As I get ready to publish my third Piper book, I look back at the last six months. When I initially set out to write a children's book every 3-4 months, I couldn't have anticipated the obstacles that awaited me: a second bout of COVID-19, mourning the loss of my grandpa, and a prolonged battle with depression. It's an understatement to say that this third book holds immense significance for me now that it is finally completed.
I quickly wrote the whole story in an hour and I was crying by the end of it. I had just recently lost my grandpa and was grieving. After I wrote the story, I didn't look at it again for a month.
I found myself dragging my feet through the process using excuses to let myself off the hook. There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself time to complete a project but I knew I was purposely postponing it. I didn’t want to complete it—and I wasn’t sure why.
I have come to realize that I am someone who is susceptible to depression. It can be crippling at times, but I usually know how to manage it. This year, however, proved harder than usual to battle through my depression and it’s taken me half a year to finally publish this book.
I still find joy in writing and I still love what I do but when you are the writer, illustrator, marketing and social media manager, formatter, and publisher on top of your regular day job and personal life, it gets to be a bit overwhelming at times.
It's ok to give yourself a break.
Now, as I prepare to release my third Piper book, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. This project, born out of pain and sorrow, has become a testament to the power of storytelling and quite literally, picking yourself up to carry on. It reminds me that even during the darkest times, creativity and determination can guide us toward healing and fulfillment.
I hope that readers who embark on this journey with Piper will find solace, joy, and inspiration within its pages. Through this book, I aim to share the profound message that, despite life's challenges, there is always a glimmer of hope and beauty waiting, all you have to do is believe in yourself.