When the Deadline Takes a Backseat
My editor sent my Finding Joy in the East manuscript back last week. Apparently, it’s not finished. The good news is that all my concerns are hers as well: it reads too much like a diary, contains unnecessary details, and is not always engaging enough. The bad news? It’s on me to fix it.
Since March 2025, when I launched Finding Joy in the West, I’ve had my sights set on publishing book two by March 2027. Seeing how far the East (draft) is from the West (published) makes me question that deadline.
March is over six months away! You’ve got this, my brain tells me.
However, I’m leaving next week for a three-month motorhome trip. It’s not a vacation. It’s the trip that will drive book three. If all goes as planned, Utah will be state number forty-nine. While I’m traveling, though, I need to ride my bike, visit national parks, meet people, and record those experiences in real time—all while writing blogs and revising book two.
Sometimes meeting a deadline means sacrificing something important or not producing my best work. Though completing book two is a priority, it might need to take a backseat while I make the most of my Southwest trip.
March is still starred on my calendar, but I’m not willing to miss riding at Zion National Park or watching an Arizona sunset because I’m sitting in my tiny house editing a book I can finish later.
How ‘bout you? What might you be missing while chasing a deadline?
Thanks for being a part of this journey!
If you enjoyed reading this blog, I’d love your support in growing this community! Please share this with your friends, family, or anyone who might find it interesting. Your shares help me reach more people to help them find their joy.
Joy M. Walker
September 4, 2026 @ 11:04 am
Joy, after reading your first book, I found it informative about places I would like to see. In fact, I dogeared and highlighted a few pages. You are great with meeting new people and getting to know them. I know writing a book that interests people takes time and effort, but you’ve got this! Get out of your camper, take in the beauty of the scenery, and adjust your writing to inform the reader of what to expect in these travels.
Love you,my SPECIAL friend,
Sherry
September 4, 2026 @ 11:51 pm
Wow! Thank you Sherry! Thanks for reading. Thanks for highlighting. Thanks for the encouragement. One additional angle–I want to note how my experiences are changing me and what I can do to encourage readers to find their joy.
September 4, 2026 @ 12:38 pm
Sometimes reading other people’s diaries can be QUITE entertaining!! Engaging! Eye opening even! LOL! Count me in! What am I missing by chasing deadlines; meals mostly. But all kidding aside, not getting my music recorded haunts me just a little and that’s got a lot to do with obligations and deadlines. So, I feel ya there! But I do enjoy reading what you write! Luv ya bunches!
September 4, 2026 @ 11:54 pm
You are too funny. You’ll get recorded the music God wants you to record. No pressure when he is ordering your steps. Thanks for reading and responding. You are the best!
September 4, 2026 @ 10:31 pm
Ohh–another trip! Enjoy it. I’ve always wanted to go to Zion National Park ever since Coach Davenport said it was the most beautiful of the parks. Have a safe trip.
September 4, 2026 @ 11:56 pm
Oh, my! If Coach said it was the best, I definitely need to get there. I know Tom certainly loved it. Thanks for your input.