Here, There and Everywhere

Writing anything can be a great undertaking. Like most writers I started with a "grand" idea for a book and then went to town hacking it out. As I was closing in on the finish line, the goal posts moved, not uncommonly and not in a mean way. It was all very typical, organic. As it turns out I started my book in the wrong place. Rookie mistake.

As I've realigned and rewritten my manuscript I've also been listening to those who yell the loudest - other authors, agents and writing teachers, which has me branching out by writing essays and flash pieces, even a 100 word story - or twelve. But all of these projects, while they are not my book, hold just as much importance to my budding career as a writer.

Establishing myself, getting something, anything published is, as I'm told, the ticket to the big show; a traditional publishing contract for my memoir.

So, my little blog world has been a bit neglected while I nurture other parts of my writers sphere which I'm hoping will bring some exciting news soon,

Xx Melissa

Long time No See.

My apologies for the radio silence. Especially if this is the only way you follow me.

I have been writing a lot, though it may be hard to tell from this vantage point, so let me catch you up on all things books and writing.

Blog aside, it's been a busy number of months.

One of the key lessons we are taught as writers is write, write, write.

When you are looking for an agent for one project you should always have others in the works. That project can be another book, an essay, a short or flash piece. It doesn't matter as long as you are continually practicing and perfecting your craft and creative ideas.

For me it translated into this:

I finally found a memoir critique group. A lovely group of lady writers who are so wonderful, talented and astute as readers and critique partners, I am beyond grateful.

After reading my beginning pages they all agreed that while they like my voice it felt to them like I was starting my book in the wrong place. This is an all too common mistake for writers.

Anyway, while I was rereading my own book to find it's new opening I had an idea for an essay. And then another idea popped up for a creative non-fiction flash piece (1000 words or less).

All of which sent me off in a few directions that in the end still equalled some form of reading and writing.

During this same time I was given a couple of opportunities to discuss my work with an agent as well as two different editors. I won't get into the nitty gritty since they all reviewed different projects but the consensus was unanimous: Great voice, great topics, good writing but needs some work. The suggestions on how to elevate my writing were priceless as well encouraging. All I needed to keep moving forward.

I have since found a new beginning for my book with a stamped approval from my critique partners. I have been tweaking the flash piece and essay which at some point I hope to get published...keep your fingers crossed but I'll let you know as soon as it happens. And to add to the chaos (good joyful chaos) I am co-writing a fiction with my daughter. #WritersLife

In case you wanted to know what else was going on in between my idyllic writers life:

School, Homework, Driver's Ed, Karate lessons and tournaments, doctors appointments, PT, family visits, Finally watching Ted Lasso, The whole month of November disappeared because of Covid: we are 2 for 2 against it, not sure how we managed that but I'm proud it didn't get us all. More doctors appointments, Family golf lessons and our first movie in a theatre since 2019.

Life. kinda like yours.

Hope this finds everyone well. Happy New Year, Spring forward is coming and I'll write again soon.

xxMelissa

The Pause ;

I know everyone is sick of Covid.

There is nothing more tiresome than to speak of the horrible virus that has wreaked havoc on our lives for the last 2 and half years. It's ripped family members away and left others with long-haul symptoms that echo the lives of autoimmune sufferers everywhere.

At the same time I'd appreciate if you wouldn't paint me as a monster for saying there is a silver lining because for some of us there has, in fact, been a silver lining.

And when I say "us" I mean people like me, people with chronic illness, low immune systems and varies maladies that drag us down at every turn.

Covid allowed for a pause.

It allowed me personally the ability to step back, take a break and to focus squarely on my health.

It allowed me to stay home.

Notice I didn't say it forced me into my house. Quite the opposite. It boldly allowed me to opt out, skip the lines, not participate and not have to show up.

It took away the guilt I felt if I physically wasn't able to attend an event that I knew I was expected to go to. It removed the stigma of having to decline invitations.

It was a pleasure to be able to phone everything in. And I mean everything.

Kids sports and school, Virtual lessons. Family chats, Zoom me in. Writers conference, Zoom me in. Groceries, Instacart delivery. Birthday presents, the internet shops were my oyster. If it could be ordered, shipped or delivered, I did it.

I actually saw more people because I was able to show up on a screen from the ease of my home. I could wear whatever suited me in the moment and I could be sitting in my most comfortable chair that my body cried for and needed. It's been glorious.

As much as I love to travel, and we did often, Covid allowed me to avoid the airport like the plague. I was saved from every seat tray bacteria, every recirculated air virus and every armrest germ that infiltrated my system every time I flew. I skipped over every hotel room slime and car rental crud. My immune system sincerely thanks Covid for giving it a rest.

Oh, and masks. God I love masks. I can't even begin the praise of being able to go to the doctor's office behind the safety of my filtered mask. I'm aware of the arguments out there but the pandemic has normalized wearing masks enough that all my medical appointments require it and that is right inline with my comfort level. It helped me through multiple ER visits and surgery.

If you don't know what it's like to be ill the majority of the time then I can see how you'd be anxious and unhappy to be kept away from whatever you deem normal. I remember those carefree days. But now for the ones like me, it's been a dream to be able to rest more often without argument.

It was tiresome picking up whatever is "going around" every. single. time. just because your system can't fight it off. I've lost count of all the enjoyed events that turned into days of regret and pain.

I know at some point I'll probably end up with Covid.

I'm familiar with an obscene amount of people who've had it once, twice and some who've died.

In a multitude of conversations I've clearly expressed my hopes of being the literal last person on earth to catch it. Not because I'm afraid of being sick but simply because I'm already sick of being sick all the time.

Ironically, with Covid hanging around , this has been the longest amount of time I've gone without additional sickness on top of my normal autoimmune issues and I'm not looking to break my streak anytime soon.

Wish me (us) luck!