I haven't updated my writing blog in several months. Since my last post I've accomplished a lot, but I've also had to deal with quite a few challenges.
The first bit of news is that I'm working really hard on my freelance writing career. Two of my magazine articles were published last year, and one should be coming up in the next few months. There were a few times when I wanted to give up because it took a while for my queries to get accepted, but I had so much support from my family. They believed in me and rooted for me, even when I felt like quitting. I also got feedback from some wonderful editors. Even when they rejected a query, they were polite and encouraging. And when I was accepted they were so helpful when I had any questions. I know we all hear that we shouldn't give up, but it can be so hard to keep following our dreams. Now I know that if you keep trying, eventually you'll see some results, and your hard work will pay off. I plan on working even harder this year, and I hope to learn more about writing, and get even more articles published
My next bit of news: I finished the first draft of my manuscript! Considering this is the first time I've ever completed a draft, I'm pretty darn proud of myself. My next goal is to edit the entire manuscript. I've also started doing research for my next manuscript. I originally wanted to write a historical fantasy next, but I got sidetracked by the 1920s - my favorite era (I'm even watching Chicago for the millionth time right now).
And finally, in the last several months, I've been diagnosed with depression. I have dealt with it for quite some time, but I decided to work on getting treatment. I think so many people wait to get mental illnesses diagnosed or treated because there is still stigma and misunderstanding. Some people are accused of being dramatic, or trying to get attention. They're told to cheer up or get over it. I wouldn't put up with this if I was dealing with a physical illness, so why should I with a mental one? As soon as I have a bad case of the flu I go and see a doctor, but I lived with depression for years and did nothing about it until I almost couldn't function. I owe it to myself to recover. I don't want to talk about every detail or anything, but I do want anyone struggling with a mental illness to know that their illness is real and they deserve to be taken seriously. They shouldn't have to feel guilty or ashamed. I'm not cured, but I'm working on recovery.
So, that's what I have been up to. I don't want to leave my blog for months on end again, which is why I plan on updating at least once a month, or maybe every other week. I'll see how it goes.
What have you been working on in your writing or life in general?
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