Full-Blown Panic

The year is getting away from me and it's only March.
Early March at that.

Some days I feel there is so much to do I have to lie down for a while, which turns into a nap, which then turns into panic that I've slept so long I've missed the school pickup.

There are forms on the desk that need filling out. Appointments to make. Exercises to do (because the physiotherapy bills are pretty huge so there's no point paying all that money if I don't then do the work).

Oh, and a manuscript to finish. And four book covers to design.

Which will also necessitate the redesign of my website and then the promotions on top of that . . .

Oh, and I'd better format the books into all those different, um, formats, so they can go on sale.

Breathe, Ebs, breathe!

The thing is, everyone I know is insanely busy just about every single day. We get done what we can, and try not to beat ourselves up about it.

One of my new years resolutions this year was to look after my back. I have pathetic posture from slumping over a keyboard all day for the past mumble-twenty-mumble years. I'm getting there, with loads of help from the physiotherapist. That's one thing I'm sorting out.

The other resolution was to launch my Ondine novels into the USA, starting in June. (Only 3 months away. Breathe, Ebs, breathe!)

But the big resolution this year was to say 'No' more often.
I've stepped down from fundraising at my son's school. I still help out with some things, but I'm not on the committee. I'm not carrying that load around with me.

I said no to my writers' group committee - I could not see that I'd have the time to be the treasurer. I did say yes to being the Librarian, because I'm a control freak and I've downloaded an app to put the collection on and it's feeding my OCD.

I'm making LISTS.
Lists, people.

Lists are helping me get through the pile of things that need doing. Then, when I've done them, I can draw a line through them.

You may have noticed I like structure in my novels. The same applies to life. I like structure in my life. I like knowing, more of less, what is going to happen each day. I love surprises (like when my husband comes home from work with chocolate. Not the kind of surprises where I start thinking about what to make for dinner and the refrigerator is empty).

Lists are my structure. Lists are my friend. Lists will get me through this. Lists stop me spinning wildly like the Tasmanian Devil of cartoon fame (not the real ones, which don't spin. Not even if you give them a push).

How about you? Do you make lists or do you find them too restrictive? What are your tips for getting through a pile of "things" that need doing?

~Ebony McKenna

Author of the Ondine series. The Ondine books are a sparkling combination of romance and magic – perfect for teen girls. Written with genuine humour and unique eccentricity, the series is an obvious choice for fans of The Princess Bride and Ella Enchanted.