Overcoming the low points and embracing the high

wittering noun
wit·​ter·​ing ˈwitərə̇n, -riŋ
plural-s
chiefly Scottish
: a piece of information (as a sign, token, or hint)

Etymology
Middle English (Scots) wittering, witering, from the gerund of witteren, witeren to clarify, inform, teach, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse vitra to manifest, reveal, vitr wise, vita to know“Wittering.” 

— “Wittering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wittering.

And we’re back at last after (how many weeks?) of my unintended hiatus. You would think after thirteen+ years of blogging and writing, I would be over these dips in productivity, but that’s just not the case. Why did I disappear? The usual reasons (for me) include a raging case of imposter syndrome, the thought of quitting writing (again), and the ongoing challenge to keep up with “all the things” expected of me in life. I could go into more specifics, but I also feel like some of you probably resonate enough that you understand the gist of it.

The truth I’ve struggled to face about myself is that I’m destined to go through these cycles, likely for the rest of my life. We can’t control every variable in our lives, no matter how much we plot and plan. And if you’re like me, and prone to both fits of melancholy as well as fits of joy for the beauty in this world, the ups and downs are just a part of the life package. I’ve known this about myself for decades at this point, and I’m also, thankfully, very aware of how to pull myself up by my bootstraps when I start feeling low. It’s not necessarily easy, but it helps to have kids who constantly hug my neck and plant messy kisses on my cheeks. It helps to have them as my biggest motivators and my reason to take care of myself so I can take care of them.

If you’ve followed my blog long enough or read past entries, then you’ve probably noticed the pattern as well. Great bouts of productivity followed by dips and times when I seem to disappear from the online world. I used to really beat myself up for this, but I’m more forgiving in my “dotage” (okay, I’m in my late thirties, but I feel old keeping up with my toddler). I believe we all have our trials we’re meant to face. All of us have at least one thing in our lives that seems to hold us back or interferes with “the plan.” But I also believe those things are in our lives for a reason. Overcoming the trials, or low points in my case, makes us stronger.

Acknowledging your struggles to yourself and asking for help from others is not a weakness, but a sign of your inner strength. Don’t be afraid to face yourself, but don’t dwell on the negative things, either. This is why I’m super careful about what I allow into my daily life. I don’t watch the news because it’s frankly depressing and drags me down. I tend to watch or listen to things that are uplifting, inspiring, that make me laugh, though sometimes tragedies help us to face emotions we might otherwise avoid. I clean house, or bake to help get out of those “funks.” Something about moving and doing and seeing the result afterward makes me feel better on the inside as well. I play piano to tap into that other part of my brain and savor the moment when I get a piece, even a few measures, right.

It’s hard to find motivation to write when I’m in the middle of a low point or when I’m so busy with my kids. Most days, once the kids are asleep, I’m so exhausted I crash after reading a few pages of my latest book. But a funny thing happened a week or two ago. I forced myself to pick up my ongoing revision of Bound Beauty, and I started editing. It was slow going until it wasn’t. Every day gets a little easier, and I feel a little lighter as the muse returns.

I’ve started thinking about the direction I wanna take with my writing once Bound is published, and I’m actually excited for the possibilities again. And I’ve accepted that writing, like life, has its ebbs and flows. All of us will have times when we create, and the process brings us joy. Other times, we will struggle, and that’s okay. Be you. Be yourself in all your chaotic glory and don’t be afraid of failure. You’re stronger with every trial you face and overcome.

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The Wylder Tales series is moving to KU!

I have always been a big fan of “wide” books, but the unfortunate truth is I sell more on Amazon than I have on any other platform. I waffled back and forth on this decision for the past year while preparing to publish Bound Beauty, but I finally decided to make the change and bring Wylder Tales over to Amazon KU for the foreseeable future.

To my readers who prefer to read on other platforms, you should still be able to read your copy if you’ve already made your purchase. You can also easily download the Kindle App on your phone or computer via this link:

Paperbacks and Hardcover editions are still available across platforms, however! And I have a plan for special hardcover editions this coming year, so please stay tuned for more updates 🙂

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Wanna help me reach 70 on AZ?

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