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How is the time change treating you? For those who don’t “celebrate” Daylight Saving (and let’s be real, no one celebrates it—ugh), enjoy full cognitive function instead of being a zombie! Kitsune (2) woke up at 4:45am yesterday morning and thus, I was up at 4:45am. Luckily, she got a nap after I took her in for an early second dose of her MMR vaccine. (I, however, did not get a nap because that’s the only time I can get work done.)
Incidentally, the measles outbreak is in at least 12 states now. If you have a child under 4, you can get the second dose of the MMR vaccine as early as 28 days after the first dose. The first dose is usually scheduled between 12 to 15 months and the second dose between 4 to 6 years old. But given the severity of the outbreak, some pediatricians are advising getting the second dose early. If you are born after 1957 and got a measles vaccination before 1968, doctors are also recommending you get a booster shot.
Anyhow, that’s my PSA of the week.
As with last week, you will find the following in today’s newsletter (feel free to skip to those parts):
- Personal note
- What brought me joy this week!
- What challenged me
- What else?
- Support and love our community
- Tell me more
Personal note
I started reading “Onyx Storm” and though I find the start really boring, it’s less so now that I’m 35% through. No spoilers, please! At this point, it’s mostly a hate read for me because I truly am reading only to find out what happened. I loved the first book (it was, after all, a rehash of every major YA and romantasy plot of the last 25 years), but the second book was mind numbingly boring and I’m only here because I need to know what happens.
I don’t know if this means we can’t be friends or if it means we’re meant to be, but anyhow, that’s the opinion no one asked me for but I’m giving anyway. I STAND BY IT!
What brought me joy
I spent Saturday unmedicated and it was not terrible. I took it easy and was very sleepy, but ultimately, it was fine. Sunday, I spent all of it on tax preparation for my CPA’s deadline of Monday and took only a half dose, but it was enough! And because I’ve been inconsistent these past few days, I totally forgot to take my second dose yesterday.
Why is this in joy? Because I did not turn into a monster. I count that as a win—especially when I remember that I spent 46.5 years of my life unmedicated and was mostly fine. I’m just super happy there were no major mood swings. Those are exhausting and also scary!
What challenged me
Well, other than the aforementioned tax preparation, the process also made me look at my business expenses and sales. Friends, it was not pretty. Self-publishing my books has cost a significant amount, and while I did sell a decent number, I’m nowhere close to breaking even.
I knew it would be the case—after all, I have a general idea of my expenses. But still, it was hard not to feel like a failure. I wish that the business of writing and publishing was more about the actual art rather than the sales, but sales are definitely something I have to consider and do more of. I really do wish I could just spend all day writing about sexy, imaginary people and not worry about the costs, but alas, I have five tiny humans I’m also responsible for.
I suppose I don’t have to publish books or pay people fair amounts for their labor, but that also doesn’t sit right with me. I like seeing my books out there in the real world. I think my stories deserve to be told and read. I think other artists and editors also deserve to be paid fairly. I wish I could be one of those viral success stories and make a boatload of money, but mostly, I just want capitalism to be unlinked from art.
Throw in all my side quests of podcasting, freelance writing, and my terrible habit of BTS stanning, it’s dispiriting to be confronted with the fact that I like making things—I don’t like selling things. But sometimes, selling things is what enables me to keep making things. (If you like novels full of angst, messy people, people recovering from trauma, found families, sexy times, and K-pop, buy my books, “Illusive” and “Weightless.”)
What else
Speaking of side quests, our latest Brazn Azn episode talks about navigating spirituality after leaving the church. I’m starting to slowly upload our previous episodes on my YouTube channel, so if you want to support us and help me make some money without buying anything, start listening to us there! You can also follow us on Instagram!
Also, I have a new BTS reaction video up on YouTube, so if that’s how you first met me, YAY! I also have a state of the channel video up where I talk about who I am, how I started the channel, and where I see it heading. (Hint: Brazn Azn podcasts and MAYBE audio previews of my books.)
Oh goodness, with all this talk about taxes and stuff, I almost forgot—pre-sales are up for my new cozy fantasy novella! (I’m also trying out a very low price that I’m a little uncomfortable with, but I guess that’s the trend for novellas and e-books.) The print version of “Love As Soft As a Distant Star” doesn’t allow pre-sales, but don’t worry. I will remind you when it comes out!
Here are some of the tropes that are in the book, if you’re into that sort of thing:
- Arranged marriage
- Forced proximity
- Unrequited love
- Cozy magic/fantasy
- Friends to lovers
- The misunderstanding
- Happy ending
The happy ending is of the story—but it has the other kind, too. (OH AAAAAYYY!!)
Also, check out this gorgeous cover from the incomparable Joyce Park!
If you’re interested in reading an Advanced Reader Copy, please fill out this interest form! Honest reviews on Goodreads or Amazon are one of the biggest ways you can help authors—especially independent ones! When you’re lesser known, reviews are one major way potential book buyers use to decide whether or not to buy our books. So it might not seem like a big deal, but it really is!
Support and love our community
Last year, I shared about my friend whose mother had eye surgery to save her sight. Thank you to everyone who’s donated to her GoFundMe over the last few months. I’m once again, asking folks, if they’re able, to consider helping.
What I didn’t mention is that her brother is disabled after a terrible car accident last summer, and they’re experiencing a lot of financial burden still between medical bills and other financial obligations. My friend is a WOC, has been the sole caretaker to her aging parents, their health issues, her brother and his health issues, and the stress—especially the finances—are causing health problems for her, too!
I know it’s a rough time for many folks and there are so many people in need, however, if you are able to provide financial assistance of any amount, I, my friend, and her family, would appreciate it so very much.
No gift is too small, and if I can ever return the favor for you or your loved ones, please let me know. In this tumultuous time, we only have each other.
Tell me more
Alright, I’m finally done for the week. I know that was a lot going on, and I appreciate you listening and making space for me. Please, allow me to do the same for you. Reply to the email and let me know whatever is on your mind.
May you have a week full of chaotic joy!
