My writing progress over the summer was slow, but the results really made me happy.
Then September happened.
That’s when I discovered that my husband of 30+ years has been cheating on me. I cycled through shock, grief, anger, and more, but even in the earliest days, I knew I wanted a divorce. So over the past few months, I’ve contacted a lawyer, found a new apartment, and have been making preparations for The Big Move.
The first thing I plan to do after I get settled is get back to writing.
So, so, so.
Years ago, when I first started this blog, I’d talk about my writing progress, but these past two years have been…different. The obvious reason is/was COVID. My own “mild” case left me with brain fog for over a year, and however necessary, the lock-down didn’t help. At the same time, I’d retired from my 40-year career as a software developer, and I am still working through the transition from highly structured days to ones where I don’t need to wake up early, or work until late. This led to me watching LOTS of shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime. (I highly recommend both Inspector George Gently and Balthazar.)
But that’s okay! It’s okay to relax, to watch shows or read a good book while the cats take turns on my lap.
The trick is to not lose track of what else matters to me.
Family matters.
Self care matters.
Writing matters.
Family means spending time with my beloved spouse. Going out on date nights. Planning a very relaxing vacation in July. Giving hugs and kisses at random times. Making each other laugh. Being partners. I’m a very lucky person to have this man in my life. (Sadly, this paragraph didn’t age well.)
Self care…You could say relaxing on the couch is part of that, but it also means sitting outside in the sun. Making my personal spaces a joy to inhabit. Remembering to breathe. To be kind to myself.
Which brings me to writing. The writing’s been slow and, alas, not so steady, over the past three months. NotMansfieldPark reached the 33K mark when things stalled, so I took a step back and reviewed both the manuscript and my plot notes. Did more research. More brainstorming. Pinned down the magic system. Worked out more details with the characters and–most important–how all this fits together. I’m now working through the existing text to add those new details and to update the plot to match. I’m also giving myself smaller daily goals to build up momentum. As I tweeted the other day, Writing this novel is important for me, and that’s reason enough to finish it.
…my friends and family. Wishing you comfort and joy this winter season and throughout the coming year.
Our state is still in lockdown, though the governor might start phasing out restrictions. It all depends on when and how much the infection rate slows down, and if the rate spikes after that, we go right back into lockdown. Which is only sensible.
But! All is not gloom. Spring weather has finally arrived, and with it the wildlife has emerged. We’ve got baby snapping turtles, spotted turtles, the splendid egret, and an osprey, among others. Spouse has vanished for an afternoon of biking. And me? I’m slowly writing a new Janet Watson story just for fun. Once I’m happy with it, I might post it to AO3.
Speaking of AO3, I already have a vignette about Sara and Janet over there: A Moment of Trust.
This past month has been surreal. Also, scary, frustrating, and more than a bit demoralizing. In early March, spouse and I spent a week in Arizona. We relaxed in the resort’s heated pools. We went on a hot air balloon ride. We took leisurely walks in Saguaro National Park. It was lovely and invigorating.
The day after we came back home, spouse’s company switched over completely to Work From Home, a few days after that, the state went into quarantine, our son lost his job because the gym closed, and I came down with COVID-19. The following week, my publisher canceled my second pirate novel as part of their cost-saving measures.
On the one hand, this was all very stressful. On the other hand, we were very lucky. Son and spouse are healthy. Spouse still has a job. Though I was mentally and physically exhausted, my symptoms were comparatively mild. And the cats were delighted to have everyone home.
I’m now recovering and taking things one day at a time.
As part of our vacation, we made a day trip to Assateague Island. There were lovely beaches and refreshing waves. There were hiking trails. And of course, there were ponies.
