Drop in the Ocean always sneaks up on you.

a note to my sweet subscribers

You think, "Simple! I can write a post about that topic!" But - slowly, inevitably, as the week progresses - you find yourself questioning how you ever thought writing on that topic could ever be so simple.

Simple. Complex. Maybe it's neither. Maybe we're just making it up as we go along. In the past, I've been told that I'm a complex person to understand.

More recently, I've been told I'm fairly easy to understand. At first, I was shocked to hear that. How could they think I was easy to understand when I myself still couldn't tell you how I would react to any given situation? Some days - I can see through glass clearly. Other days - I find myself looking through jagged shards that are pointed centimeters from my eye. How is a mind like that predictable and simple? But maybe they thought I was easier to understand because they were not just taking the time to listen in the noise, but in the silence. Hm.

I don't know. Minutes ago, I saw how it was all connected.

Now, I'm confused again.

Today, I released a chapter from a series that I write. No need to mention the name, because it's not about promotion. Just using it here. In my opinion, in order to be a decent writer, you have to value your readers. You need to also protect the story. Undoubtedly, you think your words are worthwhile. So there is a sense of confidence, pride, maybe even a little arrogance and ego stirred into the mix? You write - and expect (and hope) that someone will think that your words are worth their time. It's not a bad thing. But, balance is needed. There is a certain amount of humility that needs to be present in that slurry of emotions. Without it, you just become a clanging gong.

As I'm nearing the climax of this story, it's becoming much more emotional for me. It has already been an emotional experience, since so much of this story has concepts and connections that are personal and intimate. However, as the climax has begun climaxing, (as climaxes often do) my emotions have been intensifying and branching out into sub-categories of emotions. How should I deal with these things?

There were several comments and DMs regarding the released chapter today. I cannot tell you the absolute honor and treasure the experience is - to connect to someone through words that you've written. Their replies (some guarded, some raw) touched me and connected me to them. And the means of that connection? A fictional story.

But - is it simply fiction? Doesn't every story have elements in it that act as tuning forks - eliciting waves of truth and emotion and resonance from our hearts? I treat writing with respect, and I honor my readers from a place of humility. To my sweetest subscribers, I want you to know that I would never waste your time.

In my eyes, the ultimate gift from someone is the gift of their time. The people who have chosen to take minutes from their day and journey into Talia's world with me have been dear to me. The comments that you've left have been enjoyable, humorous, surprising, challenging, raw, touching, tender, and priceless.

The story already has a destination, though I've been able to bend it here and there to acknowledge and incorporate the longings of my readers. However, the heart and symbolism of the story has not been compromised. As the ending quickly approaches, I hope that I can do justice in the telling, as I listen to the whispers of characters from my past.

I'm so humbled that you've been willing to lend your imagination to me. I've enjoyed every moment.

Image Sources- glass soundwaves

*Sweet Subscribers*