Meet Jamie Brazil

 I met Jamie Brazil when I joined the Rose City Romance Writers chapter in Portland. But I've really got to know her best as an author of the Windtree Press co-operative. We have in person meetings, online chats, and have become more than career advocates through the co-op.

I've read Jamie's book and found it interesting and close to the truths I've learned on my writing journey.

Jamie Brazil is a lifelong morning person who is happiest when the sun is rising. She met her husband, Wahula Gonzo, at a writing conference in 2000 and they’ve penned books and screenplays together ever since. Jamie is one of the Janes of See Jane Publish and a regular contributor to Oregon Book Report.
When Jamie isn’t writing romance and adventure, she works with a well-known Japanese director on his U.S.-based projects, including a 2013 documentary featuring famed enka vocalist Yashiro Aki that airs on NHK television.
Musicals, character-driven fiction, and morning dew on her Bloodhound’s whiskers are three of Jamie’s favorite things.

Some Writers Deserve to Starve! 

by Jamie Brazil

Some writers STILL deserve to starve. Updated and revised, the popular Some Writers Deserve to Starve! 31 Brutal Truths About the Publishing Industry is back for round two of humorous advice for writers just getting started, and hilarious cautionary tales for those contemplating risky (and risque) career moves. Just because publishing’s digital doors have been blown wide open doesn’t guarantee you instant mega-bestseller success, or even readers for that matter. But armed with the insider information of the 31 Brutal Truths you’ll quickly become a savvy pro when it comes to navigating the journey of getting published whether it’s traditionally or independently.

Available at Windtree Press

Resolve 2013: Something’s Gotta Give

"Continuing the Resolutions tour..."

Today I have the giving and caring Jamie Brazil on my blog talking about volunteering. 

 author: Jamie Brazil title: Something’s Gotta Give 

Like many women, I often put my own needs last.  Recently, I began clawing back hours of my life.  How? By withdrawing from many outside obligations, including some of my volunteer activities.

I belong to two nonprofit organizations.  Both groups are equally important to me and giving up either one of them would leave a hole in my life.  Yet last month, I debated a long time over whether or not to renew one of these memberships.  In the end I did renew, but with a condition.  I made a promise to myself to step down from a position, and for the remainder of this year I cannot, WILL NOT,  volunteer.  For anything.  While I know organizations count on members to move the group forward, personally, 2012 felt like I fell behind.

An old Chinese proverb says, do not empty your bowl to overfill another’s. 

If my rice bowl had a gas gauge it would be running on fumes. (Sorry about the mixed metaphor.)

Cutting back on the ways I volunteer is just one of the ways I’ve resolved to save time.  Watching less TV, skipping some family events, and setting limits on the hours I spend online are also on the list. Because in order to be the writer I envision myself to be, I need to focus.   

Just because I’m cutting back doesn’t mean I’m moving into a cave. While I might not judge writing contest entries this year, I’ll still swap pages with critique partners, and host a literary salon or two. It’s all about choosing ways to participate without feeling like I’m putting my own goals last.

For 2013 I’m looking for balance.  My goal? All rice bowls don’t have to be overflowing if there’s enough to satisfy everyone’s needs.  

Let’s connect on Goodreads and Facebook! 

I'm also including a list of all 9 bloggers and their resolution:

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation

Jessa Slade - Get Organized

Paty Jager - Volunteerism

Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier

Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination

Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions

Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss

Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.  

Stop by and see what I have to say about procrastination here: http://cassielknight.net/?p=42