Lost in the Fog - Release day- November 9th 2024

Today is the release day for ‘Lost in the Fog’-  Partridge Island Publishing's 6th installment of the ‘In the Fog’ anthologies. 

See their website: https://partridgeislandpublishing.ca for all editions of the ‘In the Fog’ books - ‘Lost’, ‘Monsters' ‘Lights’ ‘Secrets’ ‘Memories’ and ‘Houses’.

These books are collections of short fiction works and poetry by Local and Atlantic Canadian authors. The theme of ‘In the Fog’ is because Saint John is famous… infamous for its fog. 

My first published short story ‘Send a Raven’ is in this latest edition out today.

This afternoon we're doing a launch event with readings and author signings.

I can't tell you how surreal it is to see my story, my name, in print. It's both exciting and scary at the same time. I have been writing most of my life, probably millions of words, however, for pretty much my entire adult life I've kept it to myself. Even my husband has only read a handful of things. It wasn't always like this. Hell I’m a singer and was a relatively fearless music theatre kid. In my youth I was definitely less awkward and private. (Ok, maybe I’ve always been awkward.)

I still haven’t entirely unpacked, untangled all the layers as to why I became so self-conscious. I think at a certain point I got caught up very deeply in the idea that I needed to ‘grow up’ or something, that my creative endeavors were frivolous, self-indulgent, selfish. 

I didn't stop being creative or doing creative stuff, I don't seem to be able to stop.  

I just kept it to myself. I say all this because I don't think this is an uncommon pit we fall into as we shift into adulting, especially when we get married and kids get in the mix and days… years get swallowed whole. 

There are so many things that take precedence even when and if I do sit down to try to write draw, sing or whatever. There's this ticker tape that starts going off in my head of all the stuff I ‘should’ be doing: an email or phone call to return, a load of laundry to fold, a meal to prep, an appointment or school function to get to. And don't even get me started on how the unending list has ballooned since we bought and started running a business.

Here's the thing though, I had a realization a few years ago. This realization was twofold. Firstly, I realized as my kids got to a certain age that what I was modeling was not healthy if my kids were ‘watching’ and seeing me as a role model. In this area of my life I was definitely not doing/ being what I would ever want for them to imitate. Did I really want to show them someone who does nothing for themselves but just exists on the treadmill of a permanent to-do list and jumping through hoops for other people and little else? 

Secondly, perhaps my creative efforts ‘are’ frivolous, self-indulgent, selfish? Maybe… 

But every time I do take time for creativity, for reasons I may never fully get, the whole day, just goes smoother and is brighter. And if I make creativity a regular priority, the whole flow of life is more checked in and high def, as if instead of mainly hiss and static with bits of broken song I’m more tuned into the radio station of my real life and interactions and can hear and feel the music. 

Basically, when my creative well is stocked I am a more present, happy, effective, functioning human for facing the world and all my other responsibilities and most importantly for all the people I love around me. 

And I know I'm not unique as since beginning to share my creativity with others I have met many other creatives (some of whom are also in ‘Lost in the Fog;)  

I see them come alive and light up when doing and talking about their work.

So I guess the question becomes if creativity brightens the light of the one doing it and that radiates out into the world and all around them, is it really frivolous, self-indulgent or selfish at all ?

Anyway, I have it at a launch event to get ready for  (WOOT !!!)

My story about a Raven Familiar who is constantly stressing about being ever helpful, useful, being enough (irony not lost) ‘flies’ out into the world today

- Along with a bunch of other short stories and poetry by talented writers.

If you pick up the book, if you read my story drop me a line if you're inspired to do so.

And if you're a creative soul who's lost their way, think about spending just even a few minutes today doing ‘that thing’ your soul has probably been crying to do.

Lastly, if you're a writer in the Atlantic Canada writing community the next installment of the ‘In the Fog’ series is already in the planning stages. 

The theme for 2025 is ‘Strangers in the Fog’ 

Deadline for submission is January 31st 2025 check out Partridge Island publishing's website or socials for more details. 

Perhaps we’ll see you at the next Launch !