This is the impact of not only drastic life changes but my own battle with mental health issues. I've been largely silent over the years with my struggles with depression, except for the odd essay. No more.
I've experienced what happens when we try to hide, when we think we can overcome these things by ourselves, when we refuse to admit that we are sick and have limitations. I've also seen what happens when people embrace who they are, without shame, and reach out. A number of people have reached out to me this past year, some because they wanted to help me, and others because they needed help. And in both instances, the results were stirring. I will continue to advocate for my tribe, and that will be one of a few changes coming to this site.
As well, I'm hoping to have a cleaner, more professional looking site very soon. I do as well as I can when it comes to web design, but I'm no expert, and quite frankly, graphic design isn't one of my strengths. But even if you aren't interested in my books, every reader who comes here deserves a good experience. My goal over the next six months is to improve that experience for you.
THE WRITING
I've written a thousand words a day for almost twenty five years... until last year. And I am still only starting to get my groove back. (Thank you, Angela Bassett) Creative writing -- hell, any writing -- is extremely exhausting, both mentally and emotionally, and this past year I just didn't have the energy.
With the arrival of the new year, however, I have started writing again. WINTER, the third book in my series, is nearly complete. I've also started a new novel, AFRAID OF THE DEAD, which will kick off a new detective series. It's always fun to stretch yourself as an artist, and AOTD is a new challenge for me. I'm looking forward to finishing the first draft.
OTHER CHANGES
I'm so grateful for the help I've received over the years, and the encouragement from my readers from my first two novels. With your permission, I'd like to connect with you more this year, My goal is to not only build my audience, but give you, the reader, more insight into what I'm doing and hopefully, receive more feedback from you.
One of the advantages of the digital revolution is that an author can now connect more easily with their reader. And this year, I look forward to getting to know you all as well as I can, and creating a community that talks not just about books, but life as well.
We're all in this together, and I hope you'll all take the journey with me.
-Steve
NOTE: You can sign up for my mailing list on the link at the top right hand side of my web page. Or shoot me an email or connect with me on Facebook (My BIO/ contact page). I'd love to hear from you.
