The road to success is never easy
(This is an updated version of my article on Medium by the same name and contains some new information, especially on how I will run my Buy Me a Coffee page)
You may have noticed that I’m back writing again. If not, shame on you and get over to Medium and get reading; I’m not doing this for the fun of it, you know.
Obviously, I am doing this for fun. You don’t write on Medium for the money (not anymore anyway).
But I digress.
I am back, and so is Lorelei_Sands, although I’m still uncertain whether I’ll continue to write under that name. We’ll see how the last few pieces go. If you follow my work, you’ll know that I took a couple of heath enforced breaks and I’ve been back sporadically for the last six months.
Lots of things are still very uncertain. I’ll get to those in a minute. I want to start with the good news.
In January, I decided it was time to focus more on my writing. I also realised that I needed help to do that. I decided the way forward was to apply for a master’s in creative writing that would improve my skill set, help me finish my novel, and act as both stick and carrot to help me move forward.
Last week I received my offer from a local (ish) university offering me a place on a part-time taught Master’s. I’m just waiting for my reference from my previous tutor. I did the happy dance for quite a while. It was a huge confidence boost that the admittance panel believed my work samples showed enough promise to offer me a place.
Of course, here we hit the first stumbling block. I need to fund the course and the additional costs of undertaking it. One such cost is finding support cover for my daughter. We get a few hours a week covered by the council, but I may need to up these depending on my workload and her schedule in September. This will need to be self-funded.
I’m currently searching for grants and funds that can help in any way. I’ve found a few potentials but will still need to self-fund at least some of the course costs. Downside for you, dear reader, is you will hear a lot more from me. I may not make my fortune writing on Medium or adding these updates here, but I have a great audience, and every read helps.
This brings me onto the changes I'm going to make on Buy Me a Coffee. I intend to be a lot more active on here. Some of my updates here will be cross-postings from Medium for those of you who don't have Medium subscriptions. Not only will that keep you in the loop, but hopefully it will encourage you to consider a subscription.
Speaking of subscriptions; I'm considering adding subscription levels to my Buy Me a Coffee page. Those who subscribe will get early access to my short fiction works before I publish on Medium. They may also be the option to get access to novel previews, including the Lorelei_Sands novel for those interested and over 18.
Now all this is still in the planning stage, as I want to make sure that it works and is viable for the additional time and effort it will take.
The second stumbling block could be a little more serious (or nothing at all).
I’m back under the doctor for a host of additional pain and digestive-related issues. At the time of writing, I've had my bloods back and they are all clear. I have an ultrasound of my liver and gallbladder on the 12th, and it can't come soon enough as my body is hating almost anything I put in it. There is every chance that it will turn out to be nothing new and related to my ongoing bowel issues or ME/CFS. I’m remaining positive and adjusting my diet to reduce the pain and avoid the bloating and bowel issues that are currently wiping out what little energy I have.
So, there you go. You are all up to date on the chaos I call my life. If you'd like to support me, please buy me a coffee (or tea as I can't drink coffee at the moment) and let me know your thoughts on the addition of a subscription model.