Hey! Remember me? You know, Kristie Cook, author, chocoholic, Supernatural and Gilmore Girls addict, night owl, needs-coffee-to-make-coffee, owner of this blog? Yeah, that’s right! I know, I know. It’s been a while, I apologize for the disappearing act. It’s just been one of those weeks months years.
I had to take a step back from everything online for a while, but I have been working on all kinds of projects, both personal and business. Mostly, this has involved saying good-bye to a 25-year relationship, trying not to drown under unexpected debt, and prepping my home for market and putting it up for sale. So yeah, to say it’s been a rough year is kind of downplaying it. It’s been a really sucky year, the worst for me in over a decade. And, unfortunately, I don’t know when it will end. I just have to believe that it will get better.
Until my house sells and the dust settles a bit, I don’t really know what the rest of my life looks like, or what I even want. And that’s a very weird place for me to be in. Usually when people ask, “How do you see yourself in 3, 5 or 10 years?” I’d get all excited and gush out my answers. I could write pages and pages about it and create detailed dream boards. I’ve always known what I wanted. The visions may have been outlandish dreams, but they gave me something to work toward. Now, for the first time in probably ever for me, I draw a total blank when I think about this question. I just can’t see past the next month at any given time, let alone a year or more from now. Planning anything has become nearly impossible, which is weird for this control-freak who likes to plan how to plan. (Seriously – it’s a sickness.) Sometimes I wonder if this inability to envision the future is because the election’s going to end the world as we all know it anyway. Ha! All I really know is that my keyword lately has been “downsize” – downsize my home, my belongings, my obligations, my body…pretty much everything that can benefit from being smaller.
I’m not, however, downsizing my writing. At least, not permanently. I have had to step back from it, though, but that’s temporary. When I’m able to, I’m still working on Age of Angels, which has morphed into something exciting yet a little frightening to me. They say if your writing doesn’t scare you, you’re doing it wrong. So I guess I’m doing it right. Part of what frightens me is that it’s turned into a monster of a book. I don’t know yet what the final word count will be or how it will compare to my other books. I just know that it’s a big story – an all-encompassing one that spans more than just this one book…and more than any of us probably ever expected when I first announced that there would be an Age of Angels (series or book). All of this to say that I still don’t know when it will release. I won’t be able to meet the deadlines for the pre-orders that were previously up, so I’ve taken those down. I apologize to those who had already pre-ordered (don’t worry, you haven’t been nor will you be charged until there’s an actual book release). And I apologize to all of you who have been waiting for it.
I’m not short in the idea department – whether for writing or for other aspects in my life. In fact, I’m overflowing with ideas. I just don’t know yet what will make it beyond that stage into a reality. Only time will tell. I’m looking forward to what’s coming. I have faith that it will be amazing. I know that I will be happy. My other keyword for this year is “freedom” – freedom from social norms, from others’ expectations, from commitments that don’t make me or the people I care about happy. Whatever the future holds, I want to be free to be me. I’m just trying to figure out who that is.
In the meantime, thank you so much, friends, for your patience and understanding.
You are amazing and I applaud your strength! Sending big hugs and lots of love your way friend!
Thank you, sweets!
Hugest of hugs, Kristie. I am so proud of you for all that you have, and all that you WILL accomplish. You are a beautiful soul. <3
Thank you so much! Means a lot from you. 🙂
You’ve got this!! All of it!! Love you! You know where to find me 🙂
I do! Thanks for your support! <3
You have a beautiful soul even when it’s bruised. As you continue on your journey know that you have people who care and we wish you all the best today and always.
Aw, thank you! Sometimes it’s hard to see past the bruises, but I’m a firm believer that scars only make us more beautiful. I’m starting to see the beauty of it all now.
I was wondering where you’ve been. Sad to hear that your life has been shook up but things happen for a reason. There’s bigger and better out there just waiting for you to discover it. Be happy and come back as soon as you can to light up our literary world. Best wishes from the UK
Thank you so much! It’s continued to be a struggle, but I think Real Kristie (remember Real Alexis? lol) is finally coming back. You’ll be seeing a lot more from me again soon.
Having been there, I PROMISE it does get better. Emotionally, financially, physically, and stress-wise!! I Promise!! You will regain Purpose! Just have Faith! Sorry couldnt’ help the play on words & titles 🙂 Seriously – your books got me through AWFUL times. But now you have been given back your life to do with as you please. It may not be the way you envisioned, BUT when you look back in 3 years you may find you are happier than you could have ever dreamed. Even us planners survive and thrive. Just keep hanging in there – we will all still be here later! Sending lots of good energy from Sunny Florida!
Thank you so much for these words of encouragement! Things are already looking brighter and I look forward to what is still to come.
As I am rather an intermittent blogger myself, I completely understand getting thrown off by life changes. 🙂 I think about blogging and then next thing you know 3 months have flown by. Oops.
Sometimes we have to take life in little tiny pieces. One moment at a time. Just keep on keeping on. You’re going to get through everything. Step by step.
Thank you, love! This means so much coming from you, because I know you KNOW the crap that life serves up. Sending lots of hugs back to you!
I love your book and while I am exciting to read Age of Angels book, I am sure the wait will be well worth it…so stay strong…while we your fans will stay right here waiting for you and cheering you on through this process in your life.
Aw, thank you! That means so much to me!
I’m a huge fan of your books, and I’m really sorry to hear that you’ve been having such a tough time. Your books are so amazing, the Age of Angels will be worth waiting for! Stay strong.
Thank you!!!
Please allow me to say a BIG WELL DONE ( not for the pain or anxiety that everyone goes through) but mainly because you are able to share this, as well as wanting to get to know yourself, freedom comes in many, many way’s and you Kristin will do well. alway’s believe in yourself because no-one can ever do better than you in ALL Thing’s. Your writing is a perfect example of what and where you are, the artistic and incomparable ability, is yours and yours alone so the depths of your work and books show that the layer’s upon layer’s of knowledge and strength that you possess, still does and always will assist you in your travels and growth. Congratulations on your first step to your new life.
So sweet! Thank you!
Having recently devoured your books, I do believe that in many ways you are just like Lexi. You seem to be having a crisis of personal faith in yourself and your direction/purpose, much like she does at times, but each time she digs deep and overcomes. You shall too. Unquestionably. Life has unexpected ups and downs but I hope you can find a profound peace in your soul knowing that this, what you’re dealing with and where you are at, is exactly where you are meant to be and good things will come to you. Be patient, be strong, and most important -don’t let anything, or anyone, cause you to lose faith in yourself. Your loyal fans are waiting and hoping for the best for you.
<3 You got this.
Thank you for the words of encouragement! There have been times I’ve lost faith in myself and especially in my writing. I’m past that now, though, and know that no matter what, I’m enough. I also know good things are coming. I’m so glad you see that in Alexis, too. 🙂 Not so good things are coming for her… 😉
Your books are amazing. I have read and re-read them quite a few times. I am anxiously awaiting Age of Angels. I have a strong feeling that the trials and tribulations that you are going through right now, will only make this next book even better than the last. Everything happens for a reason and I do believe that now is your time, you will be strong even when you feel weak. Your characters are a reflection of yourself and you will handle everything with grace and fortitude. Good luck in the next chapter of your life, may it be everything you need and want.
Thank you! I call it a whole new book rather than just a chapter, lol, but it’s an interesting story so far. 🙂 Like Alexis, I’ve had to search deep within to find my true power. I’ve found it. I’m growing it. And I do believe good things are on the horizon. Including this book, Age of Angels. I’m loving what it’s evolved into and how it’s going so far. I hope you will, too!
As Owen has always said, Angels always win. You have a good soul.