“Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.”
~ Charles Bukowski
Transparency
You may have noticed I went radio-silent for most of last year.
If you’re reading this, you may be one of those lovely people who’s become invested in the stories I tell. First of all, thank you. I haven’t forgotten about you. In the interest of transparency, let me tell you what’s up.
Starting a couple years ago now, I began having a sense that all was not as it should be in my life. I was stressed, getting burned out with concerning regularity, and the things I used to take pleasure in- including writing- no longer brought me a sense of joy or fulfillment.
When you’re a writer and you stop enjoying writing, that’s a pretty clear sign something has gone horribly wrong.
Unwilling to live with this, I began tinkering with myself on both a spiritual and psychological level, and made some pretty big, pretty scary realizations. These led to some pretty big, pretty scary changes, including getting a full-time job outside my home for the first time since my son was born, and other, more personal things that re-shaped my world, altered my future plans, and (temporarily) knocked me off my stride.
Over the summer, I shelved all my writing projects, both out of necessity and for my own mental health. While my main focus now is on piecing my life back together, I am starting to feel the pull of storytelling again.
There will be ongoing changes to the way I approach my writing. Selling books is no longer my primary source of income, which means it is no longer the primary focus of my time (at least, for now). You’ll still hear from Lena, MacMillian, and the characters you love, but probably less often.
I’m also re-booting my approach to social media. That means winding down some things that just aren’t working for me anymore, keeping my focus on those places where my presence will have the most impact. If you’re subscribed to my newsletter, don’t expect to see much from me unless I have a new book coming out.
Most of what’s going on with me right now is private- the people who need to know the details already do. That said, there are a few ways you can support me if you are so inclined:
* Buy my books. I don’t have the energy to be coy about this. I’m rebuilding my life from the ground up. It’s exciting, it’s scary, it’s tough. Everything helps.
* Leave honest reviews. Aside from helping other readers, I love hearing what you think of my work.
* Tell your friends. Much of an author’s book sales come from word-of-mouth, and I’ll be relying on that now more than ever. Help me get Lena & MacMillian in front of more people who will love them!
The Hero’s Journey
This past year, I’ve felt like the protagonist in some cosmic book, taking the hero’s journey to the underworld and back. I’ve shed parts of myself that didn’t fit anymore. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve grown more, faster, than I ever would have thought possible.
It continues to be a rough trip, but I’ve been gifted with people by my side as I rediscover my path and recover my mojo. I’ve learned a lot: about myself, and what it means to be a good human. About the people who belong in my life (and don’t). About how to be patient and remain kind even when the world isn’t.
And I’ve realized: times like these are how we develop our own stories. The important ones. The ones we’re put here to tell. There are things you learn in the underworld that you can’t learn anywhere else, wisdom you can only access once the rest of your life has been burned away.
The world needs stories like that.
If you want to reach out, you can find me on Facebook and Instagram, rebuilding my life and telling my stories. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks in advance for your support.
I’ll see you in San Francisco.
L.J.K. OLIVA 