Wow! Did I just lose a year?

It's hard to believe it's been as long as it has since I've updated this blog. I guess I did the "normal" manic thing and tried to do too many things at once. It's especially difficult when you write in multiple genres and can't afford staff to take care of things. Then of course, there was the pandemic!

I've been sequestered over the pandemic. I was lucky to continue working through most of it, although dealing with sciatic pain for eight months about did me in. Thankfully, there is light at the end of the tunnel as removal of quarantine restrictions, vaccines and surgery have begun to change the face of my life for the better.

The toll of this last year has left me numb. Early in the pandemic, I lost a dear friend not to the virus, but to the isolation caused by the fear associated with it. That is one area that has yet to be investigated, the loss of life due to mental health issues exacerbated by the isolation. Since then, I have known many more to die from the disease itself. I feel hopeful as we get into year two that things will begin to normalize.

The other day I completely lost track of the fact an entire year disappeared from my life. I barely recognized the loss. I have been practically unable to write except in light hearted blogging on a personal level. The grand ideas I had concerning the remainder of my Tempest Trilogy bogged down and stopped up. I am again attempting to put pen to paper (or hit the old keyboard), but it is slow coming. Once again, I feel lost in my own story. This happened with Amrit, but eventually a break did come and I was able to complete it.

The pandemic has also changed the writing world. If print wasn't dying before, the lack of public gatherings and conferences has all but destroyed what was left. Agents are slammed with a plethora of material, making it all but impossible to even get someone to read new stuff. I had long hesitated on self-publishing, but see it now as the possible way of the future. I am my biggest fan, and if anyone has enough passion to get me noticed, it would be me. Even if I did get the notice of an agent, or indie press, I would still be required to do most of my own marketing. I love marketing and even enjoy the design aspect of book covers and book trailers. The added benefit being, I can do it my way, so that my books are me all the way through.

I hope to post the Amrit book trailer, once I get all needed releases, hopefully here! I really could use some encouragement! leave a comment or send me a message and let me know how you are handling this new world! #amrit #tchristofer #drkana