I need a break

So I’m taking one until late July/early August

It’s been a busy year for me on Substack. I had a note go viral (and learned about how unsatisfying that is), tried my hand at doing some music reviews and writing fiction, and even created a zine!

I did all this while working my day job and I’m pretty tired as a result.

Me right now (Credit: Imagine Television)

But if you’re thinking this is the part where I announce I’m quitting my job to have enough time to write the next great American novel, you’re dead wrong. Writing, especially fiction, has been a longtime love for me, with me writing a spooky zombie story waaaay back in eighth grade that I tried to share for show & tell (my school thought I’d scare the kindergarteners so that didn’t happen). And despite writing so much, it has made me little to no money.

Now I’m not saying this to sound bitter or to make you pity me. I’m just saying I know this is a common reality of the world for many fiction writers and I’ve accepted it long ago, so quitting to write full-time would not go well for me. I also DO NOT trust myself enough to be disciplined enough to do anything other than eat cheese balls all day and cuddle with my cat, so there’s that too.

Who could resist him? 🥺

So, I’m doing the next best thing I can do to get some of my energy back on here:

I’m taking a little break from Substack.

At first I was stubborn and thought I could keep going, but lately every week writing here has felt like I’m turning in homework at the last minute. So, I want to spend some time away from here so I can relax, play some video games and read some books, and maybe even write some fiction without the pressure of having to share it anywhere.

So how long am I leaving?

I’m not exactly sure, but I’m planning to be back sometime in late July/early August, depending on how I’m feeling. This feels like a long time to me so maybe I’ll be back sooner, but I’d rather it be a pleasant surprise than something I force upon myself.

When I’m back, I hope I’ll have some fiction to share with you and a lot more energy than I have right now.

So, this isn’t goodbye, but see ya soon!

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• Tara Y