Writing and the Marketing Monster

Apparently I’m not a multi-tasker.

For years and years, I concentrated 100% on writing.  I’m not saying that was easy–many stressed-filled nights of waking up at 2:00a.m. and realizing I’d taken a wrong turn in my story–usually 10,000 words ago.  But at least my total focus was on the story.

Then, I sold my first book. In preparation for the launch, I concentrated 100% on marketing for the past few months.  I prepared materials, spoke to schools, wrote blog interviews, tweeted, facebooked, planned launch events and a signing trip to New York.  And yeah, it was stressful–many nights of waking up at 2:00a.m. and wondering if I’d sell more than the five copies I’d buy myself.