Changes On The Blog

Remember how I was saying that a certain event in my writing life was approaching? And how I wasn't sure what I'd be able to handle when, in fact, that event came to pass? Well, it turns out that the internet is still hard to deal with during this time, and I'm going to have to take some measures in order to maintain not only my sanity, but my ability to write.

First, I will be removing my email from my blog. As much as I enjoy the wonderful, sweet emails you send me, it's a difficult time to get the not-so-sweet ones. Not that I don't appreciate people expressing their opinions, I am just not in a strong enough place to handle it. I can fully admit that. Self-esteem is a valuable commodity right now, one that dwindles far too quickly. I have to salvage as much as I can so my writing will continue moving forward. That comes first; I learned that the hard way.

If you need to get in contact with me, I will be checking my Twitter account, and I will respond to questions in comments.

Second, I will be posting on Tuesdays, on Fridays for Happy Writer's Society, and keeping my Weekend Sketch feature. I have considered going down to just HWS, but I really hope I don't have to take it that far. I honestly enjoy blogging. It has given me so much. I hope to continue for a long time. But sometimes, well, sharing and being open can backfire. Sometimes you get bit. Sometimes it's hard to deal with all the experts on the internet. While usually I can handle this fine, right now I can't. I'm not perfect. I'm certainly not always strong, and I won't pretend to be. Last year I did a lot of pretending to be fine, pretending to be strong, and it hurt more than just admitting that I was struggling.

Third, the nature of my posts will change. There will probably be a departure from writing advice in general, and more of a focus on my life and the things I enjoy. I will certainly be open to questions about writing, and I will answer them, but I've given a lot of advice for someone who doesn't really have the cred to be doing so. My reference tab should have most everything I think about writing, anyway.

Fourth, I just want to say that this isn't anyone's fault, so don't wonder if you were the one who pushed me off the cliff or anything. Since "the event" began, I've been gauging my emotional response to things, and let's just say these changes have been in my mind for awhile. Part of me kept saying, "You're a wuss for admitting you can't handle it, just keep faking." But I've finally beaten it back and come out, so to speak.

Yes, publishing news is hard for me to read. Yes, my self-esteem is easily crushed. Yes, I want my book to sell so freaking bad and I'm terrified it won't because that's what happened last time and I can't even think about how I'll handle repeating history.

So here we are! I'm cutting back, and I know you'll all be understanding of that. Thank you, truly, for reading and for supporting me. So many of you have taken the time to brighten my day, and I wouldn't be here without your encouragement.