Vacation Mode, Divine Timing, and Pushing Past Self-Doubt
Ah yes, it’s finally here—my vacation! It couldn’t come soon enough! Even though I’m usually off on weekends, and as I write this on 8/22/26, my vacation doesn’t technically start until the 25th, I’m already in vacation mode and consider it started anyway. Like I mentioned in a previous blog, I don’t have any grand plans for my time off or my upcoming birthday. I just plan to stay home and head out when I can, but having this time off is the true gift. I can rest, recover my energy, figure out some career-related goals, and—most importantly—put all the extra time I need into getting this book into the publishing phase. To me, that’s the greatest gift ever. I just want to put this project into the hands of the world and let it be my gift to everyone.
I had to put the editing process on hold over the last few days because during those final days at work—just crawling and surviving through each shift—I came down with a cold that I unfortunately had to push through. Between the constant head pressure, reaching for tissues non-stop, and the head-splitting pain of coughing, I simply couldn't focus on editing. I had started some edits, but I had to stop for a few days. It was tough to deal with, but honestly, I needed those days to give myself a mental break and a reset after completing the rough draft. When I first started editing, it felt like extra work, and I was just going through the motions on autopilot.
I actually just found out that it’s common practice—recommended, even—for authors to step away for a few days, weeks, or even months after finishing a rough draft. While I’m not waiting weeks or months to get back to it (since I’m determined to publish sometime in the late autumn of 2026), I think that forced break was necessary. I guess getting this cold was the Divine’s way of saying I needed a little space. As I write this today, the cold is finally clearing up. The first few days were rough, but now it’s not so bad. My nose is still a little stuffy, but I’m not constantly reaching for tissues, the raspy cough is fading, and I haven't sneezed once in the last day.
I will say, over these last few days, some heavy doubts started creeping in. I was being overly critical of myself and my work, falling into negative thoughts—worrying that the hype wouldn't be worth it, or that I wouldn't live up to everyone’s expectations. I know this is a very real, common experience for authors, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling it. But I’m doing my best not to give in to those fears. I’ve been divinely nudged to release this book, a project I’ve poured eight full months of work into. Imagine eight months of effort just sitting on a shelf because I was too scared to share it! I keep reminding myself that I’m meant to put this story out there. I know people will fall in love with the characters and the world, and find peace and comfort in their journey. Someone out there needs this book. I’m also well aware that this is just the beginning—the foundation for many more books to come, both within this series and beyond. That’s how I’m choosing to push past the self-doubt as I keep moving forward toward publication.
Resting up, letting the creative energy flow back in, and trusting the timing of it all is the best birthday gift I could give myself. As this vacation officially kicks off, I’m stepping into this next season with renewed focus, an open heart, and full faith in where this story is going to take me. The foundation is set, the vision is clear, and I can’t wait to share this journey with all of you as we head toward launch season. Thank you for being here with me every step of the way!