A Sickly Update

Before continuing, please read the poem below.

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Hello, everyone!

Oh, how I've missed writing. Thanks to a short vacation and sickness (more the sickness than the vacation), all writing came a screeching halt. But, I am on the mend, though still struggling with an obstinate cough, and able to resume most of my regular activities.

During my time away, I couldn't help but recall a time when my lack of writing would have made me downcast. I felt I could only consider myself a writer when I was in fact writing, or brainstorming, editing, so on so forth. It wasn't I came across a video I started to think otherwise; writing also involves taking a break. In fact, it is encouraged so you don't run the risk of completely draining yourself of your creativity and passion. Plus, there are unforeseen occurrences such as sickness or tragedy where you should focus on other things. It is from that lesson the poem linked above was born.

Besides taking care of myself, I have been bettering myself in two ways. Through an app called Elevate, I've trying to improve my memory, writing, speaking, reading, and math skills. Hopefully, I will see not only my writing further developed, but certain aspects of my daily life enhanced.

Besides Elevate, I've been journaling, something I've struggled with in the past. Instead of pressuring myself to write everyday, I've decided to write when the mood strikes, be it a nagging thought I need to get out somehow or when I want to give voice to something more jovial. I only hope with this less rigid schedule, my journal becomes more a friend than a chore I have to check off.

So, what are my plans for the rest of the year? (Can you believe it is near the end of June?) I will still write on Vocal and toss my hat into the ring during some challenges, official and unofficial. Off Vocal, I'll be working on planning more of Ophelia (it keeps getting bigger and bigger) and gradually adding to another project. That's right, another one, and that is all I will say on the matter. It is still in its infancy and I do not want to spoil anything.

Speaking of challenges and projects, I want to give a shoutout to a few people.

Unofficial Challenges:

Belle: Be sure to look at this article often since it is where all her challenges are linked. There are two going on right now.

Randy Baker: His Writer's Challenges are in fact challenging, which calls for each of us to kick it up a notch. Here is a link to the most recent, Prompted #5. By the way, you have a bit over 24 hours.

Projects:

*Though I haven't read any of these, don't worry they are all in my TBR, I still want to bring attention to these books because publishing one is a big deal in itself.

Bri Craig's all the brooding flowers: Bri's article takes us through her creative process, making me eager to read it. In fact, I might have to get myself a papercopy so I can appreciate this cover fully.

Kayleigh Fraser's Feelings of Unreality: Kayleigh's openness about her struggles with addiction and mental health only speaks to her bravery. The article speaking of its release is just as baring and I would encourage you to read it before opening up her book.

Ashley Lima's evergreen: You've heard of a mid-life crisis, but now in this day in age, some of us fall victim to the quarter-life crisis. It only serves as a reminder that a crisis is not restricted to age. Here is her article that will never go out of style as a Top Story.

If you happen to know of other challenges and projects, or have one yourself, please share them in the comments.

Now I bid you all adieu so I may rest.