Guest author: D. Wallace Peach – Room to Breathe

Posted on April 14, 2017 by Sue Vincent

Photo: Sue Vincent

I’m delighted to guest blog today on Sue’s wonderful Daily Echo. I’m sitting in my recliner looking up, wondering what to write. There’s a ten-foot long spider web hanging from the ceiling fan to the beam over my head, gently blowing with the heat circulating around the room. Tapestries of cobwebs grace the corners of the high windows that I can’t reach without a ladder. More delicate threads crisscross the Christmas star that I never took down – from 3 years ago. I kid you not.

When my grandson was 2 years old, he said the house was “spooky.” I laughed but didn’t whisk them away despite the cute commentary.

It feels good to sit and stare for a few minutes, to breathe and relax and study the floating web and the way it catches the light.

I’ve been writing full-time for seven years and blogging for about five. It’s been a labor of love, but full time has been overtime, averaging between ten and twelve hours a day. I couldn’t get enough, and I let the rest of my life slide as I immersed myself in the glory of words and worlds, the lives of the characters inside my head.

I always felt as though I was making up for lost time. A new story would begin to weave, threading through my fingertips before the last one ended. If I paused the web I was spinning would falter, the pattern altered, not better or worse, just different.

In seven years, I took a few breaks, but they were always with a purpose, something to be checked off as efficiently as possible so I could return to writing. Even vacations were interruptions. I missed entire seasons, the outdoors, working with my hands, being creative in other ways that I enjoy. I miss hanging with family and friends. I churned out 13 books.

As these last four books roll off the laptop into the world of Amazon, for once, I don’t have a new tale spinning. And it feels good to look at the time ahead with room to breathe, anticipating a taste of that elusive sense of balance I’m perpetually chasing and ignoring.

There are holes in my life I need to fill with fresh air and sunshine, food I’ve grown, people I love, a little exercise (or a lot), and some exploration. I feel a need to exist without deadlines and timetables, to read and play and paint and hike and watch movies. To spring clean away the cobwebs. And write a little, of course.

 

Room to Breathe

*

The cobwebs cluttering my corners

are the trophies of time earned

following dreams of being

making up for lost time

when life was ruled by clocks and children

mortgages and marriages

the daily commute when I wondered

Who am I?

*

I clutched at daydreams and made them real

spun tales through the rafters

wove stories from straw

and draped them in the windows

I grasped each moment of seclusion

like a breath before immersion

And held on.

*

Until the daydreams cluttered my corners

trophies of time earned

following dreams of being

and making up for lost time

new tales weave through the aging season

tapestries spun with timeless freedom

to whisk away the cobwebs

and discover in the corners

Room to breathe

*

Find and Follow Diana

Myths of the Mirror Website/Blog

Facebook   Amazon Author Page    Goodreads

Twitter @dwallacepeach

About the author

D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life after the kids were grown and a move left her with hours to fill. Years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books, and when she started writing, she was instantly hooked. Diana lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s Coastal Mountains with her husband, two dogs, and Pinky the Cat.

Why does she need room to breathe?

Her latest books have just rolled off the laptop:

Find all Diana’s books on Amazon

The Rose Shield Tetralogy:

Catling’s Bane

Oathbreakers’ Guild

Farlanders’ Law

Kari’s Reckoning

wordcloud2

 

About Sue Vincent

Sue Vincent is a Yorkshire-born writer and one of the Directors of The Silent Eye, a modern Mystery School. She writes alone and with Stuart France, exploring ancient myths, the mysterious landscape of Albion and the inner journey of the soul. Find out more at France and Vincent. She is owned by a small dog who also blogs. Follow her at scvincent.com and on Twitter @SCVincent. Find her books on Goodreads and follow her on Amazon worldwide to find out about new releases and offers. Email: findme@scvincent.com.
This entry was posted in Blogging, Books, Guest post, Life, writing and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

123 Responses to Guest author: D. Wallace Peach – Room to Breathe

  1. D. Wallace Peach says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:05

    Reblogged this on Myths of the Mirror and commented:
    I’m honored to guest post over at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo today. If you have the time, stop over to say hi. ❤

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  2. D. Wallace Peach says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:10

    Thanks so much, Sue for the opportunity to guest post and hang out at the Daily Echo today. It’s an honor. Have fun at your workshop!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Erik says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:11

    Love, Love, LOVE the poem.
    Some might say you think too much.
    I say you think exactly the amount you’re meant to.
    And I totally get it.
    Happy breathing.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  4. Nicholas Rinth says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:19

    Oh, I love the start of this. Detailing cobwebs! I believe we could all take a page from your book and just take a minute to slow down, appreciate whats around us, and breathe it all in.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  5. balroop2013 says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:20

    I am glad to hear you are relaxing in the spooky room…if this is relaxation it is obvious how you have been such a prolific writer! Life without any deadlines, alarms or timetables could be fun earned after a busy life…enjoy the time you have gifted yourself Diana and soak in the solitude, look at the clouds and breathe deeply!
    Your Room To Breathe is a beautiful haven of peace. Stay blessed! 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 14, 2017 at 17:24

      Thanks so much, Balroop. At this stage in my life, I do it to myself (the stress thing). So, I’m the one to undo it. I’ll be busy, I’m sure, but in a different way. And I’ll definitely be breathing in some sunshine. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  6. the dune mouse (CybeleMoon) says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:27

    Nice post! lovely image too!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. tpolen says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:27

    Excellent post, Diana – sometimes we need to take a break, appreciate life, and give the creative well time to re-fill.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  8. shehannemoore says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:31

    A lovely post Diana. We do all need time indeed x

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  9. Carrie Rubin says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:35

    This is wonderful, Diana. I’ve been thinking along similar lines lately. Going so fast to get things done, regardless of what they are, and not taking enough time to just sit and enjoy the quiet. You’ve inspired me to take some time to do that this weekend. And with the spring weather, it’s perfect timing. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 14, 2017 at 17:52

      It is the perfect time of year, Carrie. I plan to settle into a more casual pace for the summer – still writing but without the pressure (which I totally do to myself!). Have a great weekend enjoying the quiet and the wonderful changing seasons. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  10. staceywilk says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:48

    I so envy the quiet time ahead of you. I always feel as if there’s some place else I need to run to or something else that must get done and when it isn’t my writing it certainly is my family. I remind myself how quickly my children will be off to their adult lives so I try and cherish the non-stop action that is my life at the moment and when something doesn’t get done, can we say tumbling dog hair, it’s all okay. Great post, as usual!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  11. Jennie says:
    April 14, 2017 at 17:55

    This is one of the best author interviews and poems I have read. Thank you, Sue.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. anotherfoodieblogger says:
    April 14, 2017 at 18:02

    Great post Diana! I am SO glad you are giving yourself some time to breathe, relax, and connect back to that beautiful nature that surrounds you. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 14, 2017 at 18:11

      Me too, Kathryn! Ha ha. I’ve already started reading a new book, and as soon as the darn sun shows up, I’ll be yanking out the blackberry vines that are crowding my house like Sleeping Beauty’s castle. My Prince Charming needs a little TLC, too. 😀 Thanks for the visit and have a great weekend.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  13. tric says:
    April 14, 2017 at 20:39

    Ah I loved this. But no surprise there really, you always write beautifully. I’m delighted to hear you’ve a little time to smell the roses, goodness knows what you’ll come back with.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 14, 2017 at 20:56

      Thanks, Tric. I’ll still be around but hopefully a little less frazzled behind the scenes! We have beautiful but short summers out here, and I don’t want to miss another one glued to my recliner! Ha ha. Thanks so much for the visit. Have a lovely Easter weekend. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  14. Pingback: Check out the guest author on Sue Vincent’s Blog | Rose English UK

  15. davidprosser says:
    April 14, 2017 at 21:08

    Beautiful poem exceptional lady and friend.
    xxx Huge Hugs xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  16. Bette A. Stevens says:
    April 14, 2017 at 21:57

    Delighted to find you on Sue’s blog today, Diana! Poetry or prose, you’re a wonderful writer! 🙂 xo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  17. Jacqui Murray says:
    April 14, 2017 at 22:19

    I am intrigued. I can’t wait to hear (on your blog) how your next idea germinates. How does that happen?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  18. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    April 15, 2017 at 09:23

    Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    Diana Wallace Peach is the guest of Sue Vincent this morning.. With 13 books on the shelves and four just rolled out, Diana is taking some time out to breathe…. head over and read her lovely poem too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  19. acflory says:
    April 15, 2017 at 10:12

    I’m in awe of your productivity, but yes, definitely time to stop and breathe a little. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  20. Richard Ankers says:
    April 15, 2017 at 10:58

    Reblogged this on Richard M. Ankers and commented:
    Two of my favourite people in one post, it doesn’t get better than that.
    Richard

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  21. adeleulnais says:
    April 15, 2017 at 11:08

    What a beautiful interview and a lovely poem. Diana, you can spin prose like a master. x

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 15, 2017 at 13:51

      Thanks, Adele. I have to admit that sometimes it’s there and sometimes not. You just don’t get to see the “not.” Lol. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment. Have a great weekend and Happy Writing 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  22. robbiesinspiration says:
    April 15, 2017 at 13:01

    Some fabulous information about Diana. I can easily see how a person can become obsessed with writing. I like writing but I love my art even more and I can become a bit obsessed with it when I am trying to finish the illustrations for something. It is good to take breaks though, gives you time to stare at the clouds and come up with new inspiration.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  23. Julie Holmes, author says:
    April 15, 2017 at 13:37

    Beautiful poem, Diana! And you deserve to take some time to relax and ponder the next stories. Great post!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  24. patriciaruthsusan says:
    April 15, 2017 at 14:09

    Lovely post, Diana. You’re so good at weaving words together. Thanks for having Diana as your guest, Sue. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  25. patriciaruthsusan says:
    April 15, 2017 at 14:09

    Happy Easter to both of you. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. dgkaye says:
    April 15, 2017 at 14:27

    Oh what a lovely web you wove Diana. Congratulations for reaching that part where you can say you’ve accomplished dancing to the tune of your muse and are going to get back to ‘real life’. I, as many writers can relate to that timetable of a writing life and I too look forward to that stage to regain a fuller living of life back one day. Your story and your poem were inspiring and reminding words. Enjoy! ❤ 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 15, 2017 at 15:13

      Thanks so much, Debby, for the kind words of encouragement. Who knows where I’ll be in the life journey next year, but for now, I need a little breathing room. Of course, I’ll still be writing and blogging but with a little more leisure time and sunshine between. As you know, life is constantly changing. Take a deep breath, my friend, and have a great day. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  27. Caroline Clemens says:
    April 15, 2017 at 16:13

    Congratulations on 13 books! Youza!! Let me count mine for a minute … I have eight. Super cool for both of us!!! Seriously, I’d love to hear more about your marketing, sales, etc. Pretty much I have come and gone and returned and try and try some more. A couple times I came to my computer with the intent to unfollow all my social medias, then I couldn’t. I think I’ve decided to not worry about sales and the like as its too difficult for one person to manage all the aspects. I think publishers are seeking out indies, so they’ll scoop up the very good ones and someone like me will fall away and be lost, forever! Ha. I’m a difficult one to let go or give up; I’m sure I would have been one of the last to go down on the Titanic. Proud of you.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 16, 2017 at 01:35

      Thanks for the visit, Caroline. Congrats on eight books! That is a lot of work – until you start the marketing, right? Ha ha. My major social media platform is WordPress and I don’t spend much time on the others. I’d like to, but I’m just not that good a juggler! What I’ve found, overall, is the best way to sell books is to write more books. There are more ways for readers to find you, and when you do promotions and readers like your work, they have more books to read. Truly, I write and blog for the enjoyment of it, and if I’m having fun, I consider myself successful. There is no Titanic if you’re doing what you love. 😀 Have a lovely Easter and Happy Writing!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  28. Kate McClelland says:
    April 15, 2017 at 18:19

    Reblogged this on Kate McClelland and commented:
    great post ladies!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  29. vanbytheriver says:
    April 15, 2017 at 18:22

    A beautiful entry. Cobwebs be damned…you have lived your life being lost in words, and that’s pretty wonderful, D.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 16, 2017 at 01:40

      Thanks so much for the wonderful comment, Van. Eventually, I’ll have to clean some of the cobwebs away or I’ll get stuck in them! Ha ha. And trust me, they’ll grow back. We have industrious spiders out here. 🙂 I am incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to follow my dreams and do what I love. No complaints as I shift a bit and make time for other dreams as well. Happy Easter, my friend. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  30. Marcia Strykowski says:
    April 15, 2017 at 22:42

    Beautiful photograph, poem, and guest post. I can’t even imagine writing 13 books in 7 years. It took me at least that long just to write my first one, never mind all the revising, submitting, waiting, etc. So glad to hear you’re going to stop and smell the roses (and refuel), you deserve some time off!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 16, 2017 at 01:44

      Thanks for reading my cobwebby musing, Marcia. I’m a little spun out! Ha ha. But I loved every moment of it and look forward to more writing at a saner pace. I needed to pour out some pent up creativity, and I guess it took seven years. Now a bit of that elusive balance is in waiting. Happy Easter and Happy Writing! ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  31. Don Massenzio says:
    April 15, 2017 at 22:53

    Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
    Check out this guest post from author D. Wallace Peach from Sue Vincent’s blog.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  32. Pingback: Happy Easter!!! | K Y R O S M A G I C A

  33. Sarah Brentyn says:
    April 16, 2017 at 16:30

    I love this. Everything about it. The contemplation, the realization, the sacrifice, the delight, the well-earned break. Wonderful. I can relate to a lot of this and hope to get my break soon.
    🌸breathe🌸

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 16, 2017 at 16:49

      Thanks, Sarah. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it and could relate. I’m nearing 60, so there’s been a lot of making up for lost time. Not that the time was really “lost.” My life has been blessed in many ways, but there always are and will be opportunities to reevaluate and reprioritize. I’ve started some leisurely reading and become reacquainted with the treadmill. It feels good to breathe. I hope you find your balance, my friend. Happy Easter.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      • Sarah Brentyn says:
        April 16, 2017 at 18:56

        I know what you mean. It’s not wasted or lost but we all have different priorities and responsibilities. I am so happy you had that time with friends and family, then time to write, and now time to breathe. Happy Easter. 🐰🌸🌼

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply
  34. Teagan Geneviene says:
    April 16, 2017 at 16:45

    Perfectly lovely. Hugs all around.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  35. Kristina Steiner says:
    April 17, 2017 at 15:09

    A great post, a beautiful poem and a wonderful picture!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  36. Hugh's Views and News says:
    April 17, 2017 at 16:29

    So right, Diana. I took your example and spent most of this weekend away from the computer and social media. My goodness, what a fun time I had. I even slept better, although how that Christmas star of yours got up there in the first place did cross my mind a few times.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 17, 2017 at 16:52

      Thanks for the visit, Hugh. A little balance is called for and it feels good. I’m glad you got to relax and enjoy the weekend. The Christmas star is still there, all lacy with cobwebs! Have a wonderful week, my friend. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  37. Yvonne Ventresca says:
    April 17, 2017 at 18:46

    Sometimes a change in pace can be just what we need.

    Love the sentiment (and the flower pic, too!).

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  38. reocochran says:
    April 18, 2017 at 04:25

    Sue, your photograph of the rose with bright pink petals and orange/peach tips is gorgeous! You brought a different kind of warm atmosphere to an interview post. ❤
    Diana, this is so wonderful to learn of your next move being in free space or free time. Taking a break or change of pace from writing will refresh and relax you. This makes me happy for you and your deserved break soon. 🙂 xo ~ Robin

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  39. Annika Perry says:
    April 18, 2017 at 15:48

    Diana, this is a beautiful, almost dream-like, guest post! The beginning is captivating and like the spider’s web, weaves us into your writing story. Your fully immersive experience is astonishing, almost as if you existed in your own writing world – your output has been fantastic. You deserve a break and I hope you have a really good chance to breathe and enjoy the deadline-free time!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 18, 2017 at 16:08

      Thanks so much for leaving a note, Annika. I’ve slowed down already, started reading more, and as soon as it stops raining, I’ll be outside. Still writing but limited to a few hours a day. I loved your post today and growled when comments were closed. Ha ha. A big smile crossed my face as you greeted the cracks in the steps. Just full of positivity and really made my day. Thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of your Easter break!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      • Annika Perry says:
        April 18, 2017 at 16:19

        Glad to hear you’ve slowed down on the work and hope the rain eases off soon! Many thanks for your words about my post today and I have to confess that I had intended to leave comments open. However, after a long tiring journey home yesterday and feeling so ‘jet lagged’ today I wimped out – got worried I’d be so far behind! So glad you like the quotes and great wisdom in them.

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply
  40. Sean P Carlin says:
    April 20, 2017 at 02:35

    Diana: I can certainly appreciate the Call of the Keyboard, but do take a little time to step back and celebrate this monumental achievement! Four successive novels! You are an inspiration! Feel free to “rest on your laurels,” if only briefly…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 27, 2017 at 16:50

      I’m trying to take it a little easy, Sean. I just got a new computer to torture myself with for a week or two. THEN, I’ll relax, except for the garden. Ha ha. I appreciate the visit! Happy Writing, my friend. I’m awaiting your book. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  41. Pingback: Room to breathe by Diana Peach,, blogshare.

  42. roughwighting says:
    July 7, 2017 at 12:10

    I guess I missed this in April – but thanks to Sue and Debby, your post is here for me to breathe in, nodding my head, thinking, YES, yes….this is exactly what it’s like. I hope you’re finding that room to breathe in now. I’m taking your advice to heart, and will take a break later this month. That said, I do love what we do, and I’m so grateful that we’re out of the “normal” rat race, and in our own writing race to catch all those webs. xo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      July 7, 2017 at 15:45

      I’m so glad this post spoke to you, Pam, and that you’re taking a break later this month. It does feel wonderful to replenish and breathe and enjoy some slow time. 🙂 I also love what we do and the time away to rest ensures that we’ll continue to enjoy ourselves. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  43. Christy B says:
    July 9, 2017 at 03:15

    Oh this post is wonderful, Diana! It sometimes wonder if other bloggers/authors are running around (digitally) too, just treading water some days. Now I know that yes I’m in good company! I’m loving your poem and wonder if perhaps your next book will feature poetry – or perhaps a few poems from your characters? I think the spider in your home is happy you never cleared the cobweb 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      July 9, 2017 at 22:16

      Thanks for stopping by to read, Christy. My guess is that most of us need to make adjustments as blogs grow and our passions consume more and more time. For me, it seems continual! Ha ha. I’m so glad you enjoyed the poem – that’s an honor coming from a poet such as you. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  44. marianbeaman says:
    July 9, 2017 at 20:14

    Diana, you have more than earned room to breathe with your phenomenal output. Your poem resembles the outline of an hourglass (an example of technopaegnia perhaps). Time is slipping by, and a break may be just what you need to re-charge. After a year of distractions in which I somehow manage to blog regularly I have space to bear down on that memoir about Mennonite life that I need to get published. Thank you, Debbie, for leading me to this fine author.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      July 9, 2017 at 22:20

      Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Marian. I hadn’t noticed the hourglass shape – a great observation. 😀 Good luck with your book – make space and time to follow that passion while continuing to enjoy all that life has to offer. Happy writing and breathing. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  45. Liesbet says:
    July 11, 2017 at 23:00

    Wow, wow, wow, Diana. And I thought I was busy. 13 books in 7 years. Very impressive! This is a wonderful piece and a beautiful poem a lot of us can relate to.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      July 12, 2017 at 00:15

      Thank you, Liesbet, for stopping by to read. There are more prolific writers than me – like Sue Vicent! But this was a stretch for me. I have been following through with a break and learning a few things about how to be a little more balanced. I’ll be writing again soon and that will be a whole other transition! Happy Writing ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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