Blocking Out Grief Time on the Calendar

Something I never imagined having to do

Hello!

I'm back with another super short note this week. Most of the fam has been away since Sunday, and I've been spending my free time reading a very suspenseful novel called The Night She Disappeared, by Lisa Jewell, and editing the opening couple chapters of my own book.

Notice I said editing and not rewriting. I'm standing firm on my assertion that the book starts right where it should start. But with the help of my amazing editorial partner, Suzann, I'm working to make that opening as tight as possible. Also important is that the mood is set in the first words of the book, so I've had to think long and hard about what mood I'm trying to set. Some words from my (imaginary) first chapter mood board: secrecy, pressure, danger, isolation, intimacy. Any words that don't support the mood I'm going for go onto the chopping block, beautiful though they may be. I'm really excited about this version. Nothing about what happens in the story is affected by these changes - I'm only making the writing more beautiful, resonant, and intriguing.

Or that's the hope, anyway.

Also, word to the wise - it's never a good idea to read a book while you're also editing a book. I've spent more time rewriting this perfectly good novel in my head than I have actually reading the story - which is suspenseful and intriguing, and I can't wait to find out what happens, if only I could turn my editing brain off.

Okay, down to business. I have been telling you for a few weeks about the article I was working on for MamaMia. It came out last weekend, and I'd love you to read it. I'm going to tell you, though, it's freaking sad. If you're a member of my family that was around when my close loved ones died, you might want to grab a tissue. If you've lost someone close to you, especially after you became a parent, you might want to grab a tissue. If you're a sensitive soul like me, you might want to grab a tissue. Response to this piece on social media has been pretty overwhelming, and the very first comment was, "this is so true (and will make you cry if you read it)." I spent a lot of time crying as I wrote it, so I guess we're even?

Alright, you've been warned. Here you go: How we grieve changes after children​

And with that, I'm off to make the most out of a long morning of writing.

I'll catch you next time,

P.S. Another crazy week coming up, and smack in the middle of it is tattoo day. I'm not excited at all.

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