The Importance of Writing…

First, a disclaimer: This blog post might be a tad disjointed.

Being a part of the EMU’s Debuts website is, usually, a fairly non-hassle sort of thing. An occasional post on a topic dealing with the whole ‘debut’ concept, helping to promote other posts by other debut authors. But every once in a while life gets in the way of everything. This past week has been one of those times.

I’d had a pretty terrible cough for quite a while and, like too many men, I pretty much ignored it the best I could. It was just a cough. It was just annoying. I was very wrong.

For the past few months it had gotten worse and it had started impacting other areas of my life. Mainly it had started to affect my writing. There were too many days where I just could not find the energy or desire or motivation or inspiration to write due not feeling well.

I’d finished TWO different manuscripts in the time between HENRY FRANKS going out on submission and finding out that the book had sold. Two. I’d spent months revising and editing them both but neither one was ready yet to go out on submission itself. They still needed more editing and I just couldn’t find the ability to do any of it. Both manuscripts just sat there, listening to me cough.

Until last Monday, after three miserable days, I finally went to the doctor. The doctor sent me to the hospital. The hospital admitted me.

Believe me when I say that none of that happens if it’s ‘just a cough.’

Thirty-six hours later I was out of the hospital. One day later I was back to editing.

And immensely relieved to be writing again. Do I still have a long way to go, both health-wise and editing-wise? Yes. But I’m feeling better than I have in a very long time and the editing/re-writing has begun.

Being healthy enough to write means everything to me and is a big milestone in my recovery.

There are still five months and change until my debut novel comes out. I have a teleconference scheduled next week with the publicity team at my publisher to discuss…well, I’m not really sure what all is going to be discussed. But I’m greatly looking forward to it and will keep everyone updated on what happens. In other words: things are happening (and will continue to happen) as the date of release approaches. Between now and then I’m going to have to continue focusing on my health but plan to also continue writing/editing and working towards the release in September.

It’s going to be an amazing ride and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with all of you.