I've been a typist all of my life.
However, as of this year, I have been transitioning more and more of my writing to dictation.
Not just to protect these delicate wrists of mine, but it can realistically 2-3x my output in the same amount of time. Which means…
More books for you.
That said, let's not pop the champagne bottles just yet, Legionnaire.
It hasn't all been microphones and keystrokes.
At first, I was bumbling and stuttering around like I had just stumbled out of a dentist appointment that went horribly wrong.
Then I got marginally better.
Then I crapped the bed again.
And only now have I established something close to a stride.
Yet, throughout it all, the devil whispered for me to return to the Shire.
To return to the comfort of a keyboard, an ergonomic chair, and a clean output of words that require minimal editing.
To return to spending upwards of an hour or more just on these emails alone.
Yes, it really does take that long sometimes.
I love my lords and ladies immensely. I really do.
I'd take two arrows in the chest and one in my arse cheek for you all.
BUT…
I do sometimes wonder how many books would be in your sticky mitts if I had cut that down by 15, 20, or 30 minutes.
Sigh.
I'm not sure where else I am going with this other than:
AVOID THE SHIRE
It’s an illusion dressed in warmth and comfort, which serves only to keep you where you are.
You might not be wrangling a microphone like me.
That's fine.
It could be cutting down on sugar, wanting to read more, going for a daily walk, etc.
Whatever it is, it always sucks brass balls in the beginning.
Persevere, Legionnaire.
Shun the rolling hills and quaint hobbit homes, and push on through the mirage.
I know, hardly anything 'new age', but it has teeth should you heed it.
Anyway, I'm not sure who needed to read this email, but it's too late now. It has set sail from the port of Watson's Warped Mind and is now docked in your inbox.
Speaking of ports and setting sail…
Chapter 1 of The Divided Region: Book 6 (title soon to be announced) starts off voyaging over the turbulent and notorious Windswept Sea.
I won't say where they are heading (though if you read The Great Betrayal, you probably have an inkling), but all I will say is this:
What takes place there will drop many jaws.
Enough said.
If you're yet to dive into the mysterious world of The Divided Region, there's still time to catch up on the series before the latest sequel takes centre stage.
Simply go here:
https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/TDR-Bundle
Alternatively, if you'd prefer to start the series at your favourite retailer, go here:
https://books2read.com/dividedregionexiled
DJJW