The first book I ever wrote was for somebody else. I ghostwrote for the creators of a very popular reality TV show, and I got paid a lot of money to turn it around fast. It was easy. Sort of writing a research paper where all the background materials were provided to me.
Then I wrote my wedding planning book that was published by Skyhorse (a traditional publishing house in New York). After that, I got the opportunity to ghostwrite again, and I grabbed it. Ghostwriting pays well – the less credit you get, the bigger the paycheck. I’m good with that. Sometimes, well-meaning “authors” give you credit in their books that you weren’t expecting. And as a result, every time you search to see what I’ve written, you’ll come up with a potty training book, in addition to my actual tomes. And to people who know me well, that’s truly hilarious.
Anyway, I’m talking about ghostwriting today because I’ve got another opportunity to do it for another reality TV celeb, and I’m waiting to hear if I got the contract. I’m not too proud to take breaks in between my own books to earn real money. I love you readers but writing fiction doesn’t pay nearly as well as every other job I’ve ever had in my life. If I start making bestseller lists, I hope that will change. But for now, I’d be a fool not to write the big stuff when I’m asked.
I’m a little worried that I’m juggling a few too many balls here – but that’s okay, because if I miss my own deadlines for my books, nobody can fire me. I will have to make the contractual deadlines for clients. And June is going to be a busy, busy month.
We have two grandchildren graduating from high school up in Northern Virginia, and I’ll be stopping on our way back for a booksigning in Virginia Beach on June 21st. I hope to see some of my friends and fans there – I’m super excited that my books are being sold in four locations in Virginia, now. Makes me feel much more real.
Mom is coming over for a few days later this week – we’re going to do a beach staycation together before Bill and I have to leave for the graduations. We’ll be gone 10 days and to my mom, that feels like forever. Thankfully, we have friends who are willing to pop over and check on her. And even more importantly, we have friends who can step in until we get back if something emergent happens. But it’s hard. And I worry.
Last night, mom asked if she could come with us. Ugh. The easy answer is yes, she could join us – she was invited to the graduations. But I asked her if she wanted to come before I started planning this trip and she said “no” at the time. So, our trip is going to be 100 mph in multiple cities over 10 days. I built in booksignings and other work-related stuff. All stuff she doesn’t want to sit through. Alzheimer’s makes her impatient. So, yes, she could have come if she’d accepted the invitation a couple of months ago. Now, it’s too late to add her on. Some of the hotels are fully booked and we need her room to connect to ours for safety reasons.
To make up for it, we’ll spend a few days at the beach before I leave. Hopefully, she’ll wear sunscreen voluntarily. I really love going to the beach with her – it’s her happy place. She used to walk for miles collecting sea glass. She’d be bent over the whole time, looking for glass, and she’d burn her fanny. It made us laugh every time. But it was her own fault. Now, if she burns her own butt, it’s my fault.
I have audiobook chapters to edit so I need to get back to work. Until next time, happy reading!
Sandy