Since I’ve had my baby (almost a year ago–wow), I haven’t had the time, energy, or mental focus to tackle writing a new novel. Hell, I’ve been struggling to read novels lately; I fall asleep after 5 pages.
Anyway, I have been able to write some short stories. One that’s especially near and dear to my heart received an honorable mention in the Gemini Magazine short story contest and was just published online. You can read it here.
This particular story is more nonfiction than fiction. My husband and I had quite the journey to having our daughter, and this story was written while I was pregnant with her, terrified of another loss. For all those out there who have lost a baby (or several babies), I understand your pain and I am so sorry you have to go through it. It’s something I’m still not “over,” even though my daughter is here. Grief is a lingering force to be reckoned with, for sure. Grief is a big part of Cherry Blossoms, and it’s a big part of the novel coming after Cherry Blossoms (details soon, I promise). This is why I don’t think fiction is ever completely fiction. The feelings and themes often run true to the author’s life (for me, at least).