Firstly, I must apologize for not updating sooner. I had good intentions to do so, but lacked follow through.
When I actually sit down to write, the first choice is always a book. I subconsciously completley disregard my responsiblity to update my blog.
I’ve had a lot going on, which led to an existential crisis. My crisis made me question whether I wanted to continue to pursue publishing.
I know, me of all people. I’m the one that loves spending the day lost in my own head creating characters, scenes, worlds… books. How could I consider quitting?
Well, sometimes opposing forces are… debilitating.
I had/have outside forces effecting me. One of which, has made a huge change in my life.
I considered not publishing what’s happened, because public opinion is varied and can be… bitter. But, I think I should explain for two reasons. One, so you understand what is going on, because I have neglected you. Two, in case there is someone else out there going through the same thing. You are not alone.
So here’s what’s happening.
As most of you know, in December of last year, I had Covid. My symptoms were mild comparatively. I never got a fever or a cough. I had cold aymptoms, loss of smell, and spent two weeks in bed due to overwhelming exhaustion. When I got better, I thought that would be the end of that.
As it turns out, I was wrong.
Since Covid, my body has not been the same. I have not been able to go back to the exercise regimen I had established pre-Covid. Also, I’ve been experiencing a myriad of side effects, including sudden onset exhaustion, joint pain, migraines, cheat pains… and the liat goes on. These symptoms got so severe that I ended up in the ER. After being tested to make sure there were no blood clots that could cause severe damage, I was diagnosed with long-Covid.
There is a myriad of issues with long-Covid, the most if which is, that doctors do not know how to treat it. So, at best, only the symptoms can be treated. So, now I’m faced with a chronic illness that causes extreme exhaustion.
Well, in the interim, I’ve been trying to finish a book and keep up with marketing. Also, I have a full time day job. It was all just too much, keeping in mind I absolutely hate marketing. Ad to that my dismal sales, or should i say non existent. (I’ve gone two months without making a single sale.) This lead me to my existential crisis.
Do I want to keep pursuing publishing? Why not just write as a hobby and take that pressure off of myself? I’d experience more joy without the pressures of marketing, right?
After some very serious soul searching, I came to this conclusion. I cant quit writing, ever. It’s part of me. So much so, it’s like needing air.
I dont want to give up publishing either. You know, maybe the dream changes and I just publish without hope of ever having a large following. Maybe, I never get to a point where I get income from my works. Most importantly, maybe, I hire a marketing professional.
So that is where I’m at, facing a chronic illness… but unwilling to give up the dream of sharing my imaginings. Also, now in the market for a marketing professional.
I do want to take the time to thank those of you that have read my work and those that have left reviews. Thank you seems to small of a word for how appreciative I feel. Thank you.
Know that I will be releasing more works in the near future.
Thank you everyone.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling, still a cheesy, scifi, paranormal, romance author.
