Get Fit by Reading!

I think most people think reading is a sedentary activity. And it sure can be. I openly admit I find lots of joy in curling up with a great book, a yummy warm beverage, and a fuzzy blanket for hours. But there are ways to read and be active too!

I go to the gym. I don't love it, like many people do. I go because I need to. Parts of it I really despise. Like cardio machines. (Boooooring!) But I found a way to make it work for me. I take my Kindle! I increase the font size so it's easier to read. I set up the machine and choose a higher resistance. Burn lots of calories, heart rate high, but I go at a steady pace so I don't bounce around too much. Makes it very easy to read! I do most of my reading at the gym. And that 30 minutes on the elliptical flies by!

Another option is audio books. I have not tried this yet but many people tell me they love them. Then it doesn't matter how much you bounce or what you're doing. You can listen to an audio book while pumping iron or hiking or bicycling.

The only time I find it very hard to read while working out is if I'm reading a sad scene. I remember one in particular. Me on the elliptical, fighting back tears. I'm sure I looked ridiculous.

So, what do you do? Do you find ways to enjoy reading while also getting your workout in?? Got tips for me??

Starting Over

In life, I think we have to start over at least one time. Maybe more than once. The last year and a half of my life has taught me that life is full of ups and downs and sometimes the climb back up the hill is easy. Other times it's just not. You have to start over. And most likely you'll have to do it again. That's life.

2016 was the year of suck for me. I heard that from many people, actually. Why was it such a horrible year for everyone?? I have no clue, but my life was certainly in a downward spiral. Or a tsunami. Disaster everywhere. Like, every part.

But I got through it and I'm in the rebuilding phase now. Which included a reboot of my writing career.

Last year my writing career took several hits. I found it necessary to part ways with my agent. Then my publisher felt it necessary to part ways with me. (unrelated) I was left in a position of not knowing what to do. Or knowing what I wanted to do.

My last release, Temporary Dare, came out in December 2016. After that I took a break from writing. I needed to distance myself from it. See if I missed it. If I still loved it. Turns out I did. Which was good. The break helped rekindle some of my enthusiasm. It's been a slow process in getting it back, but I'm getting there. I'm working on a new project. I plan to pitch it to agents and editors when I go to the Romance Writers of America conference in July. Really hoping this is the beginning up the uphill swing for me.

Wish me luck!!