With ENDINGS come....

….new BEGINNINGS. I have been so focused on making the latter become reality (= months of house hunting which is FINALLY almost over) that I haven’t spent much time thinking about leaving Wisconsin. Many of you reading this didn’t know me before my return to the Midwest in 2011. In fact, most of you probably met me sometime after 2015. A LOT has happened in the last decade of my life. To use the infamous line (originally penned by Charles Dickens), “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times...”

A few close friends have asked me this weekend how I am feeling about ‘the move.’ The truth is I don’t feel much. But if I have to put words to it ‘relieved’ and ‘ready’ are pretty accurate answers. When I returned to Madison — after yet another short stint living abroad — 13 years ago, my life was a mess (*which also was not a first). I had a terrible marriage to extricate myself from, plus an infant to care for. The initial years which followed are now a blur. I had a mountain of responsibility (and debt) that I needed to figure out how to claw my way up to avoid being buried under it. Those circumstances gradually forced me to get honest about major flaws I have, just as much as strengths I possess. Had I not spent a good chunk of the last decade continually working on (and reassessing) that personal inventory, the amazing career I have would never have been possible. It’s easy to desire the “pay off’; but putting in “the work” daily when the only thing fueling you is HOPE, often is not. I will forever be grateful to everyone who helped keep us safe, fed — and me sane. Although this chapter may be concluding, do know you will ALWAYS be a part of the story…because mine may have ended much sooner if it wasn’t for ALL the sustenance and support you provided when it was greatly needed.

Despite all the rocky patches, this is the path I was meant to tread. I stumbled for long stretches before I began to sprint (which feels MARVELOUS, btw). Writing remains my main passion. But assisting other creators figure out how to manifest their dreams allows me to pass along the personal generosity, plus professional advice, I’ve received in abundance to others. After a pretty stacked teaching schedule this summer, there are only 2 in-person events (atm) I will be onsite for at The Loft Literary Center in the coming months: the Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers Mixer + Final Reading on August 28 and How to Earn a Living as a Writer on October 12.

Until then, I’ll be busy packing, unpacking, furniture shopping and working on another book manuscript — or two. Thankfully, I have Ascent’s new Clean Creatine to help me stay hydrated and energized in the weeks ahead (especially until the near-constant humidity which is likely to linger throughout August subsides).

Although what I do need is a few audiobook recommendations. The kiddo and I will be in the car quite a bit shuttling boxes to our final destination. And we’re currently about halfway through “Their Vicious Games” by Joelle Wellington. Got another spicy, YA mystery or thriller to suggest? DM me on social or simply reply to this message.

Here’s to the next adventure ahead! —Rachel