2022 was a big year for me. So much happened, both in my life and the world, that I can't summarize it all for you. I have gone through personal growth and healing, trying to figure out how to be a human again. It hasn't been easy, and I work on healing every day.
One of my struggles is with chronic pain through my body. My hands and wrists hurt constantly, and every day it impacts my life. I have had to give up many things I used to enjoy. I am disabled and cannot work the office job I used to have. They don't make jobs for people who can't use their hands. All my job skills are computer based, and I am unable to work at a computer full time anymore, so all my job skills are basically unusable. So is the song of many disabled people out in the world.
I have had to find ways to adapt in relation to my reason for existing, writing. Right now it is simply a passion project; I don't make any money with my first book, "Escape", which is already published. I just want to share my stories and characters with people and hope you love them as much as I do. That's my goal: sharing and connection.
When my pain is bad, sometimes I will write pieces of the rough draft on my phone and later input it into my book file. Many times I cannot even do that, but I keep working toward my goal. Since writing the second book in the series has taken so long, the overall story has grown and evolved to at least six books, plus a prequel novella called "Cutoff", which is already available on my website www.aubelbooks.com. It's a lot, and if I don't eventually write it all down I am afraid my brain will explode. Maybe. Possibly.
On to progress on book two of "The Unbowed" series. I am halfway finished with the rough draft - 35,951 words so far. I have the rest of the chapters mapped out and am confident the words will come easily now. Hopefully my hands will cooperate. They hurt all day, every day, but if I can write for just a few minutes it makes my day better. If I can do anything pertaining to my passion, that is what makes my heart sing.
I am going to use this page as a frequent blog. One of my current goals is to be more open about my life with everyone, and sharing things here is easier for me than other social media. I can properly figure out what I want to say without stuttering over every word.
I will keep you updated on my weekly progress, even if there isn't anything to report.
Be patient with yourself. I am trying to do that with myself too.