Okay, so I was born in Canada, and we have a tendency to apologize – a lot. If we bump into someone on the street, we say, “I’m sorry.” If we need to ask for directions, we precede the request with, “I’m sorry.” If someone does something to us that’s unacceptable, we apologize for bringing up the issue.

We’re polite, and there’ll be no apologizing for that. I have noticed, however, that my need to say “I’m sorry” has gotten a bit out of hand, and I attribute that more to technology than my Canadian roots.

I’m busy. In fact, I’m very busy, and I love it. I’m happiest when I’m doing what I love to do and lots of it, but with the added expectation of online marketing, and even social networking, I’m finding my inner dialogue sounding more and more like . . .

‘Damn, I think I missed So-and-so’s birthday.’

‘Did I ever answer What’s-his-name’s email?’

‘I hope Who’s-a-ma-call-it isn’t upset that I haven’t phoned her back yet.’

And it’s not that So-and-so, What’s-his-name, or Who’s-a-ma-call-it aren’t important to me, or that they’re less important than the task at hand. It’s just that my brain is on somewhat of an expectation overload and there’s too much to keep track of.

Take Facebook (FB) for example. When I originally joined, I was thrilled at staying updated with everyone in one place with a few simple clicks. Blessed to have a substantial list of “friends,” I’m now getting carpal tunnel from scrolling through my news feed. Heaven forbid I actually miss something. And book marketing? Don’t get me started. I’ve read article after article about how you should be on FB, Pinterest, Goodreads, Google +, LinkedIn, Twitter, WordPress. The list goes on. Each and every site – I’m told – is essential to the success of an author. It’s never ending.

So, when I get around to messaging my friends, and/or answering emails, I tend to start out with “I’m sorry I haven’t replied sooner, but . . .” and my apologies are truly genuine.

Ironic that we’ve progressed to the point of being in constant contact with people and yet our contact has been jeopardized as a result.

Anyway, I’ll do my best to keep in touch and up-to-date, and I’ll keep tweeting, blogging, and plugging away on my second novel, but none of it without some element of guilt attached, because I’d truly love to be the girl who leaves no person or task unattended to.

I’m sorry. It’s just the way I am.