I am trying to be upbeat as I write this, because as Maureen and Dan keep reminding us in the Says Who Podcast (you should go listen if you haven’t) Trump should never steal our joy. These are going to be rocky times ahead.

In response, it’s time to live my life out fully, use any platform I can to resist and get on with creating. Diverse voices are more important than ever, and as a lesbian fiction author, I need to not be scared of that. It would be easy to pretend this wasn’t really happening, but looking the other way isn’t a valid choice. That normalises the terrible and gives a free pass to those who perpetrate it, until they become emboldened to do worse things. Then before you know it, we’re living out Lord of the Flies and any one of us come end up like Piggy.

I even feel sorry for  those Trump supporters who are so angry and blinded by their decision that they refuse to see when he is doing the very things that will damage them most. You know, the ones who say ‘suck it snowflake’ when people try to point out that the Affordable Care Act covers them at the moment. And there is no credible replacement.

The people who would rather pay $1000 to be able to say ‘I shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s healthcare’ than pay $500 and everyone, including themselves, be covered. Oddly, these people seem mostly Christians, so missing the point doesn’t even begin to cover it.

If you’re reading this and feeling suicidal or helpless, support numbers will be running with extra staff this weekend around the world. Around the world – not just America. Call them if you need to. You are not alone. If you’re just feeling regular kinds of helpless, then find a cause that could use your help and go be with people like yourself. Do something.

So, onto the roundup of the week…

Creative – new ideas and first drafts

This has been an ideas and notebooks kind of week. I admit to indecision. There are two main ideas vying for my attention right now. Both are shiny and exciting. I need to make a decision on which is the strongest and most enjoyable to write.

Editing – the slow, tortuous road to publication

Final edits were completed on my non-lesbian fiction novella, which was a relief. The final book cover got signed off with relative ease too, which was my biggest concern. For an independent author, these things can be surprisingly difficult. However, the best thing of all is that you get creative control – a lot of my traditionally published friends are lamenting the loss of that a lot these days.

Publishing – and all the other bits that go on behind the scenes

Another book published. Whoo hoo! Sadly, it’s not for this particular version of me. The good news if you’re reading this though is that it means I’m free to begin the next lesbian romance novel(la). I’m going to give myself the weekend off and then it’ll be into the first draft on Monday (assuming I make aforementioned decision).

Planning and dreaming – what’s coming up next week

As well as writing, I’ve got to sort out some travel bits and pieces ready for my extended research trip. Things like visas are particularly difficult. Most countries haven’t really got to grips with the fact you can be a freelancer and independent author. Given the Brexit uncertainty, I need to make sure I do things right.

Writing Best Bits

Sending something new out into the world is always a good thing. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate if you know where to look for them. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

Weekly success score: 8/10 – A less manic right-to-the-wire publication schedule next time would be nice. Also, I’ve been enjoying the last week of the Obamas before we lose our role models of public decency.