For the past few months, I took a small break from my writing business due to a number of reasons. It wasn’t something I planned on, but it was something I needed. I’m still grieving my grandfather’s death though I did get past the worst of it. My workload at my day job increased after one of my coworkers transferred out and left behind a mess of error-ridden data entry and paperwork. The stress from both of those life changes took a shot at my immune system, and I’m still recovering from that. I’m still coughing every day, and I don’t have much of an appetite. I’ve also been dog-sitting for a family member, so on the days/weeks I do that, my time and energy is limited.
I originally had the goal of writing and publishing a lesbian erotic romance novel series this year, but then I switched it to trying to get a total of 100 short stories published. Sadly, I won’t be able to make either of those goals this year. I’m trying to avoid beating myself up about it because I’ve had a really stressful and taxing year, and being disappointed in myself won’t help anything. I wish I could go back to being as motivated and dedicated to writing as I was last year, but I know it’s going to take time. It hasn’t even been a year since my grandfather died, and it’s going to take at least a few more months for my mind to adjust to my new life without him. It’s hard, it’s sad, and I miss him a lot. His birthday is next month, and it’s going to be a tough trigger to get through.
For the next few months, possibly until February 2019, I won’t be writing or publishing much. I do have a few planned short stories and series that I want to get out this year, but I can’t make any promises. I wish I could push through the pain and exhaustion and focus on this business, but I learned in the past that it doesn’t work and only worsens my mental health. Hopefully, I won’t be completely AWOL, but I won’t be as active as I was before the impromptu break.
I hope you all can understand.
Much love,
Dana Kenzi
*sends virtual hugs* We understand, and our thoughts are with you. Tough times of pain, exhaustion and grieving can be very limiting and frustrating. Much love straight back atcha, Dana. <3