Happy New Year friends!
Phew. I have to say, 2018 felt like a total whirlwind. In between moving to the UK and trying to write (and finish) a novel, I can’t believe my head hasn’t spun right off my neck. This isn’t to say it wasn’t an incredible year, because holy smokes I’ve had a blast diving into travel and all the opportunities that come with moving to another country. What I’ve come to realize however, is that this whole work/life balance thing needs my complete attention and an incredible amount of planning to pull off. It certainly became a prominent theme, one that made me completely reevaluate how I view the concept of happiness.
What Makes You Happy?
Since the husband and I made the big move, we’ve been given the opportunity to make some changes. It means I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the things that make me happy. Inevitably, this also means that I’ve put in some serious thought into what makes me unhappy. Overall, I discovered I’m pretty darn content, but toward the end of the year I noticed a huge red flag.
Facebook makes me miserable.
Even though I’ve identified the problem, I’m still conflicted about writing the words down. On one hand, social media really does help me to reach a broader audience and keep in touch with family and friends. I’ve found wonderful communities of likeminded individuals and folks who really enjoy reading what I write. On the other hand when I scroll through updates it triggers a kind of pressure that ends up making my chest feel all kinds of uncomfortably tight.
For some reason, Facebook makes me feel like I can’t keep up. With what? I’m not exactly sure. All I know is that I feel like I need to post and like and comment and engage and . . . it’s not making me happy.
You might get an incredible amount of joy from Facebook and I think that’s great. For whatever reason, my brain is taking what I view and is processing it in a different way. I mean, I can’t ignore the results– deleting the app from my phone has already done wonders for my mental health.
Moving Forward . . .
In 2019 I still plan on using Instagram (which automatically posts on my Facebook author page) because I really enjoy the platform. As you likely noticed, I’ll also update my author page with writerly news. I will engage with those who comment and am still using Facebook Messenger. What this really means is: if you want to share something with me, or want me to share some of your good news, reaching out to me directly is the best way to go.
At the end of the day, I need to take care of how a particular thing makes me feel. Sometimes that means taking a step back. So, this isn’t to say I’ll never use the site again. Reducing my Facebook consumption is just one of the ways I plan to better manage my happiness in 2019.
(If all else fails, you can always reach me at hello@crystalbourque.com!)
The Novel Update
For those of you on the edge of your seats, waiting for news of Book 3, I’ve got you covered! My goal was to finish working through two thirds of the book. January’s plan is to finish the last third. Then, of course, I will need to do a few more edits (because a writer’s work is never done) to stay on track for our spring release. In the upcoming months I’ll be sharing the title, cover and blurb, so be sure to check back here for more info!
It’s been so wonderful to hear such positive feedback regarding these updated covers. Again, I can’t thank Kelly (from KAM Designs) enough for bringing a fresh spin to the Book of Eve Series. I’ve shared the new cover for Eve’s Return, and figured it’s about time to share the new cover for No Escape.
Here she is (squee!!):
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For those of you who haven’t yet picked up a copy, you can grab one on Amazon (both ebook or paperback) or Kobo. Want to know what you’re in for with Book 2?
Here’s the blurb:
Jordan Andrews is back in the highly anticipated sequel to Eve’s Return, Book 1 of the Book of Eve Series!
Steal a mysterious book. Pay the ultimate price. It’s a lesson Jordan just can’t accept. With Greg facing life behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit, she vows to get him the help he needs—no matter the cost.
The only reliable ‘person’ Greg trusts is, The Voice he hears in his head. When he ends up in Rawridge Prison however, even The Voice can’t provide the answers he needs to clear his name. Now, Greg must find the courage to navigate the unknown, or spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Still reeling from the car accident, Owen discovers Levi hasn’t exactly left town. Faced with an impossible ultimatum he must learn to trust Levi, or lose everyone he’s ever loved. Forever.
No Escape (Book 2 of the Book of Eve Series) is a thrilling, action packed dark fantasy. Never predictable, this book explores elements of Christian mythology in new and unexpected ways.
***
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead!
As always, thanks for reading.
January 4, 2019 @ 2:46 pm
So great to read the update and hear how you are adjusting (and managing!) your new life in the UK. Looking forward to more amazing writing and news from you.
January 4, 2019 @ 4:09 pm
Aw, thank you so much, Tammy! It’s been a beautiful challenge figuring it all out. Hope you’ve had a great start to 2019 as well, best wishes to you an the fam! <3