I had to put work on hold.
During that time, I got a piece of junk mail from my insurance company. It said: "Who pays the bills when you're sick?" They were were marketing insurance for people like me--people who can't rely on an employer to take care of us when we're unable to work. I'm self-employed. I have to take care of myself.
In a few days, my mom will undergo some pretty drastic cancer treatment.
Two of my siblings have actual employers. They've already applied for time off. They get sick days, mental health days, time to care for sick family members.
I'm going to take time off as well, to help care for my mother, but without any safety net, I rely on royalties. I rely on sales. In a way, I feel fortunate that products (books, ebooks, audiobooks) I've created over the years can continue to bring in money for me, but they'll only do that if the public continues to read.
If there's a book I've written that you've been putting off reading, I encourage you to do it now. Buy a copy, or check one out from your local library, or listen to an audiobook through whichever service you use. But this is my humble request that you do it now.
I know what it's like, with media content I want. For me, it tends to be music rather than books. Sometimes the idea sits there in the back of my mind, and I fully intend to buy a copy when I've got time to sit down and listen to it.
Before writing this post, I bought the indie album I'd had my eye on. If I want others to support my artistic endeavours, I feel I need to practise what I preach and put my money where my mouth is.
I need to devote some time to a sick family member. Please, if you've been planning to buy one of my books, do it now.
If I were smart, I'd give you some direction--I'd tell you which book to buy--but there are plenty of links all over this site to ebooks and paperbacks and audiobooks I've written/recorded. Pretty sure I've got well over a thousand products out there. I'm sure you'll find something you'll enjoy.
You could also run a search for Giselle Renarde wherever you buy books or stream content. If you're an audiobook person, I would love for you to check your local library system. You're almost guaranteed to find my voice in their catalogue of digital audiobooks. Just search Giselle Renarde and see what pops up.
Failing that, you could support me on Patreon--that way you would get weekly audio erotica and I would get money and warm fuzzy feelings.
And if you just want me to suggest a random book to buy, here's a link to my latest release, Cosima's Diary.
OR you could check out these posts tagged #RandomBookIWrote: https://donutsdesires.blogspot.com/search?q=%23randombookiwrote
Before I go, I should also say that the heading of this post ("Don't Wait. Do It Now.") applies equally to things like reconnecting with old friends and estranged family members, telling people how much they mean to you, assuring loved ones you genuinely care about them. Do as I say, not as I do, in that regard. I am very bad at the heartfelt stuff.