So, I know you don’t come here to hear from a “Debbie Downer”. However, these days, it’s getting tough for me to hold onto my normally sunny disposition.
Maybe I’m just tired. I mean really, really tired. My dd and I are taking shifts to cover grandma’s personal care, here at home, 24/7. Yes, we’re getting hospice to come in and provide things like a hospital bed and bed table, an aide to give her baths, a nurse to visit to ease the impossible burden of bringing her to the doctor for checkups… But everything else is on us.
So, I steal moments to post a blog, check my mail, edit a story, etc., all the while glancing constantly over my shoulder to make sure grandma isn’t trying to climb out of bed to “go to the dance.” Yes, she’s out of her mind more than she’s in it. It’s sad for us, but she’s having very interesting conversations with friends and family who have been long gone.
In the meantime, my productivity has been hammered. I had to postpone the release of Dagger, the sequel to Reaper, which caused its own horrible consequence. I’ve lost my ability to set up pre-orders on Amazon—something that all authors need in order to get books into readers’ hands. Readers don’t normally hover over their computers, waiting for a book to drop. They read a story, see what’s coming out next, place that pre-order, then move on to the next author, knowing they won’t miss a thing, and don’t have to think or remember that they will need to make a future purchase. So, yes, losing pre-order privileges—for a year—is killer. But what can I do?
For those of you waiting for the next Montana Bounty Hunters story, my goal is to have a shorter story, Reaper’s Ride, ready to release as part of a mini-launch in my sister Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors Kindle World at the end of this month. Of course, I am having to fit in the pages for that story as I can, while I plug along on Dagger for a March release.
If you’ve been reading the Texas Cowboys stories, another is coming soon—Night Watch! I’m also working on getting the first three books of the series into print. That could happen as soon as next week!
Contest
In the meantime, I’ll offer one commenter a chance to win a free copy of their choice from among the Texas Cowboys stories #1 through #5.
Click on the covers to learn more about the stories!
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I just finished Slow Rider yesterday & I loved it. And after reading the excerpt for Night Watch, I’m REALLY looking forward to it. My preorder is in place so it should be waiting for me when I get up on the 17th.
I know it’s hard with your grandmother but hang in there. I did the same with my mom and I wouldn’t take anything for those last days with her even tho she didn’t have a clue who I was. It’s tough, but so worth it when she’s gone.
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So sorry to hear about your grandmother. Hang in there!
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Sorry to hear about your grandmother….I was very close to mine….My sons and I spent a lot of time with her….wouldn’t trade it for anything!I miss her everyday.
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You are stronger than most people I know. If you have to push it back further do it coz your health must come first. And we will be here to help promote any book so that your not forgotten and people know when your books are out.
Keep doing the amazing job you are doing. I’m sending all the positive vibes.
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You do what you must, but take care of yourself, or you won’t be much help to anyone! Take time to breathe and to nourish your soul!
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Oh, Delilah, I’m so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. I’ll keep the family in my prayers.
Caregivers need to take care of themselves, too. Please be sure to get rest, food and mental breaks.
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Hugs to the caregivers!
I found romance when I was taking care of my parents. I’m forever grateful to the nurse who simply put a book in my hands and said, ‘Here. Read this.’
I’m sorry you are going through this. And odd as it sounds, I’m grateful I was able to see them through it. I did for them at the end what they did for me at the beginning. I hope you will have a good feeling about your role when it’s over.
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Hi, Delilah. Remember to take care of you also. Take your time and what you need to do. I also take care of my grandmother so I know about what your going through. Sending prayers!
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You do what you can… when things go crazy for me, I just take things one at a time… hugs and warm wishes.
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When my grandmother was in the same situation what kept us going was listening to her. It was sad that she didn’t know where she was or what year it was, however some of those random comments she made also made us laugh. And we needed that laughter to get thru it.
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You are a blessing to your grandmother. It is difficult for me to deal with two elderly parents with health and or dementia issues on a several times a week basis. Your readers will understand and be there when you are ready. Big hugs to you.
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Oh my. I just started reading your books! I’ve always like a good cowboy story but I love these. I have to admit I was a little iffy on the last one but I’m a dirty old lady so I went with it. Can’t wait for the next book to come out! Hot hot hot!