So. Some of you already know, but for those who don't, you may have noticed my lack of Twitter presence and writing time. I'm usually very upfront about everything and I've been feeling like I should just come out and explain what's been going on.
First off, I left my job of eight years due to the fact that business was extremely, extremely slow. I've been struggling financially for quite a while now and it was a really tough decision to part ways with my hair career. I'm not just leaving behind a career that I've worked hard for, but I'm also leaving behind a family of people that have made a huge impact on my life. Even though I've been struggling with my loyalty to hair for a while, it was the people that kept me going. To walk away and start over has been beyond difficult. Going back to makeup is exciting, but sometimes it takes change a while to actually see the bright side.
That decision alone has really changed me in a way that I've just been kind of sad about it all. But don't get me wrong, I'm very excited to start on this new path to makeup and I'm hoping for some amazing things to come of it.
Now here's the truth about my writing hiatus. About a month ago, I parted ways with my agent. Out of respect to everyone involved, I'm not going to get into the reasons for why I made this move. Although it was amicable it has left me feeling jaded about my career as a writer. Things like this are never easy for anyone involved and sometimes it makes you question pretty much everything about a career in the publishing world.
So when you look at it, I not only went backwards with my hair career, but also with my writing career all at once. I've been in such a slump lately that I find it extremely difficult to get out of this hole I've put myself in. I haven't given up completely and I feel you should know that. As of now, I'm currently querying THE GATEWAY THROUGH WHICH THEY CAME. I still love this story and have hopes that it'll get me where I want to go, but for now I'm left in this strange place where I feel like everything in my life is sort of at a standstill.
I just want to thank everyone for their support as I go through all of this. Everyone that has known from the beginning have been absolutely wonderful and I'm lucky to have them in my life. I hope to be back at it soon and I promise to keep you all updated on my progress. Cheers for now!
That sounds like a huge storm of change -- and having both day career and writing career in limbo must be awful. But it sounds also like you're making the decisions based on what you really want (am I reading too much into that?) -- and that's good. Best of luck with the new directions and on finding a new agent!
ReplyDeleteOh, hon. I have been here. *hugs* I had an agent, and when our relationship ended, I felt like I had been pushed backward down the hill.
ReplyDeleteChange is ALWAYS a rocky road, but the fact that you're brave enough to shake things up and push forward says a LOT. I think when the smoke clears, you're going to be a lot happier with where you end up. <3
You're really brave and great for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteWhen I left grad school, I felt like I had failed...I had no idea what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go. I started writing, and that really helped. I also started talking to someone professionally about my professional frustrations, and I found it *extremely* helpful.
Hang in there.
Stress is a killer to the creative vibes. When things settle I'm sure you'll get your writers mojo back. *hugs*
ReplyDelete@MonicaYAWriting
^I agree with everything callmebecks said. Keep powering through even though set backs aren't much fun to deal with. <3 And I'm always a text away if you need me!
ReplyDeleteYou're awesome, Heather! <3 Glad you're being persistent and I can't wait to see where you and Gateway end up!
ReplyDeleteAw. I'm sorry to hear this, but just know that things are never at a standstill. The universe is always making a new way even when we can't see it. And when you get all the things you've asked for, it will be better than even you imagined.
ReplyDeleteEveryone else has pretty much said it. It sucks that these things are happening, but you still have us, and I know you'll bounce back. That's what writers do, right? We keep going even when it almost seems masochistic. You have the talent and the strength... now all you need is a little bit of time and luck ;)
ReplyDeleteHugs hugs hugs. Been here too. :(
ReplyDeleteWe are hard as nails, chica, and we will prevail. The people around us are also our rocks. :)
<3<3<3
I have total faith in you, Heather--as a writer an a hair stylist. Sometimes it takes a stumble back to take a huge leap forward. I hope the leap is very soon for you. <3
ReplyDelete@David Jón FullerYou're absolutely right. Gotta make tough decisions to move forward.
ReplyDelete@callmebecksThank you so much! It definitely feels like I'm falling backward like a million steps, but I have a feeling things will work out. :)
ReplyDelete@Lauren SBeing able to finally talk about it helps immensely. I was kind of embarrassed, but then I realized that a lot of people go through this and felt it was best to just be honest with everyone. I'm glad I did.
ReplyDelete@MonicaDefinitely. Sometimes it's good to take a breather. :)
ReplyDelete@Farrah PennYou're the sweetest! <3
ReplyDelete@AlexThank you so much!
ReplyDelete@RaeChellThank you! I hope you're right. ;)
ReplyDelete@KelseyThank you, Kelsey! I have faith that everything will fall into place when the time is right.
ReplyDelete@Dawn KurtagichAbsolutely! We have an amazing support system.
ReplyDelete@Valerie ColeThank you so much, V! <33
ReplyDelete*squeezes* You, Lady, are cream. And cream ALWAYS rises to the top.
ReplyDelete{{{{{HUGS}}}}} Those are two very hard changes in a short period of time. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteWe live so close! I want to give you a REAL hug! And buy you some coffee. And booze.
ReplyDelete*hugs* You're going to succeed b/c you're awesome and you don't give up <3
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of changes, but at least you still have a beautiful array of creative outlets. You have new gorgeous words to play with, and get to spend your working hours making people more beautiful. There's a lot of positive to focus on, too. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI know you've had a lot of changes lately, & that can really affect a person. I went through that when I was in my twenties, also. I'm sure you had a good reason for parting with your agent, & it should work out for the best. I know it has for other authors. Maybe taking a little break from writing will make it even better. Sometimes it does!
ReplyDeleteHeather, just seeing this after being out of town last week. I'm sending you virtual hugs and positive vibes and I know you're going to do awesome things, in your work life and writing career. I just know it ;)
ReplyDelete