This week I’m the spotlight author at Divine Magazine, “an online magazine and a social networking website, tailored specifically for the LGBTQ community and anyone who supports the rights of its members.”
Stop by and check out my interview where I share a bit about my writing process, one of my favorite places, my cats, the first M/M Romance I read, and more.
My cat watching his favorite bird video on YouTube.
Sharing this today for all my fellow writers out there, or for anyone who’s having a bad day.
Writing for publication is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but it does come with a few crappy days here and there. This business can really be tough at times. Choosing to put your work out into the world and share the results of your creativity and passion with others is hard enough. Add in all the criticism, the submission (and rejection) process, the unending business decisions that always seem to greatly affect your career, the pressure to produce more and more, the need to make every book better than the last, the struggles of everyday life (family obligations and responsibilities, depression, grief, the seemingly unending horrible news in the world)… it can all be very draining on the creative process.
The list below includes some of the songs I listen to on those bad days. I love them for their lyrics, their message, or even just the beat that doesn’t let a bad mood linger. These songs make me smile and remind me to focus on what I love about writing and not what others have to say about the result. They also remind me that no matter what, I just need to keep on singing my song and always write for myself first and foremost. That is the only way I know to continue telling the stories I want to share with others.
So if you’re feeling those pressures building, hang in there. You’re not alone in how you feel. We all have those days at one time or another, and sometimes they seem to snowball into more than a single day. Just focus on why you love to write and keep on singing your song.
Don’t give up! Keep on singing your song and living your dream.
This beautiful video is a short film that was created in support of Australian Marriage Equality. It brought tears to my eyes when I first saw it. My hon and I were married this past summer, and this video says it all. My hope is that one day very soon everyone in the world who has found this kind of love will be free to marry, will be free to love peacefully and openly without fear of hatred or violence or discrimination.
If you can’t see the embedded video above, you can view it on YouTube.
Following the wonderful Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex marriage across the United States, my partner and I were legally married in our home state. It was a long-awaited, lovely day, and I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of you out there who get what it truly means. Your support and understanding mean more than I can say.
Because it’s not just about being able to state that “We’re married.” It’s about survivor benefits, next-of-kin status, legal status to your spouse’s children, access to medical coverage and disability, ability to take family leave to care for an ill spouse, inheriting your spouse’s estate, and the list goes on and on and on. Over 1100 rights and privileges granted to married couples in the US.
No more living in fear because you are merely roommates with the love of your life. Now that person is legally “your person.” No one can deny you access and information. You can be with your sick partner (or even claim their body if they’ve passed). You can make decisions as their spouse. You can more easily share finances and health coverage. You can be a family in the eyes of the government.
Thank you to all of the supporters of LGBT rights, to the Supreme Court justices who voted in our favor, and to Jim Obergefell, my fellow Ohioan. You fought for all of us and changed our lives. Thank you!