November Update

So, October wasn’t exactly a clusterfuck, but it was a stress parade. First, I’ve mentioned that Sam had surgery on September 30th, so the first two weeks in October were divided between focusing on Sam and my work. Everything I usually do for me kind of slid between the cracks, including some of the things I do for my health. That’s not a good thing, with MCAS, but I only had a certain amount of spoons, I was running behind on my work, and I had to do some of the things Sam usually does in addition to what I do.

For those of you who have asked, Sam had a baclofen pump implanted, to help the spasticity of his condition and to help with the pain. Then comes the period of adjusting the dosage (a continuous dose of medication goes directly into his spine), and for him it’s meant taking it down by quite a bit. Also, learning to work out in a different way–twisting isn’t that great for him–and of course, the incisions healing up. And then…a week after surgery we were notified that his surgeon tested positive for Covid the day AFTER his surgery, so we had a scary week of him testing and me avoiding being near him very much due to my immune issues, and him still healing up from surgery. Thank gods we avoided that curve ball.

So, it was rough. Some of my usual Patreon posts went by the wayside, I was using a bit more Benadryl than usual because I was having more reactions again–luckily, none too severe. But, things are mostly balancing out and I’m getting back on track.

One good thing is that the writing is going well. I’m still a little behind, but it’s not because I’m slowed down…the book is fun and I’m having a blast with it, and I should be caught up in a few days. I’m SO hoping you enjoy the new urban fantasy–it just feels right! To be honest, I’m just hoping some of my readers who dropped away when I started writing the Starlight Hollow and Winter’s Spell books will return, now that I’m writing urban fantasy again. To be honest, I was reaching for a wider audience, but I realized that some spaces–pure paranormal romance and romantasy–aren’t my space, and while going out of my comfort zone is sometimes the thing to do, this time, it wasn’t. I love romance in my books, but I love the action and magic and contemporary setting a little bit more…so back to UF with romantic elements for me.

I’ve decided for Thanksgiving, we won’t be hosting again this year. I love our friends, but they go out and about far more than I’m comfortable with, and so I’m adjusting my expectations on the holiday. This coming week, we decorate for Yule, as is my usual practice, and I’m looking forward to the sparkles. I’m also thrilled about the fact that DST is ending tonight. I really, really hate it and my body never feels normal during DST. So ‘falling back’ to regular time? A joy for me.

Anyway, there’s my update. Here’s hoping November is kind for us all!