No fun intro today. I'm writing from a place of grief. On August 29, Annie Oakley Tater Tot, the action adventure wonder dog, died of a short, swift illness. She was only nine years old. I had her for six. It will never ever feel like it was enough time.
Even as I write this, I still don't fully believe it. She was fine, and then she was gone.
I don't have any advice on "how to keep working" through grief because last week I just didn't. I'm trying this week, with some success. I wrote two stories yesterday and did a revision today. But I also slip into bed around 8pm, don't want to get up in the morning, and cry multiple times a day. Sometimes I can send a few emails locking down sources for future assignments, and other times I sit on the floor and keeping telling Annie that I am so sorry that I couldn't protect her, even though I know there's nothing I could have done.
When Emily (my first dog) died, I ran away to Florida. I can't do that this time, because I just took a month off to drive to California and back with Annie (and wow I'm so glad I got to spend all that time with her). So I'm going to muddle through somehow.
If you find yourself in this position, give yourself some grace, and don't be afraid to ask for extensions if you need them. Editors are people too. They will understand, and if they don't? Then you don't want to work with them anyway.
Until next time, give your pets a pat for me and for my dearly departed Annie.
Jen
Leave a Reply