Long Time. No Blog.

Hey, friends!

I must say I have been really busy. The numbers may not show it, but my body and mind feel it. This might be a long blog or I might break it up into separate ones. I'm thinking about this as I'm typing.

Website.

It has come to my attention that a lot of visitors don't know how to navigate my website. Well, let just leave a little lesson here. I'm going to use some of the vernacular that I use at my job.

1. Next to the title that reads Short Stories, there is the word 'More'

2. Please click on 'More'

3. Once you click on 'More', a drop down menu will appear. In this menu where you will see all the other options for the website.

Alright. So, there are the instructions to navigate the website. Have fun and enjoy. This last part I don't say at my job. But, I do hope y'all enjoy and leave constructive feedback for any improvements.

Crocheting

I've been working on a few projects. All at the same time. It's almost like when I'm writing. When I get an idea, I have to work on it make sure it'll work or even if I can create it. I've even been taking apart some of my previous projects and revamped them. Some might think for them, it was an easy task, but I finally made a V-neck sweater. I took my husband's sweater apart for that one. Not to toot my own horn, I got a lot of compliments on that.

I wore my purple 2 colored sweater and got a lot of compliments on that one too.

After crocheting for so long, I have honestly finally found what I'm good at when it comes to this skill. It's free styling. I love using a stitch and trying to figure out how this certain project will work out. Or, combining different stitches and putting them together. Now, typing this leads me to another topic of crocheting. Pricing.

I know I have written about pricing before. I'm going to have to get a little deeper with it.

When someone has the skill the make handmade items, a lot of time and hours can go into it. The item is not something that is mass produced or manufactured. The item is one of a kind. When it comes to pricing, I don't think it's fair to sort change yourself. You should get paid for your time, your labor and your supplies. If you have chosen to make your crocheting a business, then you have to treat is as such.

Before, I would have people want me to create something for them only for them to try to haggle the price or tell me they can't afford it. Let's not mention the family discounts. Or, the worse part, trying to guilt trip me into giving it away for free. No, that's not how it works.

So, when someone takes a look at the crochet items on my store, I let them know I have Afterpay, Affirm, Paypal, etc. I even have a rewards system that helps makes items cheaper.

A good friend of mine said to me that when it comes to handmade items, you'll find your audience.

I say all this to say, quality handmade items are going to have quality handmade prices.

Writing

Honestly, since I've put my books into print I've only sold four copies. I've had people reach out to me to give reviews and advertise. But, I've been doing it so long and invested money that I just feel like I should do all of it myself. I know it cost money to advertise. I don't mind doing that at all.

I don't feel I have to pay for a review. I want organic and honest reviews. That is how I realized a messed up version of my book was out in the world for everyone to see before. I got an honest and organic review.

Just as a reminder, all my books are in print. I'm still thinking of doing them as ebooks. But, it's just something about holding a physical book. The scent of the pages and actually seeing the words in real time. Even spotting mistakes, it's just something about it.

I'm working on the second book of the Nightshade series. It might be a little longer than it originally was. I will say it took a drastic turn and it might have a different title. I think that's what taking me so long to finish it. I even changed the book cover. Hopefully, I'll have the book out soon.

I have a lot more to talk about and probably some pictures to post. Right now, I got to get back to work. New blog will be coming soon. It won't be about the usual.

Until next time, friends...