In which my head is up my a*se

Brain full. Send help.

I’ve been trying to figure out for days what to write about for this week’s newsletter, and for every week for the next extremely busy while. Ideas have never really been a problem for me - as the great Nora Ephron always said, everything is copy and I’ve always prided myself on my ability to think of something, anything to type about. But guys, I feel bone dry lately. And when I tweeted the above I realised, that’s what you write about. Although it’ll be short because, the dryness. Oh, and I deleted the tweet for fear of judgement and/or the appearance of moaning.

Creating my debut novel has been a literal dream come true. Other people reading the advance copies has been MAD. Receiving praise and support from my own writing heroes has been unbelievable. I loved every part of the journey, from the writing itself to the edits to the artwork to the publicity planning. But now as release creeps ever closer, as impatient as I am for REALITY CHECK to be out in the world I’m also feeling a bit discombobulated. All of my energies want to be focused there, so it’s like my brainpower has dried up. I’m well able to conduct interviews and write my podcasts column, but coming up with original ideas? Nope. Writing about myself? Factory closed for refurbishment.

Nobody ever really talks about this limbo period before a book comes out (or I imagine, a movie, play, record or any creative pursuit) because anyone who gets to do this realises how goddamn lucky they are. And I am not for one second complaining!!! I am simply asking you guys to bear with me, I guess. To cut me a little artistic slack at this mental and brilliant time. Because being the lick and over-achiever that I am, I feel like I’m dropping the ball when I don’t do everything I’ve tasked myself with.

The very clever author and scribe

Louise O’Neill

warned me that publication is a marathon, not a sprint so I shall heed that advice. I also have my beautiful sister-in-law’s Scottish wedding in a few short weeks, at which I am a proud bridesmaid. So please forgive me if I’m somewhat absent or my head is up my arse. I don’t for one second think anyone is waiting for their dose of Vickipedia with bated breath, but I just want to be transparent as this newsletter has always been about keeping myself accountable and creative.

I love yiz! No doubt I’ll be back and raring to go very soon. Maybe my brain will relax and moisten up (ew) sooner than expected.

How fab are my new logos and banners btw? My gorgeous friend (and former STELLAR art director) Katie Gilligan designed them for me. She’s available for freelance work - if you need any graphics created, she’s your woman. You can email me for deets (just reply to this). Is this an #ad for her?! Who knows, she’s just my very talented great pal that I want to spread the word about. Xoxo