Author Life Update: Short Stories, Sweet Rituals, and Savouring the Moment

Well, here we are again. Another week has passed (how is that even possible?) and I’m back with a fresh mix of writing and life updates. So, let’s get started.

Character Crossroads

As mentioned in my previous blog, I’m currently working on a series of short stories exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. For some reason, I thought this would be a fun way to showcase the main characters from my series (as you can see, my idea of “fun” involves a lot of work. Yes, I know I need a hobby.)

Now, there are a few things you should know about short stories. First: short stories are not “practice novels.” Too many aspiring novelists are told they should cut their teeth on short stories before diving into novel-writing. Not only does this advice discourage people from delving into longer, more complex narratives, but it demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of both types of storytelling.

Here are a couple of key differences:

Length: short stories are generally capped at 10,000 words, whereas novels begin at 40,000. The format you choose depends on what kind of story you’re aiming to tell, the number of characters involved, and the size of your world’s setting.

Story structure: because they’re, well, short, short stories usually begin in the middle of the action—your main character wakes up in the hospital after a serious crash, or they discover their roommate dead on the living room floor, for instance. Compare this with a novel, where there is a drawn-out introduction to the characters, setting, and maybe a little background info before the inciting incident kicks off.

When I set out to write my Character Crossroads series, I wasn’t aiming to tell brand-new stories—I was simply giving readers a glimpse of what might have happened if I’d approached my novels a little differently. And so far, it’s been a lotta fun.

Diving Into A New Project

Seeing as I just released Places Untamed, I’ve been reluctant to jump into another novel-length project so soon. HOWEVER, there’s something about Skye and Hayley that makes me want to strap on a parachute and dive into a totally brand-new world.

I’ve started and abandoned numerous creative projects lately. Compare this to my writing habits from a few years ago, when I would juggle multiple novels AND post diligently across a range of social media platforms. Have you ever seen that GIF of the hamster running on the wheel, but he runs a little too fast and gets flung out like a tiny, furry cannonball? That was me, spinning myself into a state of burnout. A small, frantic creature going nowhere fast.

So, I might leap into Skye’s story… or float gently down like a leaf on a cool autumn breeze. No rush. No pressure. Just vibes.

Up, Up, and Away

Speaking of flying, France is officially eleven days away (ten once this post goes live). This means I will be spending a good chunk of next week tying up any loose ends while also starting a brand-new job (don’t worry, I informed them of my travel plans before I accepted the position).

I’m stressed. I don’t like to admit it, but it’s true: there’s still so much to do, and I’m worried that I’ve overlooked something important.

I’ve talked a lot about burnout in the past, but not so much about stress. You guys know I’m not one for talking about my health online, but I think it’s important to be aware of the myriad ways stress can sneak up on a person.

This month, I’ve experienced: headaches, nausea, palpitations, trouble sleeping, fatigue, increased caffeine intake, increased sugar intake, and the odd crying spell. (Before you ask... I'm not pregnant.)

This month, I’ve also experienced the following: layoff, a change in routine, decreased income, starting at a new job (orientation), launching a newsletter, starting a new series, plus a few other, more private challenges I’d rather not discuss.

The only way through the chaos is to take things one step at a time. While I know travelling won’t solve all my problems, it will give me a chance to slow down and spend time with family, and that’s something we could all use a little more of, oui?

The Importance of Rituals

One last thought before I leave you… last night, Dan and I went on an impromptu date. It began with a trip to Dairy Queen for our first Blizzard of the season, followed by a short jaunt around the mall across the parking lot.

“Do you want to go home?” Dan asked after I’d purchased some hand soaps at Bath and Body Works and peered in a couple of shop windows, wondering when Lansdowne Place started selling flowers.

“No. I’ve been spending too much time at home,” I replied, which was true. “Besides, how many sunny days do we get in April?” (Practically none, if you live in Ontario.)

So, we drove over to the bowling alley. And let me tell you—it took me back. When we first started dating, we used to go bowling at least once a week. It was the perfect way to blow off steam at a time when we were young, broke, and questioning where our lives were going.

Nothing lasts forever. Years passed; we got a little older, life got a little busier, and eventually, we stopped bowling. Maybe we felt like we didn’t need it anymore. Maybe we forgot what it was like to run toward the future with arms wide open.

But you can always go back to the things you love. It’s not too late.

It wasn’t an expensive date, but it was a much-needed one. As we sat outside enjoying our ice cream, I thought about how, in a world that feels like it’s moving too fast, there’s joy to be found in slowing down. What if happiness isn’t about chasing the next high, but embracing the good things that are happening right now?

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Don’t forget, if you want to get in on the Character Crossroads fun, you can subscribe to my newsletter on my homepage. See you next week!