I think I’m finally gonna do it.

Back in the goals email, I mentioned I may try to publish a chapbook. Well, I’ve actually been trying to do it this time!
*Petting my own head for being a good girl*

”The NYC/CUNY Chapbook Festival celebrates the chapbook as a work of art, and as a medium for alternative and emerging writersand publishers.”

I decided to take another route to match my point in life.

So, as I’ve mentioned many times before, I’m writing a novel and two different novellas. In 2017, I left teaching because of my husband’s first PCS (military move). 😢 Suddenly, I had all the time to work on those story ideas I wrote down in college (and to go a little crazy). I joined writing communities for writer support and started my blog to support other writers. I was on such a roll, let me tell ya! I was doin’ it! On pointe! 🤓

Two chapters from finishing one novella draft, halfway through my novel draft, and a full outline for my second novella later, I found out I was pregnant. 😓 I lost all focus and motivation those nine months! 😭

After I had my greatest gift, I was inspired to write again. I tried to return to those drafts and outlines as I lay with my little one sleep on my chest; it just wasn’t happening. I needed to write; I was so ready to get serious about my writing in the new year. But, I just couldn’t write. Not like writer’s block, I had plenty

I didn’t want to write prose about romance, I want to write poetry about my new self—especially as a mother. Passionate, emotional, and short—my weakest writing form is now my saving grace. I’ideas. And, it hit me:

at a new point in my life; I’m reidentifying myself again.

So, here I am, writing a chapbook about a chronic, mental struggle many can understand.

The words started flowing, and I looked into how I could put them out in the world. That’s when I found out about chapbooks. Historically, it’s “a small pamphlet containing tales, ballads, or tracts, sold by peddlers” in old Europe. Nowadays, it's “a small paperback booklet, typically containing poems or fiction”. Asically, it’s my stepping stone as a novice author.a reality. I’ve had to work to find micro presses and figure out how I can make an an engaging book that isn't cheap! I can afford to make a reality. Publication💲

It’s been nerve-wrecking and exciting all at once. 🤪

All in One Place ☺️

I tend to be organized and prefer to keep journals for my hobbies. Naturally, on this journal, I’ve been using my poetry journal a lot. Check It out!

It’s a Good Start

I’ve talked about magazines before, and how they can be the start we need as writers. Though not as widely read as they used to be, the ones that are have a pretty consistent fan base—good news for us. Not to mention, some magazine publishers offer print book publishing, too—like the one to which I’m submitting.

🤷🏽‍♀️ It’s worth a shot.

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