What a year it's been for you, Wendy. I'm so glad you can cut yourself some slack, and that retreat under blankets to read has to be admired. Well done. Here's to us and our novel writing this year. All power to our pens, but only when we have time time and energy. Sending my very best to you and your mum as you navigate another tricky year, supporting her and her cancer.
I found your words so inspiring. I had a similar experience seeing my dad through radiotherapy this year. I am lucky that he is now in remission. But I am so burned out and I totally understand what you mean about being on high alert. You are doing so well to keep writing through all this, however slowly. I sincerely hope you get your break and time for fun and nourishing activities. You have healing to do, too. X
SO much power and empowerment in these words, Wendy, and so wise. Here’s to a 2026 of knowing ourselves, staying focused, not freaking out at the apps and the occasional pet related reel 😘 all wishes to your mum and you x
Wellllll, I posted the other week (and it’s been living rent free in my brain since then) that this is the year I’d like to try to submit proposals to agents. Which feels mortifying / terrifying / imposter syndrome etc etc etc
I had had the exact same feeling of seeing everyone rushing into promo and productivity already - authors announcing new books...all sorts! And I am still waking up after two weeks also with zero writing, not even a diary. I am literally right here with you. I feel less alone xx
It's been such a difficult year for you and your mother and I'm glad you are at least both getting some respite right now.
I felt that after several months of growth I completely blew it on Substack late last year. I somehow thought I'd be able to handle two challenging writing courses at the same time as an ADHD diagnosis; it didn't end well and I'm still not really back in a regular posting routine. I'm not sure how much that bothers me because ultimately I write for the sake of creating and any sincere sharing flows out of that process. But I am slightly frustrated that I'm finding it so challenging to get back into the groove. What I am doing is getting happier, healthier and more grounded, and that's the most important thing.
I haven’t written properly (as in, not journalism or Substack) for weeks, months in fact – and I haven’t had the things on my plate that you have! And it’s fine, I will when I’m ready. I honestly think that releasing ourselves from the idea that ‘real writers’ write every day/most days/five days a week/shrivel up if they don’t write for a few days is one of the kindest things we can do. X
Thank you so much for this, Wendy. I'm really sorry about your mum - what a gruelling year you've both had.
Social media - argh. A double-edged sword in every way. I THINK I would like to do without it altogether, but on the other hand writing is a lonely old business and I've made some really wonderful connections. The trouble is that I slide so quickly into 'compare and despair'. I often resolve to spend a certain amount of time on it every week and ignore it the rest of the time. I'm sure you can guess how well that goes. By the way, I think you are BRILLIANT at it - your Instagram posts are wonderful!
Wishing you a calm and peaceful new year and the confidence to listen to your writerly self when she needs just to be quiet and write (and wishing the same for myself!)
Absolutely hear you on this Wendy and totally agree - less online presence = more in person presence with our writing our friends and family. I am slowly learning to listen to my body too - when it says you need to rest and recover I’m honouring that as much as I can, because life’s too short not to take care of ourselves whilst trudging through all the hard stuff. Sending you love. Xx
"Do you want to be an instagram star or do you want to be a writer of books." Books. I struggle with the noise and visibility of social media but I love to write. So there has been less outward growth for me but like you said, you can't be everything all at once (I am also a working mum so that takes up a lot of my energy!) Wishing your mum a full recovery, Wendy, and I hope you have a great year ahead.
I love the idea of a fallow January. Trouble is, I find it's one of the quieter months for writing - no power drills, lawnmowers or barbecues on the go and fewer building projects.
I would love to sit and tend an undying flame while contemplating my navel and my reflection in a deep and dark hot choc, but my brain screams, 'it's quiet. Go and write something before it's spring!'
What a year it's been for you, Wendy. I'm so glad you can cut yourself some slack, and that retreat under blankets to read has to be admired. Well done. Here's to us and our novel writing this year. All power to our pens, but only when we have time time and energy. Sending my very best to you and your mum as you navigate another tricky year, supporting her and her cancer.
Good luck to you too this year, Sue x
Thanks Wendy, just written the first chapter of a new novel! Feeling good.
I found your words so inspiring. I had a similar experience seeing my dad through radiotherapy this year. I am lucky that he is now in remission. But I am so burned out and I totally understand what you mean about being on high alert. You are doing so well to keep writing through all this, however slowly. I sincerely hope you get your break and time for fun and nourishing activities. You have healing to do, too. X
Thanks Eva. I'm really pleased to hear your dad is doing better x
Well put, and wise. Wishing you a new year which allows you to go at your own pace. All the best to your mum, too.
Thanks Pip
Nodding at all this! Solidarity!
SO much power and empowerment in these words, Wendy, and so wise. Here’s to a 2026 of knowing ourselves, staying focused, not freaking out at the apps and the occasional pet related reel 😘 all wishes to your mum and you x
Thanks Clare. What are your goals for 2026?
Wellllll, I posted the other week (and it’s been living rent free in my brain since then) that this is the year I’d like to try to submit proposals to agents. Which feels mortifying / terrifying / imposter syndrome etc etc etc
I had had the exact same feeling of seeing everyone rushing into promo and productivity already - authors announcing new books...all sorts! And I am still waking up after two weeks also with zero writing, not even a diary. I am literally right here with you. I feel less alone xx
xxxx
The older I get, the less I want to dive back into it all.
me too, me too.
It's been such a difficult year for you and your mother and I'm glad you are at least both getting some respite right now.
I felt that after several months of growth I completely blew it on Substack late last year. I somehow thought I'd be able to handle two challenging writing courses at the same time as an ADHD diagnosis; it didn't end well and I'm still not really back in a regular posting routine. I'm not sure how much that bothers me because ultimately I write for the sake of creating and any sincere sharing flows out of that process. But I am slightly frustrated that I'm finding it so challenging to get back into the groove. What I am doing is getting happier, healthier and more grounded, and that's the most important thing.
I haven’t written properly (as in, not journalism or Substack) for weeks, months in fact – and I haven’t had the things on my plate that you have! And it’s fine, I will when I’m ready. I honestly think that releasing ourselves from the idea that ‘real writers’ write every day/most days/five days a week/shrivel up if they don’t write for a few days is one of the kindest things we can do. X
Thank you so much for this, Wendy. I'm really sorry about your mum - what a gruelling year you've both had.
Social media - argh. A double-edged sword in every way. I THINK I would like to do without it altogether, but on the other hand writing is a lonely old business and I've made some really wonderful connections. The trouble is that I slide so quickly into 'compare and despair'. I often resolve to spend a certain amount of time on it every week and ignore it the rest of the time. I'm sure you can guess how well that goes. By the way, I think you are BRILLIANT at it - your Instagram posts are wonderful!
Wishing you a calm and peaceful new year and the confidence to listen to your writerly self when she needs just to be quiet and write (and wishing the same for myself!)
❤️
Does it help if we hold you in our hearts?
Thankyou for the poignant and powerful reminder to experience first whenever possible.
Absolutely hear you on this Wendy and totally agree - less online presence = more in person presence with our writing our friends and family. I am slowly learning to listen to my body too - when it says you need to rest and recover I’m honouring that as much as I can, because life’s too short not to take care of ourselves whilst trudging through all the hard stuff. Sending you love. Xx
"Do you want to be an instagram star or do you want to be a writer of books." Books. I struggle with the noise and visibility of social media but I love to write. So there has been less outward growth for me but like you said, you can't be everything all at once (I am also a working mum so that takes up a lot of my energy!) Wishing your mum a full recovery, Wendy, and I hope you have a great year ahead.
I love the idea of a fallow January. Trouble is, I find it's one of the quieter months for writing - no power drills, lawnmowers or barbecues on the go and fewer building projects.
I would love to sit and tend an undying flame while contemplating my navel and my reflection in a deep and dark hot choc, but my brain screams, 'it's quiet. Go and write something before it's spring!'