#WIPWednesday

My latest essay was published this week on Invisible Illness (a Medium publication) and curated in two topics: self and mental health.

I also syndicated an old piece into a new Medium publication, A Parent is Born.

I submitted a few poems for consideration in an upcoming print anthology; I hope to hear back about that project within 6 weeks.

And, I received another rejection from a children's book publisher. I started querying my poem as a children's book two years ago, trying the long odds and hoping to be picked up by a traditional publisher. This was my last outstanding query. I've now begun looking into other options, which is exciting!

Also, it was my birthday!

#WIPWednesday

I have people reach out to me fairly regularly after reading something I wrote. Most often, they are thanking me for writing something they could relate to or sharing their own story – these messages feed my soul and I cherish every one. Sometimes, it is an editor reaching out asking if I'd like to syndicate my story with their publication – these messages remind me that I am, indeed, making it as a professional writer. But, this week, I had a new kind of message which made me feel like my writing could truly make an greater impact than I ever imagined...


Also, I am pleased to announce that At Death's Door, Pixie Forest Publishing's anthology featuring my flash fiction story, "If Only," is now available in paperback and e-book!

#WIPWednesday

I had a brief moment of panic as I looked at the lined notepad I keep on the side table near my laptop. I use it to track my new work each quarter so that I can easily compile my quarterly newsletter every few months. The panic was in realizing I have just a few weeks until the next newsletter will go out and I only had a couple syndications from late December and one new essay, so far.

The moment passed pretty quickly as I reminded myself that'd I'd focused heavily on promoting my book, and that I had no quota to meet for the newsletter. Still, guilt and shame started to creep in over the lack of new writing I've produced lately.

Unfortunately, panic, guilt, and shame are not great motivators to write more. I still didn't write anything new this week.

However, I did submit a couple more pieces to be considered for syndication. They were both accepted and I am happy to have those up on Love What Matters, The Mighty, and Yahoo! Lifestyle, now.

I also had a piece originally self-published on Medium, added to a new publication: Hello, Love.

I also completed my registration and submitted my poem for my local library's Poetry and Art Night in April.

And, I received word that At Death's Door, Pixie Forest Publishing's anthology which includes my short story, "If Only," will be released on the 18th!

#WIPWednesday

So excited to be featured in West Suburban Living magazine's Local Authors spread this month! I grabbed my copy from Barnes & Noble yesterday.


Also, Yorkville Public Library now has tumbling: poetic thoughts from an anxious mind on their shelves!

I didn't get any writing done this week, though I can offer up plenty of excuses: one kid with an ear infection, another with Strep, and my own follow-up appointments. But, I did submit my children's book for consideration with another publisher. And I also also gave my flash fiction piece one final approval before it is published in Pixie Forest Publishing's anthology (and helped my kids with their final paperwork before their pieces our also published in an anthology!).

Hoping for some anthology release dates soon!