It's been 4 years...
You know how you start something, and you love it, and then things keep coming up, and suddenly it's 4 years later and you're still stuck on book number 2?
Yeah, me neither.
Jokes aside, I'm kind of awed by how many people are still reading my work. I will be brutally honest, because, let's face it, writing is brutal. I have gone through a serious bout of depression and anxiety. Life has not given me a break, and I just could not get past the first few chapters of the sequel to Untethered. Every time I felt like I was ready to tackle writing again, something else would come up.
I felt like a failure. Then COVID hit. Man. I know we've all been through so much in the last couple of years. I've had it easier than some and tougher than some more. My daughter was home for school full time last year and the end of the year before. Suddenly, I'm a homeschool teacher, and WTF. She's been back since the beginning of this school year but it's been nerve-wracking.
In July, we lost my step-dad to COVID. Suddenly, my mom was a widow, and heavily relying on me. It's been mentally and emotionally difficult, and the energy to write just wasn't there.
The last couple of months things have gotten better. Everyone is more settled. I decided to finish this book once and for all. I've picked at at the book. I managed about 8 complete chapters over the last 4 years. I *want* to write. I love it. So, I started modest. I signed up for Camp NaNo, and set a goal for 20k words.
And then, bam, my dad was diagnosed with Lymphoma this week. I'm still writing. Even if I only get a few words a day. I need it. I realized part of myself has been shoved into a box while I dealt with everything and everyone else.
I don't know why I'm writing this except to say, I'm still here. I'm struggling, and beaten up, but I'm here. Sorry this is so long-winded. I hope you are all okay. I'd love to hear from any of you. Let me know how you're doing.
Take care,
Jessa <3
