Yes, I’m posting this blog a week earlier than usual, but I think we all know what my priorities will be next week. There are Halloween shenanigans to be had! Besides, I am currently waiting for someone to come fix my busted dishwasher and – as I’m sure other neurodivergent folks are aware – that threw off my whole day. How am I supposed to even think about writing (or my usual workday schedule, for that matter) when a random stranger could show up at any time?
And although I need to be completely uninterrupted while writing, I don’t mind jumping all around the place and stopping and starting when it comes to the business side of what I do. Still, there are people who think being an author is sitting around all day writing daydreaming, and just being a tortured artist. But that’s not it at all. I’ve even noticed an increase in other authors on social media talking about how their writing and publishing is a business and needs to be treated as such. And over the past 4 years of publishing, I’ve met authors who think all they need to do is write a book and nothing else. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. There is a lot of (hard) work to be done that often has nothing to do with writing, and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to find enjoyment in each and every aspect of this business.
But the writing is still the most important part of it all because, well, no book, no publishing, no business. And over the past 6 months, it’s gotten easier and easier for me to procrastinate on the writing. Ongoing health issues and extra doctors appointments? Take a sick day. Major appliances breaking down? Rearrange my work day and put things on hold to await the repair person (unfortunately, the dishwasher isn’t the only thing that’s broken down around here and my landlord is… well, you know how landlords can be). Personal issues (like going no contact with my psychologically abusive father AGAIN)? Take a mental health day. Pain flare up? Another sick day.
And on, and on, and on it goes…
But something happened this month. Maybe it’s the extra event’s I booked. Maybe it’s the increased love of horror movies/books peppering social media. Maybe it’s being all caught up on doctor’s appointments. Maybe it’s cutting my biggest bully out of my life once and for all. Maybe it’s running around Can*Con covered in sequins. Maybe it’s the presence of pumpkins and fall air. But I feel UNSTOPABLE.
I’ve noticed improvements in my mental health. My known (and unknown) chronic pains have been flaring up with the cooler weather, but none of them seem to bother me as much. I’ve had phenomenal conversations with readers, authors, horror fans, cat lovers, and more. Inspiration struct hard and I’ve come up with some exciting business plans to grow my career as an author.
But most importantly…
The words are coming back.
With everything going on, I’m not sure I was able to admit to myself that I had writers block these past few months. I’ve spent so much time and energy worrying about health and personal problems, that even when I sat down to write (something I clearly enjoy) it was a struggle. But what I’ve gotten down on the page just over the past few days is incredible. Spooky Season has healed me, banished my problems to some deep, dark corner where I don’t have to look at them or think about them. And I’m writing, and writing, and writing…
I’m also trying out a new workday schedule that capitalizes on my fluctuating energy levels (thanks, mystery health problems), so I’m hoping this helps keep the momentum going when it comes to my writing. And it will allow me some break time if my body needs it. I’m actually in quite a bit of pain writing this post, but I know from experience that the resulting exhausting won’t kick in until after lunch. And yes, I am paying close attention to my body so that I don’t burn out (again).
So without further ado, let’s finish up this blog and get to work! In fact, while I’ve been writing all this, the superintendent showed up (the dishwasher’s still broken and we’re going to need to wait for a specialist now. yay…) so now I have no excuse. No more procrastination. Back to work.
See you all next time and have a happy Halloween!
P.S. You may have already noticed, but The Book Purge has officially raised $5,005 for the Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue this year! Another win for October!
