I have 2 important pieces of news for everyone today. As the year has gone, this has been something I’ve had to think carefully about every step of the way.
The first thing:
I have left the Rituals and Runes Anthology. My story for it, FULL MOON MAGIC, will not be releasing this year.
While I won’t be in the anthology, please continue to support it. Those authors are working so hard to bring amazing stories to the world and I would be honored if you could continue to support them for me.
The second thing:
TAINTED BLOOD (Everly Abbott Book 3) has been delayed for October 21st, 2022.
I need the extra month to make sure the book is everything I want it to be.
Now for the small explanation of why both of these have happened.
I’m tired and I’m struggling with burn out. By this point, I imagine those who follow my blog know why. From surgery to a house flood and more I haven’t entirely shared publicly… I’m struggling with managing everything, writing everything, making everything. Last week, I had to make the difficult decision to end my relationship with my personal assistant and that hasn’t helped. I literally couldn’t do Everly Abbott and Full Moon Magic. I couldn’t. So I had to make a hard decision that leaves me disappointed in myself and I’m sure will leave many disappointed in me.
I’ve never had to cancel or move releases like this before, and I am so sorry for those who are really looking forward to them, especially Full Moon Magic. After the struggle with writing Bitter Discord over several months, my personal life continuing to spiral, and me coming to some tough decisions about my mental health and needs… I could barely write it and what I was writing, I wasn’t in love with. Beyond that, being in an anthology is a lot of work I can’t afford to do right now when I’m struggling to get done with the basics.
Example: I’m the reason there are no print editions done for Destiny. I do my own covers and that includes print editions. If it doesn’t existed yet, it’s because I haven’t yet.
I had so many plans for this year. I really did. Kaliya Sahni’s series was ending, which means I should be gearing up to write a new one. I might not. I might be able to slide an end of the year standalone out, but it’s highly unlikely. I wanted to share the story of Teagan and Olivia. I wanted Patreon to be a fun journey in shorts and exploring more of the world.
These decisions were difficult, but as many wonderful, kind readers have often reminded me, I can’t keep bringing you stories if I burn out and need to step away completely. This is me attempting to take care of myself, my physical and mental health, while I get back on track to doing the thing I love to do. Storytelling. I can’t take a full break because I’m my family’s sole income, but I can be kinder to myself and recognize I have more limitations this year than I did last year. If I’m better to myself now, the better future years can and will be.
Thank you all for standing by me. I hope there’s many stories in the future and 2022 will only be remembered as that one year where life kicked me in the teeth.
Thank you for your update, honesty and acknowledgment of the difficulties you are experiencing. I know it is not easy to admit or share issues of a personal nature. Your mental health is so important to your quality of life, it affects everything you do , it can drain you physically and emotionally. Please take the time you need to get yourself healthy. Your stories are amazing and although I impatiently await the continued revelations of their lives , they are not as important as you are, your needs and family should come first. Blessed be and wishing you all good. May you find your joy and happiness in all you do.
You are amazing. You do need to take care of yourself in every way. I am positive that the readers will be patient, knowing you will have been able to do the stories your way and be proud of them. I have read series where the authors had to meet their deadlines and the book was under par. I would rather wait for your excellent story telling that does not seem rushed. YOU DESERVE to take care of your needs. Also,, the delay allows me to read all of the books again and discover things I missed the first time around. THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMZING STORIES.
Be well mentally and physically
You are doing the right thing by taking care of you. Anyone who gives you crap for that sucks.
There’s no need to apologize. Please take the time you need to take care of yourself. Never underestimate the importance of your mental health and well-being.
Hey
I’m sorry you’re going through this rough period but I’m glad you’re aware of your limits and that you’re taking a step back to take care of your health.
Hopefully with this change of your schedule makes you struggle less with the rest of your life. I can only speak for myself but you became one of my favorite authors and I don’t mind on waiting more to get a new story. Needless to say but never feel bad about putting yourself first.
Hugs ❤️
Take care of yourself. Make the decisions that best support you. Your readers aren’t going anywhere. Trust me…
Sounds so stressful, I’m sorry. Put yourself first. Aways. Try not to be too hard on yourself because things have to adjust when life kicks you.
I send you a big warm bear hug. I am glad you are doing this for you. I can only imagine how hard you are pushing yourself and I can almost hear the guilt through your words. Please don’t feel bad. Focus on feeling better, on feeling you have control over things again. I’d rather wait to read one of your stories than lose them altogether because you can’t write anymore.
Personally, I am enjoying listening to Jacky Leon’s audiobook. It’s a new experience for me to listen rather than read so I am buying the books one by one as I can. I am enjoying it immensely.
Take your time. I’ll be here.
Be well. That’s the most important thing. We can wait for your fantastic writings.
With lots of love, there’s only 1 you, please yes , do take the time to do whatever you believe you need especially in this difficult time to remain whole!
We will be here, I will be here whenever you’re ready with stories!
God, thank you so much for sharing and truly praying everything work out for you!
Don’t feel disappointed, don’t berate yourself, you’re awesome, you have been awesome! Keep looking out for numero uno .
Youuu…first!
Vivolyn
I understand how you feel. So please take care of yourself. You were the reason I started back reading. So thank you for putting that back into my life. Now you must remember that you are important. You have to put yourself first or you won’t be able to inspire someone else. I will be praying for you and your family.
For sure would rather you step back and take care of yourself rather than burn out totally. Take care of yourself
Thank you for the updates. I have just discovered your books and there wonderful. So please do take care of your creative magic.
I applaud you for having the courage to do what’s best for you and the grace to share it with us, your dedicated supporters. There is no shame in knowing your limitations. There should be no guilt in doing what’s best for you. Anyone that tries to make you feel differently is not a true friend. I would rather wait for a book that is everything you want it to be, than read something sooner that you are unhappy with. These characters are a part of you, and you should protect them as such. Take care of yourself, be happy, & know that I will treasure your next story, no matter how far in the future that may be.
Thank you for the update, I have dealt with burn out, it isn’t easy and when I was through I came out of it better, but different. My prayers for you.
You are heard and appreciated! Thank you for the amazing stories you brought to life; they bring so much joy to mine. I hope you take all the time you need to recover from the unfortunate turns life has given you. It takes a strong woman (heroine in my eyes) to take face mental health battles. I look forward to reading more of your work once you’ve recovered.
Be Kind to yourself. I just found you as an author through an Audible sale and just blew through the entire Jackie Leon series in about 8 days (sorry I didn’t stop to savor). Wow! I want to listen to more of your stories but you need to take care of you too.