I’ve known Tina Beckett since she first sold to M&B, and I so wish we didn’t live on opposite sides of the world because we have so much in common! Yeah, OK, the usual – gorgeous men, food, yada yada yada. But Tina also understands my new-found exercise bug. (Actually, mid-May to now – that’s a third of a year, so maybe I can claim it’s a lifestyle change, now.) So dancing, Zumba (hmm, I only managed that once, and it was in the early days of my gym sessions and I overdid it), and cardio…
Anyway, over to Tina:
Running the RaceWhen Kate first announced over on the Medical authors’ loop that she’d sold her 50th book, I had just sold my fifth book. I did a quick bit of math in my head (not my best subject, by the way) and realized I’d have to sell those same 5 books TEN TIMES to have 50 books. At this point in my career, that figure boggles my mind. I can’t imagine coming up with 50 sets of characters, much less 50 different plot lines. But I know it’s possible, I just have to take it one book at a time. Just like Kate has.
In the last year, I’ve started running again (after many years as a couch potato). I’m up to four miles and counting. One thing I discovered pretty quickly, though, was that taking off as fast as I could and trying to sustain that pace was a recipe for disaster (and exhaustion). I had to find a speed which worked best for me and stick to it. My legs have a favorite turnover rate, and I can run longer and with less physical fatigue if I stick to that rate. Oh, I can challenge it from time to time and try to improve my speed, but these stubby little legs will always try to revert to that favored rhythm. It just feels comfortable and right for my physical build. In the same way my body seeks to find a natural rhythm, my creative process wants to find one as well. Different writers can produce a finished book at different speeds, and I’m learning what that ideal speed is for me—sometimes it’s fast, other times...not so fast. But that’s okay. I’m still at the beginning of my course. Still training. Still finding my pace. Just as we all are.
Kate, I salute you. Fifty books is an awesome accomplishment! And I thank you for the wonderful example you’ve set for other writers and for the joy you bring to readers all over the world. Fifty books and counting. Here’s to many, many more! As my contribution to your celebration, I’m giving away a copy of my June release, Doctor’s Mile High Fling, to one commenter. Please keep writing those books, Kate, and I, along with many others, will keep reading them.
14 comments:
Great post Tina. It is a bit scary to think that Kate has done 50 books in such a short space of time. I like that you run - it's a sport that my weak ankles wouldn't let me do! So I took up swimming instead and loved it! Good luck with your latest book. Caroline x
Great post Tina ! It is nice that you run as the previous commenter said,for me I am not much into swimming or running but walking instead it relaxes me and gives me time to clear my head. Thank you so very much for the lovely give away the book sounds absolutely fabulous !
Congrats to both of you on your book sales. Any number is a good number, but I must admit that 50 sounds astronomical!
I too wish I could run, but it's my badminton knees that won't allow me to do so. My knees can be heard snap-crackle-and-popping when walking down the steps, but nowadays can also be heard while just walking on occasion. Not so good for running.
Instead I walk, like Desere. I actually drive to a paved trail in town, and that way I don't have to watch out for traffic (like I would if I walked in my own "un-sidewalked" neighbourhood). Instead, I can actually read my books while I walk! Double bonus! As long as I can see the yellow line painted down the middle of the flat trail, I can remain walking at a good clip. Most people can't understand how I can do it, but after awhile, it becomes second nature. (So now you know the secret to being able to read over 250 books a year - every year since 1973....)
Nice post, what a wondeful author you both :)
Thanks for stopping by, everyone! Yes, I agree that Kate's accomplishment is amazing! I hope my creative process holds up that long.
Caroline, your comment about your ankles made me wince. Why? Because I've just been diagnosed with posterior tibial tendonitis (it's in my right ankle) as a result of overdoing it. I'd been running on my own and then walking 4 miles a day with a friend. Now I've been commanded to give it a rest for at least ten days, maybe longer. So this blog post is appropos. I need to find a pace that my body doesn't object to and stick to it. Yay for you on the swimming! Easy on the joints but great exercise!
HI Desere! I've been walking as well, with a friend (at least I had been until my ankle decided to protest). We talked about everything under the sun. You're right, it's a great way to relax and burn some calories! I hope to be able to get back to that soon!
Laney, I loved badminton! I haven't played in ages (and the idea of twisting and turning on my right ankle isn't something I want to dwell on). And wow on the reading while walking talent. I know people who can do that on the treadmill as well. 250 books a year is an amazing number! Hmmm...maybe I'll have to give that a try. :D
Eli, thanks so much for stopping by!
What a nice post.
Thanks, BN! Glad you enjoyed the post!
Thanks, BN! Glad you enjoyed the post!
Tina, I'm in awe of your running regime! Four miles is awesome!
I've just taken up yoga again which is giving me a huge amount of satisfaction!
Good luck with your running!
First name drawn from the hat for ‘The Doctor's Mile-High Fling’ – Desere. Please contact me kate(dot)hardy(at)btinternet(dot)com with your details, and I'll get everything sorted :o) Thanks for taking part!
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