Authors, Readers and the Value of Art
This has been a tough week for me, for a myriad of different reasons, both personal and professional. Being an author is a crazy ride. I could, and have, shared all the ways I love what I do–and they’re all true. But at the same time, there’s a flip side, and it’s a little darker than you might think.
I’m not complaining. I’m lucky beyond the telling of it to be able to do what I love, and I am the most grateful person around. Being appreciative, though, doesn’t obligate one to pretend bad things don’t exist.
Putting the struggle into words wasn’t easy, ironically. I couldn’t quite pin down what was bothering until I read a post on Facebook.
These are the words of author CM Foss, as shared by K Langston. I linked the post here, so you can read it first-hand, if you’d prefer.
From the desk of CM Foss…
A Swan Song
Except I can’t sing, so I’ll spare you that.
From what I hear, basically everyone is aware of me bowing out of the biz here. It is not temporary and I am not sad about it.
What I am sad about are the astounding number of texts and emails I’ve received from other authors, ones who I thought had their shit together way more than me. Confessions of marital problems, anxiety, blood pressure dangers, misery, stress, guilt. They say they’re impressed, maybe even a little jealous, that I just shut it all down.
Guys. Wtf.
I am no expert. I’m a mess, quite honestly. But I’m really good at looking at things from an outside perspective and telling people what’s what. Since I’m no longer in the trenches, I can do that now. 
