Hello friends and readers,
I know it’s been ages since I’ve personally posted to my blog. I hope you enjoyed meeting some new-to-you authors this past year and picked up a few good books to keep you occupied during quarantine.
2020 has been a difficult year for so many. Who would have thought we’d be where we are now? In the midst of a raging pandemic and slogging through a never-ending election season from hell. The only things keeping me sane have been friends, family, an excellent husband, good wine, drowning myself in books, and an attitude of gratitude for all I have. It also doesn’t hurt to ground myself in nature every chance I get.
But being an empathic soul, I also carry the weight of the unbearable sadness, fear, and loss we are all suffering. My heart goes out to the families of those who have lost loved ones or who are among the millions suffering after-effects of having had Coronavirus. The long-term implications of this disease are yet unknown, and even a vaccine will not make it miraculously disappear, so let’s send love and healing vibes to all who need it!
Not only to those directly impacted by the virus, but let’s also reach out to those struggling with loneliness, food insecurity, homelessness, and job loss. It seems no one has been left untouched by tragedy in one form or another. Those of you who are grandparents understand the pain of being separated from grandchildren and their magical hugs that are our lifeblood. Missing out on those precious moments of connection leaves us all hurting and longing for normalcy again. With everything we’ve been through this year and all the political and societal uncertainty, the magnitude of the moment we are in is not lost on me.
Even before Covid, I’d been struggling. Like a lot of you, the past few years have taken a toll on me, and I’ve been in a bit of a funk for a while. Especially when it comes to my writing. I’ve been in a “dry spell” creatively, meaning I haven’t written anything since last January, right after the release of my last novella in the Savage Cinderella Series, Liberty’s Promise. I decided to take a hiatus from writing and work on marketing the dozen or so books I have. This plan, however, was a bust!
I’ve done little to no promotion of the series and therefore have had a dribble of sales and few reviews for the books, which is always the case if we authors aren’t out there daily, pounding the pavement so to speak. In Liberty’s Promise, I left the series with an opening if I wanted to continue Brinn’s journey, but since I had no burning new ideas, decided to take a break and spend some time promoting…my least favorite thing. But once Covid hit, my focus shifted.
I talk about this at further length with my new pals over at YA Outside The Lines, a blog with a whole host of YA authors of all stripes. As part of my endeavor to get back into my writing groove, I’ve agreed to write a monthly post, my first of which is here! This months theme was “What went right in 2020?” I have to say, it was a tough blog topic to start back with! Despite feeling like I’m diving into the deep end of the pool, I’m super excited about being part of this inspirational and talented group, and I’m grateful to be a contributor. I know it will inspire me and motivate me to get out of the fortress of solitude I’ve been holed up in.
I’m not certain what this coming year will bring, but my hope is that we will see some positive changes. A vaccine is around the corner so I finally see on the horizon, an end to this national nightmare. As for me, now that I feel as if we’ve been untied from the railroad tracks, I’ve vowed to get back to healthier eating, more consistent exercise, better self-care, and back to new writing projects in the new year. I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as I decide what that might look like, lol.
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I recommend the color print version which is prettier than the black and white and handier than the Kindle version, but whichever way you choose to enjoy this book, I’m betting you’ll feel like you got your money’s worth. Some of my clients have said it stays next to their bed for quick reference like a healthcare “Bible”. It also makes a great holiday gift for someone you love. I’ll be re-reading it myself!
In the meantime, in an effort to be part of the solution and not part of the problem, I will continue to self-isolate (I’ve grudgingly, but I think wisely, shut down my massage therapy practice until after the holidays), wear a mask when out and about, hand sanitize often, and do my part to flatten the curve. I hope you’ll join me and do the same.
If you’re an essential worker, thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping us supplied and provided for and if you are a healthcare provider, may you be strengthened and protected. Your sacrifice is not unappreciated or overlooked! Be safe and stay well<3
Peace and Blessings,
PJ
