Love Letters, In Progress

I’m sorry I’ve been a bit quiet. I’ve been busy, with various things, including my ongoing creative project!

As I said, I’m writing “love letters” addressed to all sorts of people who’ve shaped my life in some way. The letters tackle everything from former romantic partners to writers and artists who have inspired my creative journey.

I’m really enjoying the reflective nature of it. I’m trying to keep it as positive as possible, while still maintaining a level of honesty. There’s definitely a lot of gratitude packed into its scant 30-40 pages thus far.

That’s where most of my gratitude energy has been going these past several days. I’ve also submitted nine of the pieces for individual publication by literary magazines. I’ll keep writing, keep polishing, and see how they fare on the market.

My end goal is to self-publish the collection of letters once it’s at least roughly novella-length. I’m setting it as my project for April’s Camp NaNoWriMo, even if I’ve already started. I’d rather keep writing while I’m inspired, instead of waiting for the opening day of Camp.

So… enjoy the tentative title and cover image I’m working with for the NaNoWriMo site!

I’m also still plugging away at household tasks. I got quite a lot accomplished the day before yesterday, on my day off. Today, I woke up super early, from a rather disturbing nightmare (which may eventually become fictive grist), and couldn’t get back to sleep. I did, however, stock up on groceries, with an eye on the weather forecast and incoming snow tomorrow. Yay for groceries!

In a lovely bit of synchronicity, a very foxy Instagrammer I follow posted a reel today of him looking like the gothy/metal bad boy he is, getting groceries. I happened upon it literally just as I got back from the store.

Also really loving the latest season of The Mandalorian thus far. Pedro Pascal recorded a reel of some very precious Mando-themed dad jokes, if you can find them. Highly recommend.

I’ll try to keep y’all updated on my progress as I go, and just generally report in. Right now, I’m at 9,762 words. It’s a humble beginning, but everything starts somewhere.

Are there any fellow writers out there planning on participating in Camp National Novel Writing Month? Please chime in, if so. I’d love to have more writing buddies.

I’m finding my mind wandering to the commercial for the Open Hearts jewelry line designed/promoted by Jane Seymour. I think she said, “If you leave your heart open, love will always find a way in.” Something along those lines, anyway.

I hope this creative journey proves a healing one, opening doors to the love that’s already all around me. May I learn greater empathy and kindness along the way, toward both myself and others, and learn from past mistakes with gentle self-care.

Much love to you and yours!