Greetings from Northwest Arkansas! Just a quick update to let you know I’m still here. I experienced a setback with my physical therapy after carpal tunnel release surgery. The therapist was too zealous in his prescription of exercises. They did more harm than good. I’ve connected with a different therapist who has made a course correction and I’m improving. FINALLY!

A WRITER WRITING

Writing is coming along. I wrote a poem that showed promise, but during revision I realized there was a disconnect. It is now two poems with slightly different themes. I’m still revising and hope to have them ready for critique soon.

At the beginning of the year, I did a cleaning of my in-progress folder. A few poems reignited my enthusiasm and I’ve tinkered with them until I’m confident they are ready for submission. This led me to start researching literary magazines and websites. One particular poem nudged me to submit to a magazine that has accepted my work in the past. So, I have once again entered the sphere of poetry submission for publication.

I also uncovered notes and outlines for a novel and some short stories that I had been developing before my last major depression episode. They are percolating in my brain, but I’m having trouble committing to fiction. I’ll get there. Recovery is a process.

Honing My Craft

The urge to take a writing class has emerged, so when I received notification about a Muse poetry class scheduled to begin in February, and taught by one of my favorite teachers, I went to enroll. Unfortunately, all seats were filled. There is a fiction workshop with seats remaining that I’m considering. I’ll make a final decision about that in a few days.

In Closing

That’s all for now. I’m hoping as I continue to improve emotionally and physically, I’ll be more productive. For now, I’m pleased with the improvement.

Until next time, stay curious. ​

Melissa

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