January 2021 Writing Updates

Hello, friends!

It's been a hot minute.

January was a topsy-turvy month - there was a coup attempt in my country's capital, and while it was (thankfully) unsuccessful, I fear (along with many others) that the fallout from this violent attack on the democracy will continue to have ramifications for years to come. I joined with many others across the US to write thank-you letters to the Capitol custodial staff - most of whom are Black folks - who had to clean up the destruction left behind by the white supremacist mob. If you would like to send a note of thanks and appreciation, you can get the details here.

In spite of the fear and uncertaintly surrounding the coup attempt, there is also a lot to be hopeful for. We have a new POTUS and our first-ever woman AND first-ever Black AND first-ever South Asian Vice President, and a Democrat-controled Congress that will finally give us a real shot at passing progressive legislation that will benefit all Americans. As a Queer, disabled, neurodivergent woman who is also a religious minority -- and who has many friends and loved ones who are Queer, disabled, BIPOC, and immigrants -- it's hard to fully articluate how good it feels to have at least some external political stress and worry taken from off of my shoulders. The war against oppression and tyranny is far from won, but now we at least have a fighting chance. And at long last, an end to the pandemic is in sight. There is much to be hopeful for -- and don't think I'm alone in saying that I cannot wait to hug my beloveds again when this is over.

I'm also going to get real and be honest for a minute: I've been in a hypomanic episode since the early weeks of November. On the one hand, this means that I've gotten a WHOLE lot of shit done: in January I wrote two new blogs and created one new vlog for HealthyPlace, officially came out as demi-bi on Medium, revised 8,222 words of The Dreaming Hour (my goal for the month was 4,402 words), and took the first steps on a new, very exciting project that I plan to release in the fall of this year. I also finished up some work for one of my long-term clients, and am pleased to announce that next week I'll be starting a new copywriting gig with a company that I am very excited to be working with.

On the one hand, it feels good to have accomplished so many of the goals I set for myself this month. But I also feel...tired. Like I've been sprinting, hard, and am now running out of breath. Which for me is a sign that the mania is creeping up and that I need to prioritize rest and slowing down -- something that, honestly, I'm not good at doing, especially when my brain is in "go go go mode." And I know (even if I don't want to admit it) that while the rush and the high may feel good now, it won't feel so great once I've burned myself into the ground and given the depression a perfect opportunity to sneak in and wrap its ugly little vines around my mind. I'm currently talking with my doctor to figure out the best way to bring the mania under control, and for the next couple of weeks, I'm going to prioritize resting and leaning into my spiritual practice to try and regain my equilibrium.

That said, please enjoy some of the work I was able to bring to life this month. See you in February!

Much love,

Nori

PS: We are open for submissions to our Spring Issue of Crown & Pen through March 1st! Early this month we announced on social media that we are also accepting submissions to our very first PRIDE Issue until May 1. You can learn about our zine and view our submission guidelines and FAQ here!

January 2021 Writing Updates

via GIPHY

HealthyPlace
Bipolar and Self-Employment: What You Need to Know
​Bipolar​ Disorder and Creative Careers: Is There Really a Link?

Medium
How I Figured Out I Was Demisexual
​The 2020s Can Still Be a Good Decade. Here's Why I'm Hopeful.

The Dreaming Hour
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I set a goal of revising 4,402 words this month. I ended up revising a total of 8,222.

Each year on the Capricorn New Moon (always in January), I perform a small ritual to set my intentions for the year ahead. This year, my biggest intention is that I will have an agent for the book by the end of 2021. So far, so good on my goals. I'll keep you posted. :)