Beth Ehemann
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Happy One Year No-Bookiversary To Me...

3/15/2016

10 Comments

 
One year.
365 days.
8,760 hours.
525,600 minutes.
31,536,000 seconds.
 
That’s how long it’s been since I’ve published a new book. Exactly one year ago today. (Happy Birthday, Cement Heart!) This year, these last couple of years since I started writing seriously for that matter, have been--interesting. I’ve always been very transparent with my readers, and I will continue to do so until I’m given a reason not to, so here goes...
 
In 2001, my husband and I made the decision that me staying home with our kids during the day was the best thing for our family, so I quit my job and immediately embraced stay-at-home-mommyhood. The following years were spent checking pant pockets for crayons before throwing them into the dryer, cleaning mystery stains out of my carpets and making every weird animal noise imaginable just to get my toddlers to take one more bite of carrots. Fun fact…I totally rock at sheep noises.
 
Along with the never-ending to do list, came the most important job of guiding my children to be awesome, polite, thoughtful little humans who I could one day release into the world and be proud of the job I’d done.
 
I loved being a stay at home mom, and I still do, but now…I’m a work from home mom. And that has been a huge adjustment, to put it lightly.
 
When I decided to publish my first book, I had zero expectations of anyone other than my mother actually reading it. I had no idea so many people would not only read it, but want more so quickly. I was blown away and super excited to keep going. I released book 2 within a few months and book 3 a few months after that. Then, the ball dropped. And when I say ball, I mean my guilt. I’d just released 3 books in 10 months and while I know a lot of authors release more often, for me, this was huge! I had spent a lot of time away from my family to write and I felt they were suffering. My husband, bless his heart, was trying his best to keep everything running smoothly, but it just wasn’t the same. I started to feel like I’d abandoned my family for my dream. Deep down I knew that wasn’t exactly true, but every time I saw a pile of laundry that had been sitting for a few days or a sink full of dishes, my guilt ball grew larger and larger. I felt like I wasn’t doing my job, my main job.
 
Every time I was with my kids, I felt like I should be writing and every time I was writing, I felt like I should be with my kids.
 
It didn’t matter what I did, there was constant guilt…and there still is. I released Cement Heart one year ago, and wrote Andy’s book this past fall (though it’s not released yet), but the guilt is always there, eating away at me little by little. Some days are better than others, but for the most part I never feel like I can do it all. Someone always goes without. There have been missed Little League games, forgotten field trip forms and just a few weeks ago, my son insists he was the ONLY child in his whole school not in pajamas for pajama day. I was editing and forgot. *insert gut punch here*
 
There is immense pressure in this business to stay relevant and keep your name out there and release often, and that can be really, really tough. I have four kids and a husband who deserve my attention first, but I have to be honest…there have definitely been times when I’m snuggling on the couch with Emma, watching Beauty and the Beast, and out of the corner of my eye I’m staring at my laptop wondering if I’ve been gone too long. Has everyone forgotten about me? Am I even going to have any readers still there when I do release my next book?
 
Time will tell. Whatever is meant to be, will be.

I love words. I love writing and I will do it until the day I die, whether I get paid or not, but I'm still trying to figure out a balance that's best for my family...and my sanity. In the meantime, I’m going to keep writing as often as I can and releasing as often as I can.

Thank you so so so much to all of my readers who support me and continue to share my books with their friends and family, but most importantly...thank you for your patience. <3 
​
***Side note--To all of you amazing working moms and/or fellow authors who make it looks SO damn easy, feel free to send any tips my way!! :)
 
 
​
10 Comments
Patricia Lee
3/15/2016 12:28:39

Keep kickin' ass and takin' names my friend!! You are a rockstar and inspiration and adore you!! XOXO

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Lauren
3/15/2016 12:41:45

I'm not in the business but I am a stay at home mom and i realized everymom I talked to has guilt. Just do what you think is best. I will continue to be a reader today, tommorrow and years from now.

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Lisa
3/15/2016 14:24:54

As a single working momma to three active kids I deal with guilt of course but I've simply been able to be ok with letting things go. I do my very best to get the kids stuff right because that makes me the most guilty. But my house is always in some form of mild chaos but as long as it's not DIRTY I simply don't care if theRe is a pile of laundry. My friends know what's up and love me or leave me if you wanna come over, feel free if you're gonna have an issue with a random pair of underoos in the hall then maybe you should invite Me over lol. But I also have a job I walk away from and don't have to worry about. And I did all but give up blogging when I divorced cuz I just can't do it all. You have to decide what is the right balance for you for today. It may be different next year or maybe even next week but you have to do what is best for you and your family and those who love you will continue to love you. I promise. I've been there. The ones who matter won't go away. Plus, I'll love you forever ;)

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Kristy
3/15/2016 16:52:34

Beth, I have so enjoyed the glimpses into your life you have allowed us. Honestly, it doesn't seem like it has been that long since you released a new book bc you are so active with you. You were blessed with a gift for words and with beautiful children. Thank you for those words and for being our friend.

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Julie
3/15/2016 21:27:53

You rock! I respect the hell out of you. You need to do you and that makes your readers loyal.

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Heather
3/15/2016 22:39:12

You are unable eluevably awesome. I love your writing and your overall devotion to all you do and have. I love that whether you feel it or not you find balance. There isn't a mom out there, whether they are working moms or stay at home moms, that doesn't feel they have dropped the ball a time or two. Guilt comes with the kids...it's part of being mom. You are rocking life. You have a wonderful family that loves you, friends all around, and fans galore who will be here when you release another masterpiece. You are awesome and I'm sure your worst critic. Look around...you are surrounded by love...that means you're doing it right (at the very least mostly right).

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Jenna
3/16/2016 06:34:12

We (the fans) will be here waiting for you...patiently waiting. :)
Family comes first-- always--and yours is beautiful. For now being Roomie with hold me over until your next release. Keep being strong, you're an inspiration.

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Julia
4/24/2016 19:08:17

The fact that you found time to be an incredible author in between your REAL job of being a Mom amazes me. Quality over quantity, I say. Fans like me don't care if we have to wait a year or two for the next book because we know it will be worth the wait. No more guilt, please.

Reply
Julia
4/24/2016 19:08:59

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Bianca the Baker link
12/14/2020 21:54:58

Very nice blog you have heree

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“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” 
― C.S. Lewis

  • Home
  • Bio
  • Beth's Books
    • The Cranberry Inn Series
    • Viper's Heart Duet
    • Even the Score
    • A Cranberry Inn Christmas
  • Signed Paperbacks
  • Signings
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy