You are not obligated to complete the work of perfecting the world, but neither are you free to abandon it.—Rabbi Tarfon, Pirkei Avot“…give us the vision to see that the world is now too dangerous for anything but truth, too small for anything but love.”—William Sloane Coffin, from Memorial Day: A Prayer*
When I look back on my creative life in 2025, I am so very proud of this book. Over 6 years in the drafting, revising (and revising), editing, and production. This was the book that almost broke me as a writer. The story that wouldn't let me abandon it, no matter how many times I tried to walk away.
It's a different kind of story than I had written before - still in the realm of speculative fiction (it is a multiverse story, after all), but it's set in the real world of current day Boston, primarily in a makeshift homeless encampment. Not the usual fare of science fiction or fantasy.
I honestly believe it's the best thing I've ever written. And while it was hard to write, and I promised myself the next project I tackled would be lighter and have fewer points of view and storylines, I realized the story arc wasn't complete. So I'm back in this complex world and 2/3 through the sequel. The provisional title is EVERY SKY A STRANGER and my timeline is to have it published by summer of 2026.
The landscape is hard for writers now. Especially for ones like me who are indie published. I would love to see this story find a wider readership. If you've enjoyed any of my work, please give this one a try. If you've read it, please leave a review and recommend it to a friend. If you have a book blog and would like a free ebook copy for review, let me know.
And not only is the business of writing difficult, but the landscape of creativity is as well. There are some artists who are able to use their creativity as a way to push through the chaos of the world. And there were times in my life when I could use my hyperfocus to write, despite (to spite?) the difficulties I encountered. For me, that led to massive burnout which was another reason LITANY took so long to write.
I am learning how to be kinder to myself, to nurture my creativity rather than see it as something to be consumed. If that means the writing will be slower and more deliberate, I will accept that. Because the alternative is to quench the spark that ignites my stories.
I have to quiet the inner voices of fear that try to convince me if I don't publish more and faster, my work will be irrelevant, neglected, unread. First of all, I write because it's how I navigate and comprehend the world. Second, (here comes my snarky self) who am I to believe I'm owed an audience? That's ego talking. (Yes, yes, I know I spent the first part of this post complaining about a lack of readership. I'm human. I embrace my contradictions.) And third, (something I know and have to remind myself of over and over) there are seasons of plenty and seasons of lying fallow. This is as true in growing a garden as it is in living a creative life.
My intention going forward is to practice compassion and patience, both for myself and in my community and live according to the principals in the quotes that begin this post.
May 2026 bring creativity, light, and joy to you.
*These quotes are the epigraphs that begin LITANY FOR A BROKEN WORLD.
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