As Indie authors we have to do a lot of different kinds of dances to launch our careers and keep them going. But the one I find most difficult is the Left Brain Zombie Shuffle. Why Zombie? Well, that’s usually the state it leaves me in.
Most people have heard of the Left brain – Right Brain theory. With left brain types being more logical and analytical and right brainers being more expressive and intuitive.
For example, if you saw the way I “organize” the piles of papers around desk while I’m working on a novel, you’d wonder how I could accomplish anything. But I know exactly what each one is by the shape of the pile or my visual memory of where it is according to its spatial relation to the other piles.
Okay, now that you’ve decided I’m totally nuts, I’ll confess to being hopelessly right-brained. Every time I have to learn a new social media networking system I want to curl into a fetal position and hide.
Don’t get me wrong, I luuuuv being able to connect with other authors and readers, and I cherish all the wonderful cyber-friends I have.
But when Ispend hours trying to figure out plug-ins and pixels and JavaScript and SEO and why a program won’t do what I want unless I can say infundibulum ten times backwards, before I know it, all those brilliant, creative ideas I couldn’t wait to develop in my WIP have cemented into dried up sponge cake.Left brain zombie state has arrived.
But this is where we begin the shuffle.
All of us authors have to be able to do a two-step dance from left brain to right brain and back again throughout any given day. Finding ways to work in and out of our comfort zones. I am amazed at how versatile and game most self-published authors are. And that’s one of the neat things about the brain.
They say the more you push it into new territory, the more pathways it develops for reaching even more new stuff. And the more we do the shuffle, the more it becomes a dance, with both sides working together.
So tell me, how have you pushed beyond your comfort zone lately? What kinds of things get you doing the zombie shuffle?
And here’s a little Left brain Right brain quiz for you 
http://www.intelliscript.net/test_area/questionnaire/questionnaire.cgi
The best of WG2E Zombie Shuffle wishes – Alicia Street
Alicia Street is the author of Kiss Me, Dancer, Snow Dance and Aphrodisiac. Alicia is proud to be a part of the WG2E family.
My brain has done a lot already today. I read a magazine, went out to the local garden centre (so had to work where I was walking), back home. Have lunch, watch TV and now on the pc. Tried to work out how to draw a family tree for my romance eseries. Still not sure how to do it. Now brain is coping with blogs and social media and reading emails.
Sounds like you’re really working it, Julie! Go, Girl!
I did the test above, and came out that my left brain dominates. I think that sounds about right considering I do think about things.
Hi Alicia, Interesting post & relevant to most of us. I go by the old “use it or lose it” rule. Or, “the more you do, the more you can do.” We’re lucky to have the opportunities we do. And we’re lucky to have the learning curve that comes along with it. What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger! Right?
I totally agree, Ruth! And you are one of my inspirations.
As much as I complain, I turn around sometimes and am amazed at how much I’ve learned to do. In my earlier days as a dancer I learned that pushing beyond the normal range of motion was the only way to go.
My husband was telling me the other day how writers have such a challenge because they have to be both left brain and right brain. What gets me all frazzled usually is the promo – all of it. It’s just not my thing and hate “asking” people to buy my book – however, it’s the only way to show people you exist. Recently I just got out of the promo game – almost completely except for keeping FB alive and doing the occasional tweet for a friend. I just can’t cope with it all. I have a young son, work (need to make a living), a husband, and I need to write. My mind can’t handle it all at one go or that zombie shuffle would get really bad, lol. Not sure if I’m doing the right thing but I have no choice. I so feel you about this. Great post.
Hi, Natalie! Boy, do I get you on the “asking” issue. But that’s where WG2E and our Street Team come in. The amount of work we’re all facing is so humongous, it’s impossible to go it alone. We all need help from our friends. So, stop by and ask us for things. We’re there for you, sweetie.
Thank you so much darling. Right now, I’m writing so I can have stuff to ask people to buy, lol. And then, I know I’m gonna need help, lol. I shared this article because it’s so cool x
Perfect analogy, Alicia. I’m primarily a right brainer myself, but have had to develop my left brain quite a bit over this past year of indie-pubbing. I have to think of it like working out a new muscle group. Being a personal trainer, that concept helps me be more patient with myself. I find that much of it has to do with acceptance. The minute I become resistant to a new idea or task, the more life it sucks out of me and the harder I find it to adapt. It also helps if I keep in perspective what is truly important and decide what my limitations are mentally and emotionally. I’m still learning to prioritize and knowing when enough is enough and when to just say “no”. As in, no, I can’t join triberr right now, and no, I don’t have time to add to my pinterest boards today. I have a book to revise and that’s enough. That’s actually amazing and that’s what deserves my attention. I totally get what you mean about your creativity being stifled by all of the left brain requirements of this business. I struggled with that more on my first draft. Now that I’m in revisions, it seems less prevalent because I think revising and editing is a much more left brain activity that requires less from my creative side.
Since I have a very left brained husband (perpetually in zombie land). I try to ask for his help or delegate some tasks to him if I can. Like formatting my books or dealing with computer glitches that make me want to eat people’s faces off (zombie side effects). There are many of us right brainers in this business, so hope is not lost that we will overcome the zombie brain thing. Just be kind to yourself and keep shuffling along. Eventually, you’ll be dancing.
I use my left brained husband this way, too. Currently I’m begging him to learn photoshop so that I don’t “eat people’s faces off” dealing with cover design. But this morning I woke up thinking, maybe I should take a class and learn it myself. I hate having to rely on others to do things for me, mostly because I’m impatient and want it DONE! It would probably be good for me to learn a few new skills, even if I end up paying someone to do my cover. At least then I’ll be able to communicate effectively about what it is they are doing for my project.
I hear you on the anger, Heather! We zombies just have to curb our appetites when we’re frustrated.
So beautifully said, Paula! Having taught both fitness and dance, I so agree with the physical training analogy. And, yes, the resistance sometimes chews up more energy than the work itself!
Frankly, you are one of the peeps who astounds me with your consistency in blogging and getting the word out. As to husbands, I’ve got one who is even more right brained than I am. Oh, well.
Great post, Alicia! I think we all suffer from this left-brain zombie shuffle. For writers, the two sides of our brains/personalities are constantly in competition. While I’m comfortable doing both types of activities, I sometimes feel like I’m the rope in the middle, being tugged one way and another. Hopefully, this is just growing pains and I’ll find a way to work it out. As I’m sure you will
Hi, Kristine! The rope being tugged both ways is such an accurate a description. And growing pains definitely factor in here!
The brain, what a mysterious thing. I haven’t even tried to catagorize mine. But if I were to attempt it, I’d say the main sections can be described as: ‘When am I getting off work?’–’What’s on TV’–’Where’s the chocolate?’ and ‘I’d better write some of this daydream down before I forget’.
I don’t claim to know where these sections are located, but they sure make themselves known if I try to ignore them. As a matter of fact, I don’t think my brain even knows left from right. It’s kind of defective in that way. But it’s mine, and I’ve grown to love it.
Dean
Too funny, Dean! ‘where’s the chocolate?’ Yep. Thanks for stopping by.
This is so true, Alicia…we’re constantly slipping back and forth between the creative side and the business side. I don’t think it affects me as much as some though. Some are near totally left-brained and some right-brained. I’m pretty much even. I knew that even before I took the quiz you linked to. I scored an 11 on left side and a 12 on right side dominance.
As for pushing out of my comfort zone — I hate public speaking. I suck at it. I turn splotchy red, my voice quivers and I feel like I could just pass out. BUT I know I need to do this and I need to get better at it. So I have three speaking engagements lined up for this fall. One for a school talking to 7th and 8th graders (ugh! I hated middle school when I was that age!) about writing, one for the library talking about social media and one for a local newcomers club where I’ll speak about writing events/groups in the area.
Best of luck with this Rhonda! Been there and getting a little better at it. I have no doubt you’ll get there, too.
Thank you, Stacey!
Hey, Rhonda! I’m not at all surprised at how balanced you are.
For some reason public speaking is one area that never gets me nervous. I’d much rather talk to a group or do a performance than learn how to upgrade my website. Good luck with your engagements. I know you’ll hit it out of the park!
Thanks, Alicia! If someone takes a picture of me passed out cold, I’ll send you a copy. lol Wish I had some of your performer nature. It would help a lot.
I love using both sides of my brain and drive my best friend nuts. She is totally right-brained, very creative and artistic. I was thrilled to learn how to format for self-publishing. I loved the break from writing, brainstorming, plotting to totally use the other side of my brain for the precise, step-by-step instructions to format an ebook. It was such a break that the next day I went back to writing all refreshed and filled with new ideas.
Will you come live with me? Boy, do I envy that kind of versatility! Thanks for sharing, Jill!
I’m so clueless when it comes to left-vs-right brain. All I know is I’d rather be writing all the time.
So…right brain, right? Or maybe not so cut and dried…I just took the quiz and I was a 5 for Left and 7 for Right.
But, yeah, I know there’s more to this business than just writing, so I shuffle along with the rest of you. Most times I feel like I’m getting run over, but I pick myself up, dust off, and shuffle some more.
You sound exactly like me, Stacey! Sometimes I sing that old Gershwin song to myself . . . “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again!”
This resonates loud and clear with me, Alicia,
My right brain is the dominant, always has been. Which is why I do not get involved in all the technical stuff, I have a man who can.
I think it’s about striking a balance. For me the writing comes first so I try to write first and then leap on the ‘net. Doesn’t always happen like that, but if I don’t get my words down for the day I go a little bit crazy and become upset and cranky because the story’s in my head and not down on paper.
Great Post!
Thanks, Christine! I feel you on the “upset and cranky” response. Balance is definitely the key. Keep getting out those wonderful stories of yours!
Right Brain’s 15 and Left Brain’s 11 – no surprises there then!
Interesting!
I ended up being almost 50-50. Not a surprise as I can see myself going both ways (I’m a libra, in every sense of the word).
No wonder why I suffer from the Zombie Shuffle EVERYDAY! I think I have too much daily input which prevents me from having too little daily output. . .
Great post!
Thanks, Karysa! You libras are amazing peeps. And, yes, sometimes we’ve got to limit the barrage of incoming.
Anything Techno totally gets my Zombie groove in high gear! So, for that reason, I celebrate every superfab Techno thing I accomplish…big or small, because it’s all a HUGE feather in my Techno Dunce cap!
I am very much both brains when it comes to being very creative (in multiple disciplines and media) as well as an adept business chick too, but damn did the powers at be leave my techno lobe completely empty.
Hi, Girlfriend! I do think business requires both brains, especially if we approach it as creatively as you do.
A feather in the Techno Dunce cap! Luv it! Gotta remember that one. You’re right, we should pat ourselves on the head whenever we learn some %#@& new techno system.
Just finished a book called A WHOLE NEW MIND. Explains why right brainers are going to become increasingly valuable in the future. Even more valuable are the folks who can balance both sides of the brain.
Leave it to you, Pj, to give us the latest on new mind stuff! I’ll definitely put this book on my TBR list.
Woo Hoo! I’m valuable – there you go!
About time, right, CC? After years of artists walking around feeling like we don’t fit?
You know I love the techno side of thing, Alicia (call me!) but when it comes to actually dealing with all of the aspects of being a writer these days, it feels sometimes like my head is going to explode. But then we stretch ourselves beyond what we think we’re capable of and somehow we persevere. Yay!
I certainly can attest to your techno skills, Sheila! I don’t think I would’ve ever gotten my WordPress blog up without your help.
And hey, everybody! Sheila just released her her first novella – WEDDING FEVER!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JFNFF0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sheilseabr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008JFNFF0
I think I’ve learned to balance both sides of my brain well. I’m probably more comfortable on the intuitive end but years of conditioning and training has made me analytical. I did have a successful life as a System Integration Project Manager before I decided to explore my more creative side! LOL
Hi, Kiru! Wow, it sounds like you’ve really developed both sides fully. Hopefully that comes in useful in your promo projects. Glad you exploring your creative side!
Ah, my numbers are even! 13 and 13. I’m afraid I know what that means…I’m such a “jack of all trades and master of none” but very happy at it. I’m a librarian but took a few years off in the mid 90s to own and manage a bar/restaurant, which be a great book if I dare write about it…lol I dabble in watercolors and am a freelance writer and I’m a Scorpio, but not sure that has anything to do with it.
Nice to meet you, Yvonne! You are truly a Renaissance woman. I’m not sure if astrology has anything to do with it, but I’m a Pisces and many do seem to be Right brained. Thanks for chiming in! BTW- I am in awe of librarians