Six weeks until book launch

Hey everyone

(I don't remember if I usually greet at the beginning of a blog - a consequence of my poor memory).

Yesterday morning I was talking to one of my parental figures and he said something quite eye-opening to me. I was talking about how stressful the launch is and how nerve-wracking having my work displayed out there in the world for all to see.

He then told me that 'If it wasn't important you wouldn't be stressed. If it wasn't worth it then you would have felt nothing. So take the stress as a good thing, it means what you're doing means a lot to you."

I will never forget those words.

Speaking of, planning an event is a very stressful thing. I honestly envy the people who can plan an entire event in a week, or is that just something that happens in movies?

You have to find the perfect venue that will accommodate all your guests. The venue must be in a location that is the perfect distance for most of your guests. Then you must decide on the date and time, or is it date and time before location?

It is nerve-wracking narrowing down a time period where most of the people you want to attend your will be able to make it. For me, it was mostly centered around my mother's busy schedule. I had to change the date three times just to make sure that she'd be able to be there.

Then you have to pick out the colors, decorations, plan the itinerary, compile a playlist, food, etc.

Every single part of planning an event requires deep attention and a particular eye for detail. This becomes quite stressful and overwhelming so it is important to remember to take care of yourself. Self-care is essential in such times.

This is why it's important to start planning any event months ahead, unless you hire a planner, even with the help of friends and family it is still quite stressful because at the end of the day most of the burden lies with you. When you space out the tasks of an event, you can take days to take care of your mental wellbeing. Read a book, take a bubble bath, grab a glass of wine (or a steaming, aromatic delicious cup of coffee).

Treat yourself to a mani-pedi, it won't take your mind off the stress but it'll feel good to kick back for a moment.

A self-care day every other week makes all the difference. You will stay sharp and ready to take on anything if you maintain your mental health and don't overwork yourself too much.

And remember, every moment in your journey is an experience. A memory. You'll rarely remember the easy times, but the tough nitty gritty times will forever be engraved in your soul. Cherish every second of it because it's part of the experience. Take a moment to absorb the details, to bask in the chaos. Because there's beauty in destruction too.

P.S: remember, if you are interested in getting yourself a copy of my upcoming novel, 'The Gemini', then feel free to email me or contact me on one of my social media pages (link's at the bottom of the website). And promotional merchandise is also available for purchase :) catalogue to be posted soon.

P.P.S: The creative industry is in a rough patch in South Africa. The Copyrights Amendment Bill that has been passed by parliament for the president's review threatens the very people it swears to protect. I will not get into it, but as a person who is affected by the Bill and whatever outcome that may pass, I am quite concerned for the future of my career and livelihood as an author. If you are interested in helping those working in the creative industry, please go on change.org find the petition that will stop the Bill from being enacted. There is so much that needs to be addressed in the bill, so much that should be rectified and unless the Bill goes back to parliament for review and reassessment. So please, help spread some awareness and help us fight this bill that may leave the creative industry vulnerable to exploitation.

Scan the QR Code to sign the petition to help stop the Copyright Bill from being enacted

And don't forget to share, like, subscribe and comment<3 ;)

With that being said, have a fruitful week.

Lots of Love

L <3