It's November! Where has the time gone?
I probably have a whole two readers, but it doesn't help I'm absolute shit about remembering things like social media and blog posts. I almost never journal anymore either (something I discovered upon finding my old journal last year after moving into this place. I haven't journaled since my ferret passed away).
Anyway, this year has been exhausting. 2020 was the start of the pandemic, insane politics, and a blur of nonstop movement on a speeding train to an unknown destination. 2021 had settled us into the pandemic, but we'd all borne our share of deep losses by then. There were more crazy politics, the constant bombardment of news we couldn't seem to get away from, and a nonstop influx of more speed on the unknown train. My ferrets all passed last year from old age and heartbreak, my very first boyfriend passed away from an illness, and a close friend passed from Covid. This year wasn't much better. More politics. More tragedy. More scares. We need a reset on this decade.
As for writing, I can honestly say I've fared better in that regard. I published my first traditional novel, The Social Media Bride in July 2021. For me being an unknown, I'd call the venture successful. People read and they reviewed. Queen of Water was picked up with the rest of the series last year, but saw its share of setbacks this year after my daughter and husband were rushed to the hospital within six weeks of each other, among other things I'm not at liberty to discuss. However, I am finally at the finish line with my second round of edits. Not a lot of notes; mostly little things, so I'm looking forward to this release.
This is the ultimate story about diversity in a supernatural setting. We have a mother and her biracial daughter, a detective with his best friend who may or may not harbor secret feelings toward him, and a questionable celebrity psychic with a man-bun. There's tarot, religion vs spirituality, both sides of how police are viewed, and most importantly, a spotlight on racism, how it affects others, and the LGBTQA community. I wouldn't say it takes any sides on any particular issue except to encourage acceptance and love, no matter how it presents itself into one's life. This has become my passion project over the years, and I can't wait to share it with the world.
In particular, I want to thank my sensitivity readers, Sha, Mura, and Van for Indian, Black, and Latinx culture. This beautiful story wouldn't have been possible without you ladies, and I am forever grateful for your help in understanding more about these cultures and treating them with care.
I would also like to thank the Maricopa Police Department for agreeing to interview me for Isaac's characterization and providing insight into how the day to day life of a police officer works. People will always have their opinions about the American police force, but in this town, the police do an outstanding job while treating the residents with kindness. I can't say that for all precincts in the US, but I have seen these men and women in action. I've seen them interact with the community, regardless of race or orientation. It's amazing, and I am so grateful to have such a good force in our small city. If anything, I suppose you'll smile as you write me a ticket next time you pull me over. Could be worse. Lol!
Most of all, I want to thank Stephanie. I can't decide if it feels like forever ago or just yesterday we met through this story. You've read every draft (for which I am tremendously grateful) and have provided a deep and special friendship you only see in stories. You truly are my most treasured friend.
Zombie Soap, my Watty Winning story for 2020 in Horror, is now available on YONDER, your next-generation reading app from the creators of WEBTOON and Wattpad.
If you're interested in learning more, you can find FAQs here on what it is and how to support your favorite authors: YONDER FAQ – Help Center (wattpad.com)
Note: YONDER is available in countries except North & South Korea, China, Japan, the European
Union, Cuba, Georgia, Macao, and Sudan.
Caught up and ready to join me? Find YONDER now in your app store.
https://yonder.onelink.me/6vpb/46a0c21e
And finally, those familiar with Wattpad will see me at Wattcon, the biggest event of the year in Hollywood on November 19th, where this year's Watty Winners will be announced. Hope to see you all there!
Thank you all for reading, and I look forward to seeing you on release day!
--Kristi