Chicago, IL
It’s been roughly six months – I’ve missed you! I took the summer off of my book project to ‘get it together’ if-you-will. Last time I wrote, I was at the tail end of an aggressive interview season, tooting my own horn for seven different companies (four to five rounds a piece), answering repetitive questions and participating in writing assignments for free (I will no longer do this, tuh!). It’s difficult for most neurotypical people to tolerate, let alone someone with a processing disorder.
When the rejections started rolling in, I spiraled into a depression.
I snagged this cup at the checkout line in TJ Maxx. They got me.
Straddling the fence between appreciation for the stability and my eagerness to leave having no where to go, left me despondent. I felt stuck.
My desire to pivot out had been long established: I tried to break away for two years but kept getting drop-kicked in the face.
After six ‘nos,’ one organization said ‘yes.’ I gladly accepted.
The industry sector I work in, is competitive. There are many specializations: content marketing, digital marketing, product marketing, email marketing, corporate communications, public relations etc. that often blend together.
It is a very teachable skill - we’re not doctors - but for some reason, other people couldn’t see it for me.
This was not my first rodeo: over the last 10/11 years, I’ve gone through several cycles or ‘sprints’ of interview stages for months on end. I thought I would be able to move within my organization; I thought they would be my ‘home’ company. I clearly thought wrong and grew very bored, tired and restless attempting to try.
Finally coming out from underneath a rock holding a new opportunity for advancement, gave me hope.
Further into to summer, I decided to have my tonsils removed; problems persisted in my throat that needed to be addressed. They had to go – it was a pricy surgery, but worth it.
The healing process took roughly three weeks before I was on to the next task:
“How am I going to get out of Iowa?”
The pandemic brought me back home and although it was wonderful to be among family, reconnect with childhood friends and dive head first into the best relationship of my life (so far), something unseen tugged at my spirit.
I missed the city life and decided to resume my 2019, pre-pandemic game plan to relocate to Chicago.
Needless to say, I’ve been busy. So busy, my book project took a back seat.
Between mid-June and August, I wrote a few articles to get my feet wet again (you can find them here on my medium page) but the pang from pushing my core project to the side, whispered to me at night.
Nanowrimo is my time to focus. Instead of aiming for the traditional 50,000 words, I have a list of sub-projects to complete in preparation for the larger one – if you have been following me for a while, I’ve likely written about them:
Week One: Blog Updates
Nurturing my reader base and interviewing survivors is fundamental in supporting this community. These are stories that need to be told. Please stay tuned.Week Two: Edits My First 10 Pages
Early in 2021, I submitted the first 10 pages of my book for review to a literary agent – she’s a seasoned vet, well versed in memoir writing. Her guidance and recommendations are necessary for making me a better writer. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to implement any of those changes. Until now.Week 3: Polish My Book Proposal
At the top of 2019, I created submission packet for a fellowship in Seattle that included a book proposal section. The fellowship didn’t land, but I consider it a win regardless. The proposal just needs some shining.Week 4: Just Write
I have a few article ideas I want to start outlining for my medium page and other publication outlets. It’s time to bring those pieces to life.
In November I return to my purpose: more centered, more grounded, more focused.
Mood Music: Everything in its Right Place - Radiohead