IWSG: A Summer of Depression, Overcoming Demons While Facing New Ones, and Self Publishing Thoughts

It's that time again! Special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating and hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group, a monthly forum for writers to share insecurities without fear of reprisal ...

What I'm about to say goes against the grain of the joy and jubilation this season usually conveys: I'm glad this summer is over. Before I'm dismissed as a warm-weather hater, let me explain. The reason why I haven't been very active on this site or in social media is because the worst bout of depression I've had in years decided to creep in without any plans of checking out. And it got bad. Like really bad. So bad that I've hardly written a thing and played way more video games than is healthy.

Natalie Whipple echoed exactly what I was experiencing this summer, and her post gave me the courage to come forward about it and not hide in a dark corner with a thumb in my mouth, Prince John style.

It's hard to pinpoint all the triggers and I'd rather not revisit them, but I will say that my perception on publishing is going through a paradigm shift (say that five times fast). I love it, but man, it's hard. I never imagined just how hard publishing is after the first book. With our combined efforts, we covered five states in three months. The reception's been wonderful, lots of great reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, and we have international fans asking for more. Thank you!

So, we've been asked, "When's the next book coming out?" We did write Woven as a standalone with series potential for a reason. To be clear, yes, we are writing the next book and we intend to finish it. I can't really say when the next book will release, but it will, in time.

As far as dealing with depression is concerned, what I know for sure is that I need to keep writing. Yes, it helps if writing can pay the bills, but as of now, for me, I have financial needs to meet for my growing family. This is why I've considered taking a shot at self publishing. If I decide to do so, you will see the zombie novel fairly soon. The trick is to stay busy and not allow myself to get distracted. I allowed gaming to be my distraction this summer, for too long. When I overheard my kid's concern, I deleted everything. I've since written three chapters for three new stories, set up a newsletter, and did a load of dishes.

A load of dishes doesn't sound like a big deal, but it really is.

This adventure is far from over. Some challenges have been overcome while new ones have taken their place. As cliche as this may sound, the adventure is just beginning. There will be some changes to the way I blog, and I hope you like the change all through September.

Now for a shameless plug: If you know someone who might enjoy a fun, medieval ghost adventure, please recommend Woven to them. The hardbacks are $12 on Amazon right now. And if you've read it, Amazon could use some more reviews too. And if you would like to keep up with what I'm up to on a more personal level, and be eligible for exclusive news/giveaways, please subscribe to my newsletter.

You guys have my greatest appreciation and thanks for your support this summer. Let's make the best with what we have - each other.

What are some ways that you combat depression? Any tips for self publishing you're willing to share? What books are you reading?

I'm David, and "this is our home, they will not possess it."

California Trip Recap and What I've Been Up To lately

Hey, guys! Didn't mean to go MIA in the blogosphere for so long. This post is a month late, but as they say, better late than never. Part of my delay is that this trip has left me with a heavy case of the feels. Southern California is the region I grew up in. Seeing it again after 10 years was a major throwback. Ready for the slide show? Here we go!

It started with a couple days at Huntington Beach, where I'd spent many summers treading the sea and catching waves. My wife and I decided, not only would we enjoy our 10 year anniversary to the fullest, we would hit as many items in our bucket list as we could. Dining in a restaurant that's on a pier was great way to start.

This was followed by a full day at the beach. Luckily enough, I was reacquainted with a cousin I hadn't seen in forever, and it was to my surprise that her friend was checking out the copy of Woven I gave her. It's official, guys; people are reading Woven on the beach!

And of course, as you would expect, beachy shenanigans ensued. 

This chapter of our trip concluded with a sunset walk along the shore. How could we not? I think we walked a good five miles that evening. It was a literal walk to remember, hand in hand with the woman I love.

Cut to the next day. Did you know some have asked if I created my middle name so it would look cool on a book cover? Nope. "Powers" is my real middle name, and I have this couple to thank for that, buried not far from where we had stayed. Miss you, Poppy and Grammy.

Fun fact: my wife had never been to Disneyland before. Check that item off her bucket list! Just in time for the 60th anniversary of the park, no less. Since I grew up so close to Anaheim, Disneyland was a biannual deal for most of my childhood. I still remember when they had the sky buckets and the little motorboats. Much of the park has stayed the same after all these years, with a few upgrades. One of my bucket items was to finally dine at The Blue Bayou, that restaurant you can see at the start of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Pricey, but undoubtedly gourmet. And the Fantasmic show afterward was amazing. Disneyland should be a more regular thing for us, I say.

 

 Inside The Blue Bayou - as you can see, I got lots of sun that day.

The next night, we were treated to dinner by my former neighbors in the animation industry at Tam O'Shanters. I had never been, though I had no idea how close it was to home or that the building led to the inspiration for the cottage in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Cool! Thanks again for having us, guys! (Photo Credit: Sara Sanford).

  

And now, my home town. Burbank has really chanced over the years. Much of it was remodeled or built anew, but it was a blast to show my wife where I grew up. See that black building in the back? My father used to work there. Now the Cartoon Network logo is on it. Yay!

 

That afternoon was the big homecoming event, a signing in the very Barnes and Noble store where I had decided to start writing. Such a surreal experience, and we had a good turnout. Hadn't sold so many books since the launch in January, and I was told the signed copies I left with the store were gone shortly after I left. Thank you everyone who came to the event. (Photo Credit: Mary-Alexandra Smith).

The trip concluded with a terrific dinner at the Castaway, a special restaurant up the hill which gives you a fantastic view of Burbank valley at night. But I have to be honest here, the brightest light of them all is this beautiful girl right here. My beacon, my light, my love. Thank you for an incredible 10 years together. Happy Anniversary. :)

*     *     *

So, what have I been up to? Why my leave of absence for so long? Much of that will be explained on Wednesday for my IWSG post, but for now I will say I'm actually glad summer is winding to a close. It's been the busiest and weirdest of seasons this year. Now that school has started and I have resumed a 4/10 work schedule, I get an extra day a week to take care of writing business. That's always nice.

Thank you for checking in on me. The plan from here on out is to take the Laire off autopilot and resume regular postings again. Until next time my friends, keep sailing through those clear skies.

What have you been up to this summer? Have a special celebration of your own? If far from where you grew up, planning to go back?

I'm David, and "I'll never stop fighting to make it home."