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Dear :
On a recent zoom call with book marketing expert Tim Grahl, another author lamented how difficult it was to promote his books because he cut a "wide swath" in his writing journey: novels, children's books, and nonfiction on different topics.
I could relate.
If this newsletter confuses you, that reflects my own "wide swath." Many passions, many tools, help me stay alive.
My big three are: exercise (running), meditation, and writing, especially writing as a "practice" similar to meditation. Although, I also speak to writing for publication.
I want to share them all.
In response to the "wide swath" author, Tim made a helpful suggestion. Instead of focusing on each individual book, he told us to look for a through-line in our work.
"Step back" he said. "And go up a level."
As I ponder this, the through-line I see most clearly is mental health and well-being. That's obvious in Depression Hates a Moving Target, but even the writing journal, You Should Be Writing, includes the chapter "Writing as Medicine."
I would love your thoughts on this. I'm so close to it. Maybe you can see something I can't.
And what about your life? Have you found a "through-line?" If so, has finding that been helpful?
Vaccine Anxiety and Joy and Angst
Ed and I have both gotten our two Pfizer "health jabs" and I will be "fully vaccinated" (per the CDC guidelines) in seven more days. Ed and I continue to wear masks in public and be cautious, but we feel relieved and hopeful.
Several articles about the COVID19 vaccine spoke to me this month:
This thought-provoking and informative piece in Health.com explains why fewer black people are choosing to be vaccinated despite higher death rates from COVID19.
Here's Chuck Wendig's experience.
Ann Hedreen wrote an essay about "patience" while waiting for the vaccine in Oregon.
This article by Bill Gates on the variants is comforting.
And George Mumford suggests it's "A time for hope."
Mental Health/Running
Speaking of mental health, March 30th was World Bipolar Day and Still I Run allowed me to write about how running helps mental health symptoms.
Over on Greatist, there's an interesting article about adrenal fatigue and over-exercising. As some of you know, I've jumped on the low heart-rate training bandwagon and love it.
Also on the Still I Run blog, I had the honor of editing this piece by an Asian-American runner who shared his thoughts and experiences with systemic racism.
On the Blog - Wellness coach and author Karen C.L. Anderson was my latest "victim." Check out her answers to my nosy questions.
Tell Us What You Did NOT Do - In our Mind, Mood, and Movement FB group, I asked people to brag about something they DIDN'T DO and received fabulous responses.
People did NOT do their taxes, did NOT clean their houses, did NOT do laundry, did NOT cry, and did NOT run a marathon!
What did you NOT do? Head on over to the group and comment.
Oh Reviewers! I love you folks.
If you left a positive review for Depression Hates a Moving Target and You Should Be Writing, THANK YOU! Make it go even further by copying and
pasting it to any other site. Every positive review or rating on ANY SITE counts. If you enjoyed either book and haven't had a chance to, please leave a review. Even a few words go a long way.
These direct links to Amazon make reviews easy:
YSBW - Paperback
YSBW - ebook
DHAMT - Paperback
DHAMT - ebook
DHAMT - Audiobook
Don't have your copy yet? Purchase Nita's books here!
Events & Classes
Events and classes are still online. No matter where you live, you can join:
4/25/21 (11am EDT) - "Advice for a better life" - Ohioana Book Festival LIVE panel
4/27/21 (noon to 1pm EDT) - Dayton Bar Association CLE - Mindful Wellness
May (TBD) - This is My Brave author talk
May (TBD) - World premiere of the music video "Run with My Troubles" by musician Jason Didner (the pupperina and I are featured)
5/5/21 (2pm to 3pm EDT) - ChiRunning/ChiSchool webinar about mental health
8/8/21 (2pm to 5pm EDT) - Writing from the Inside Out
SEE ALL MY EVENTS ON MY WEBSITE
Stuck in your writing process?
Whether you're a new writer, already published, or somewhere in between, chances are I've faced what you're up against. I'd love to help.
We'll hop on zoom or that phone thingie. You'll tell me your quandary, and I'll share my expertise. I have a ton of resources, and decades of experience heading people in the right direction.
I wasn’t sure where to start. Your ideas provided a 'heads-up here’s where you need to go' path. The biggest challenges with new authors are the deep-dive editing surprise, the author platform, and the publishing world. It was helpful to know what to expect.—Susan
Email me at nita@nitasweeney.com to discuss this service.
Are you a central Ohio writer?
For 18+ years Write Now Columbus, a once-a-month email newsletter for central Ohio readers and writers, arrives in inboxes. Editor, Tami Kamin Meyer and I compile author events, workshops, writing conferences and other resources in central Ohio. If that interests you, sign up HERE.
Please Take Care
If I can help in some other way, please ask. Email is always the best way to reach me.
Take care and be well.
~ Nita
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About Nita:
Nita Sweeney is the award-winning wellness author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink and co-creator of the writing journal, You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving. A long-time meditator, three-time marathoner, and former assistant to writing practice originator Natalie Goldberg, Nita founded the Facebook group Mind, Mood, and Movement to support mental well-being through meditation, exercise, and writing practice. She also publishes the monthly email newsletter, Write Now Columbus. Nita lives in central Ohio with her husband, Ed, and their yellow Labrador retriever,
Scarlet. Follow her on you favorite social media channels!
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