On Goodbyes, Self-Actualization, and Roads Less Traveled

During a quiet moment in the chaos that was last week, I posted a cryptic Facebook message, taken from, of course, Through the Looking-Glass:

The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things….

Now, I’m not usually a fan of cryptic Facebook messages - you know the kind: the ones that leave you scratching your head and wondering, “Do I ask what’s going on? Or just give it a thumbs-up and move on?”

But I am a fan of quotes, especially when someone else has managed to say exactly what I’m thinking or feeling in the moment I stumble across it.

And yes, last week was a time to talk of many things.

Several weeks ago my family and I took a trip to go rafting with friends in the mountains of North Carolina. Unlike many families, mine actually travels very well together. No bickering, fighting over space, or annoying, “Mom, he’s breathing on me” moments.

We talk in the car, about any- and everything. School schedules for next year, my older son’s desire to take a summer break from soccer, my husband’s upcoming furlough.

And my struggle to identify the correct fork in the road.

Another quote, this time from Eleanor Roosevelt:

In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.

I’m a huge believer in that philosophy, which is why, after ongoing conversations with my family, I returned from that North Carolina trip prepared to make some choices.

Last Monday, after an agonizing weekend of anxiety, trepidation, and preparation, I sent my publisher a letter requesting termination of contracts on all four of my books. Words cannot convey how much I appreciate her quick, professional attention and agreement since then.

August 1, 2013 is the day I will officially be able to re-publish everything under my own imprint. Up until that time, Appalachian Justice, Return to Crutcher Mountain, Entangled Thorns, and the Cedar Hollow anthology will slowly be pulled from the various distributors. None of us can say exactly which distributors will stop distributing at which point. It’s my understanding that Smashwords and Kindle will have the books available until nearly the last minute.

Just know that if during the next few weeks you’re trying, but unable, to obtain one of these books, the plan is for everything to be up and running, complete with awesome new covers and copyright information, on August 1 (with the exception of the Cedar Hollow anthology, which was published as a fund-raising book and having met its goal, will be allowed to gracefully retire).

In the meantime, Blessed Are the Wholly Broken, my newest release, is set to come out (hopefully) by mid-July.

Thanks to everyone for all of the support and patience during this exciting transition.