Am I missing a social media platform you actually use?